It is with profound sadness that the family of Richard (Rick) John Potts announce his sudden passing on November 25, 2024, in Sidney, BC. He was the eldest child of Reginald & Helen Potts and was born January 27, 1956, in Victoria, BC. He died peacefully in his sleep at home after a courageous battle from cancer which he fought and endured with dignity and strength.
His working career was diversified, and he possessed a strong work ethic in every endeavour.
He joined the Edmonton, Alberta Police Service in 1978 and later moved to the Town of Hinton, Alberta Police Service.
He returned to the West Coast and shifted gears (literally) to work as a Professional Driver. CP Transport, Van Kam Freightways, R&B Trucking, and Pactow Transport before retiring to focus on his health.
He loved Professional Football, Nascar Racing, and Fishing. (Countless great memories were made at the annual fishing derby’s he attended with good friends at Lake Wabasca, Northern Alberta over the years). He was also a voracious reader . He enjoyed travel to warmer climates but deep down he loved the seasons of Vancouver Island and his life here.
But above all he cherished his family and friends. For each of you that loved him, may it give some measure of comfort to know that he loved you back.
He was predeceased by his father Reginald Jeynes Potts on June 1, 2024. He is survived and forever in the hearts of his mother Helen, brother Steven, sister Debbie, (Rob), daughter Angela, grandson Jonathan, nephews Blake, Cory & Luke and nieces Baily, Alyx, and Stacy as well as grand nephews Jett & Dax and grand niece Riley, and cousin Linda. He loved you all with his huge heart. Also survived by his former spouse Lianne Victoria Potts who he remained close to.
The family would also like to extend their sincere gratitude to his close friends who supported him as he navigated very challenging times over the past 3 years. Gord & Pat Pigot, Tony & Colette Sandrin, Randy & Darlene Gowler and Bob & Sandi Baxter. You were very important to him, and he was so appreciative of your friendship and love for so many decades.
As requested, there will be no formal service. Cremation has taken place, and his ashes will be scattered over the ocean by family and friends at a later date. He’s gone Fishing now on his own terms and is finally free of pain. Please remember him as the gentleman he was (stubborn yes, but amazing), and tip a glass to his memory.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
12 Responses
So sad to hear of Rick’s passing, he was a great friend. I as others, had spent many Steller times
with Rick fishing, camping and hanging out. He could be intimidating at times, but for all that knew him he was a classy caring gentleman who valued his friends, and family, and would do anything he possibly could to look out for them. Steve, Deb, Lianne: Take great care as I know this will have been a tough pill to swallow.
Brian and Char
I was somewhat overwhelmed when I learned of the passing of Rick. He was a larger than life figure and someone I thought would have outlived all of us. He was the Alpha Dog amongst us. Well done Bob on those kind words. Also Mark and Jim for sharing some great photos. When I saw those photos I thought to myself, I have photos and started looking for them. Eventually I did find the photos and then I said to myself, “you can’t share those photos.” I know that Potsy would have said, “you share those photo’s putts,” but this time my friend I have to disagree. I first met Potsy in Hinton when we joined the Hinton Police Service together. He was a great street cop and definitely the partner you wanted in your corner when things went south. Somehow we moved into a house on Collinge Rd and then the adventure began. It was amazing that after we moved in together the most amazing people started to congregate there. Maybe Caesar Sundays, watching football games, bike trips to Jasper and beyond and social functions on the roof had something to do with it. On a side note I do know that there were no photos allowed on Caesar Sundays as Rick had made that house rule. Probably a good idea at the time. I also remember some of the nicknames, Box Head Bernie, Bigfoot and Diesel Dan. Everyone who was someone had a nickname. Anyways I could go on and on but I have said enough. Potsy, thank you for taking me under your wing and providing me with some great, great memories. I’m also sure that you and Char will get together and have a few chuckles about old times.