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
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Bev & Ian Fraser
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Cheree Daurie (Martin) I was so sorry to hear of Ricks passing so soon after Uncle Reg. I have great memories of the six of us playing Monopoly in the back room every summer. Our mum Judy (Uncle Reg sister) made sure we visited from Calgary every summer and some Christmas’s too. We always loved coming out to the coast to visit.
We’ve not seen each other in years, but the memories are fond and you will be missed by your family.
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Jim Many great memories…. Rest in Peace my friend…
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Roz Wormald To Rick’s family ~
I’m so saddened to read of Rick’s passing in the Times Colonist.
I remember Rick as being a good friend to my brother Ron ~ at our house on Kilgary Place ~ talking cars, shootin’ the breeze, hanging out. I was just the “kid sister” but Rick was always nice to me. Reading the obit was very sad but at the same time brought back happy memories of a simpler time.
My condolences to all Rick’s family. He was a good guy.
Roz Wormald
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Bob Baxter I met Rick (Potsy) in Hinton, Alberta in the early 1980s. There was a group of us that just naturally came together (it seemed) in that small community over by Jasper that created a level of camaraderie and freindship that has been carried forward all of these past 40 odd years. There was myself, Jimmy Baker, Gary Leslie, Mark Fredericks, Geoff (Spanky) Harris, Johnny Crawford, just to name a few, and of course Rick Potts. We were all a little bit crazy but my my my did we ever have a riot! Midnight runs to Salmon Arm or over to Rick’s Mom & Dad’s place in Victoria (just for a frostie or two…) camping and fishing at Wabasca/Demerais, canoe trips, motorcycle runs to Jasper or just hanging out at Rick and Gary’s place or at Spanky’s town home. The early eighties were a great time to be young and crazy for sure.
Potsy was at the centre of all of this. He was our main cog, our go to guy for all things mechanical, a primary planner and a strong character who did not readily suffer fools. He was and has been a dedicated and loyal friend in Hinton and thru all of the decades that have since pasted. It was devestating to witness his bouts with cancer over the past three but inspiring to watch the strength he exhibited in beating back that first round of that terrible disease. Our hats will forever be off to Lianne for her never ending efforts to see him thru to recovery. She is a true hero in my mind in all ways implied by that word.
All the more sad that Rick succumbed to this second attack. He will be missed. But he would not want us all to stand around himm and weep. He would of course have no patience with that kind of nonsense and will tell us all so in no uncertain terms (you all know what that means!!! :)). He would instead want us to strike up Boney M’s “Rasputin” crack a bottle of “Southern Comfort” and “Pass the Hat” in his honour!!! Those of you who have worn “The Hat” know exactly what I am speaking of – and the pure joy that came with it!
God Bless you Rick! I cannot help but think we will all see you again someday… Maybe, just maybe, you can invite the Big Guy to be the anchor when we all gather again to Pass the Hat!
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Rob Szabo I was so sad to hear of Rick’s passing. It breaks my heart and I have never been so tearful over the last few days. I first met Rick at the 4 mile pub 19 years ago and felt like I was being integrated (as he was a policeman)..because I was starting to date his sister and he wanted to check me out. After a short time I felt we would become great friends and he welcomed me into the Potts family with open arms…Such a great family. I feel truly blessed knowing Rick. I always enjoyed seeing him and will miss him so much! God bless you Rick. You were a great friend and will not be forgotten by me ever. I have tears in my eyes as I send this. Say hi to your dad as I know he is there with open arms…RIP my friend…So sad
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nicola ney “Rickers”. I am sooo proud that you were on this Earth and send you Love and Harmony on your next adventure.
Peace, Harmony, Laughter and Love my friend,
Nicola
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Baily Potts You will always be remembered and missed Uncle Rick. You fought a battle no one else would have been able to fight; holding your head high and taking all the pain and set backs day by day.
I love that picture of you. Slight smirk doing something you loved.
Hopefully you and Grandad can catch a fish or two in heaven.
Give Grandad and Auntie Ida a hug for me please.
All my love,
Baily
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Gord Brother, my heart was broken with the news of your passing. You cherished your family and friends with all your strength; always keeping true to your values. You fought your cancer battle with dignity and fury. Truly a man of courage and strength. Your friendship has meant so much to me since growing on up on Camelot as kids and navigating through our adulthood. No matter where we were, we always kept in touch as if it were yesterday. I will miss our talks Rick. You will always be in both Pat and my hearts and thoughts. Rest in peace Bro.
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Tony Tears again flowed I read this excellent tribute to Rick. He was a survivor, multitasker, fearless and caring individual that friends looked up to. How he endured the Cancer Hell he went through is beyond words. He went peacefully in his sleep which I’m sure we are grateful for. He’s on his way to join his Dad who passed in June of this year with rod and reel in hand. God bless ya Rick for taking all those slimy fish of my hook all those years. I miss ya buddy but will remain in Colette and my heart forever. BTW Rick our fishing antics will remain safe with me. God bless ya.
Hi Lianne
I am so sorry to hear about Rick and his father, Reg. It has to be very devastating for you and his family. I have not told Ian as he is in long term care. My sympathies to you and his family
Bev (Ian) Fraser