Otto Herman

             Otto Herman was born in Stoughton, SK on a dirt floor on June 11, 1931 to German immigrant parents.  They farmed there for 3 years during the “dirty 30’s” and never got back the cost of the seeds that were planted. The grasshoppers were so bad they would eat the garden before it had a chance to come out of the ground. Unfortunately, they went broke and had to move to Star City, SK.  There they leased a 1/2 section for one year but then the owner decided to sell and they did not have the money to buy it. 

In 1935 when Otto was 5 years old they started their trek to The Pas with a horse and wagon and a few cattle.  They used The Pas Lumber Road through the Pasquia Hills. They settled in the Carrot Valley and farmed there for many years: Enduring starvation, cold, the river, and mandatory RCMP monthly check ins as German immigrants during WWII, but the country provided sustenance and neighbors that turned into lifelong friends.

Otto left home at the age of 15 and despite his father’s words” you will be home when you get hungry” to which he responded “dad, I’ll never be home”.  This one exchange shaped his work ethic, determination and perseverance for the rest of his life.

He went to work for the North Bay Company in Churchill MB. From there it led him to a life of running equipment.  He started in construction doing winter Cat Swings for Transport Canada crossing Reindeer Lake to different communities in the north and winter freighting for himself and different people. Eventually this turned into other construction jobs such as building the Carrot Valley Dyke.

Otto married Lucienne Masserey on January 3, 1951. Together they had 6 daughters. He started working for Ralph McLean in the 50’s.  He worked for him for many years.  Ralph helped him secure the purchase of his first D2 cat as well as partnerships in other construction equipment.  He often referred to Ralph as the greatest man he ever knew and credits him for the start of the later success he had in life.

In the 60’s Otto partnered with his brother-in-law Bill Fulmore and created North Point Construction. They did many jobs for many companies including Ducks Unlimited, Water Resources, Manitoba Hydro, UCN, and Town of The Pas Lagoon and wherever they could find work. Together they helped build many roads throughout the North.  Sadly, Otto’s wife Lucienne passed away unexpectedly on January 25 1968.

Otto married Helen Heatherington April 19, 1969 and with her came 2 more daughters.  Luckily together they welcomed one son into the clan.  Otto continued with construction until 1977 but after many long years working away from home, he decided to sell his portion of the company and started farming full time. 

He continued to farm with his son Garry for many years. They began the transition of Otto Herman Farms Ltd to Garry in 1999 with the completion in 2011.  He remained as a helping hand until the end, doing thousands of acres of fall tillage at the age of 88 and hauling fuel and picking up parts into his 90’s.  The company continues his legacy by keeping his name.

Besides his accomplishments Otto will be fondly remembered for his loving heart, honesty, loyalty, practicality and his ability to entertain friends and family with storytelling and warm presence.

Otto is survived by his children Carol (Arthur), Eileen, Violet (James), Charlotte (Myles), Paula (Larry), Dianne (Tom), Tracey (Ross) and Garry (Lavonne).

He was predeceased by his parents George and Klara, his wives Lucienne and Helen, his daughter Patricia, his grandson Murray and great grandchildren Tara Dawn and Lucas.

Otto passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, January 27 2025 at the age of 93.

Otto’s Legacy is awe inspiring: 9 Children, 20 Grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Not too bad for an only child.