The obituary notice of Julian OTTO

When I was a little boy he somehow knew me better than my parents. They might give me a book for a present, but never the sci/tech type of book I craved. Julian knew what I liked - I still remember the excitement of the miniature micrometer gauge in the 1950's and the circular slide-rule in the 1960's. Now I'm reminded of my big brother twice every day when making coffee, using the bean grinder he gave me in 1970. His was a life well-lived and well-endured in the last few months and he will be remembered for a long time by many of us.

Julian, or Mr. Otto as I knew him, had one of the biggest impacts of anyone on my life. As my maths teacher at Plympton Grammar School for the years 1976-79, he was one of the first people to recognize I had some talent and to both support and direct that ability. It was Mr. Otto who pointed me to his old college at Oxford, an inspired choice for a boy who knew nothing about that institution. To this day I both remind myself and others that when you think you are sure about something, think again. I can still see him smiling at us, saying, "Surely?" in a way that we knew we had it wrong. And he was willing to really challenge with difficult problems. As with some of the teachings of Al Tongue, Pete Glynn and Tony Williams, I still rely daily on the things they taught me and, more, they way they taught me. He was and shall be missed. Anthony Nicholls

I attended Plympton Grammar School in the 1970s and looked forward to Mr. Otto's maths lessons. He was an inspirational teacher with a great sense of humour and kindness enabling him to establish an excellent rapport with pupils. I remember his love of hockey. He lived close to me so I often saw his smiling face as he greeted me. A great man who had my utmost respect. RIP Sir.

Such a lovely man. Much missed by ex Friends at St Marys Church, Plympton where he was at various times Churchwarden, server, choir member, Gift aid secretary. Also missed by ex students at School ( formerly Plympton Grammar School) over many years who commented what a great Mathematics teacher he was)

So sorry to hear this. Julian was a colleague and friend for many years. A kind, caring gentleman and a gifted mathematician. R.I.P. x