Obituary of Otto Rannamae

RANNAMAE, Otto Sadly passed away Thursday, January 3, 2013 shortly after celebrating his 95th birthday on December 25, 2012. Beloved husband of the late Ella. Born 1917 in Rapla, Estonia, he studied furniture and model making at the Tallinn School of Arts and Crafts to become a master craftsman. He immigrated to England where he studied to be a sculptor in Wolverhampton and worked making reproductions of antique furniture. In 1951, he immigrated to Canada and worked as a master designer and cabinetmaker for Eaton's, his carved furniture winning many awards. In 1966, he started working for CBC television studios in stage design as Senior Decorator. As talented artist he has been a member of the Society of Estonian Arts in Toronto (EKKT), a member of the Canadian Wood Carvers Association, a member of the North York Arts Council and Vice President of the Estonian Relief Committee in Canada. His wood and stone sculptures have won numerous awards and can be found in many collections of many associations, churches and Estonian society organizations. Otto was also a dedicated and longtime member of St. Andrew's Estonian Lutheran Congregation, Toronto. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of the MURRAY E. NEWBIGGING FUNERAL HOME, 733 Mt. Pleasant Rd. (416-489-8811), Toronto, with visitation one hour prior to service. Interment in York Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.newbiggingfuneralhome.com