Omer Sinanovic

Omer Sinanovic, 85 of Sun City, passed away at his home on June 30th with his loving family and beloved dog at his side. 

Omer was an Arizona native, born in Globe, Arizona on November 25, 1937, to his parents Muharem (Mike) and Bertha Sinanovic. He was the middle child to two brothers, Hanson and Mike. His family moved to the valley in the early 1940s where he attended Washington elementary grade school and graduated from Glendale High School in 1955. He attended Arizona State University where he played basketball. After ASU, Omer joined the apprenticeship program at APS and married his high school sweetheart, Ginger in 1956.

Omer and Ginger had two children together, daughter Leeanne, and son, Clinton. Omer was a devoted husband and father and spent many years as a little league baseball coach and girls softball coach.  He also earned the title “camp cook”  for many Girl Scout camping trips with his daughter’s troop.

In 1983 Omer married Julie Cowley. He was a loving second Dad to her children, Bill and Jennifer. 

Later known as Papa O, his family grew to 7 grandkids: Christopher, Matthew (Kristin), Alicia, Baylee, Britney, Katarina, Tristan and

5 great grandkids: Christiana, Jack, Jane, Morgan, Miley, Madison and several more who he adored as his own. 

Omer married again in the fall of 2022 and is survived by his wife Virginia (Ginny) and his loyal pup, Oscar.

Omer’s unique skillset and passion led him to a lifetime career serving utility customers at Arizona Public Service. He was proud of his many roles at APS including Lineman, Troubleman, District Serviceman, Operations Supervisor, and Load Management Specialist to name a few. In the late 1970s Omer also spent 5 years with Ginger’s parents C.T. and Bertie Brice managing operations for their trucking company, Arizona Milk Transport. 

Omer returned to APS where he eventually retired after 40 years.  He didn’t stay retired for long as Omer spent an additional decade working for APS operations as a subcontractor. 

After a second retirement, Omer took his electrical expertise to serve at Luke Air Force Base where he provided High Voltage consulting services. Omer was part of a major airbase project; contributing to the conversion of overhead to underground electrical services. 

Omer enjoyed playing and coaching many sports throughout his life. He played basketball, football and baseball during his younger years. He was also an avid golfer and fisherman.  Omer played in many golf events, he especially enjoyed the annual “Outhouse Open” in Prescott, AZ.  It has been said by a few of his golf partners that “Omer never had a bad lie.”  All kidding aside, it wasn’t uncommon for Omer to shoot his age at 80. 

Omer was an adventurer and a lover of the great outdoors.  He often traveled to many Arizona lakes and to the white mountains to hunt for elk & deer, fish and camp with family and friends. He also spent many late November afternoons searching Tonto National forest to find the perfect Christmas tree.

Omer enjoyed multiple “Bass” fishing trips over the years to the Mexico lakes: Obregon, El Salto, and Baccarat with his son in law, Jim, and close friends.

Over the course of his grandson’s exciting football years at USC, Omer never missed a home game. He traveled to Los Angeles with Leeanne and Jim so he could be there to high five his grandson during his team march into the Coliseum, and cheer him on to victory.

Omer lived a full life and made an impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. His sense of humor and smile brought energy to every room. He was known for his generosity and big heart.