William “Bill” Potter

Bill passed away on February 15, 2025 at Victoria General Hospital at the age of 84.

He was pre-deceased by parents Charles Potter and Elizabeth and Tony Kenler as well as his three brothers; Charles, Barry and Frank.

He will be greatly missed by his wife of 56 years, Carol; three children Tara (Harley) Waddell, Ryan (Allison) Potter and Colin (Melanie) Potter; five grandchildren Brayden, Parker, Liam, Norah and Adelynn.

Also feeling his loss are his sister Susan Cross of Calgary, sister-in-law Barb Potter of Qualicum Beach and brother and sister-in-law Brian and Kathie Saunderson of Morden, as well as nieces, nephews and many close friends.

Bill was born in Brandon, Manitoba; the second oldest of four boys, all close in age. After losing their father at a young age, Charles, Bill, Barry and Frank welcomed stepfather Tony and added sister Susan to the family.

As a military family, they moved often, with Bill attending school in 5 different provinces. Always hard-working and studious, Bill worked part time jobs starting at a young age, always with the goal of higher education. This work ethic led him to first attending university in Nova Scotia at the age of 16. Deciding that the sciences were not for him, he worked on the railroad, saving money to attend Brandon University (BU) attaining a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education.

It was at BU where he met Carol, the pretty young girl from Souris who he would marry July 27, 1968.

The newlyweds spent one year in London, Ontario while Bill completed his Masters in Library Science and where they had their first child, Tara.

They returned to Brandon, with Bill working in school libraries, primarily Vincent Massey High School and completing their family with children Ryan and Colin. The family moved to Winnipeg in 1988 for Bill’s new career opportunity as a Library and Resource Consultant at Seven Oaks School Division.

Bill’s volunteer efforts were driven by his strong convictions. In the 1970’s he spent several years on the provincial executive of the Manitoba Teacher’s Society. He chaired the Board of Governors of Brandon University in the mid 1980’s.

Some of Bill’s favourite times were spent volunteer teaching in the Caribbean with OCOD during summers. Bill was also involved in his children’s activities; coaching soccer and active in swim clubs (Brandon Bluefins and Winnipeg Marlins).

Bill’s retirement in 2003 meant time for two things he loved dearly; golf and curling. He valued time spent and friendships made at the Wildewood Club. He was the first to admit that he was not very good at either sport, but he loved the fresh air, the exercise and the camaraderie. He continued to enjoy these pursuits until his advancing Parkinson’s made them impossible. Retirement also meant time for Bill and Carol to travel, visiting Europe twice and escaping winters traveling to Costa Rica or Mexico. He leaves behind some very special memories of these times.

Family was always very special to Bill. He was fiercely proud of his children and cherished time spent with his 5 grandchildren. He was always there when his children needed some assistance and enjoyed attending grandchildren’s games and concerts. Lucky enough to always have them living close, there are many memories of family get-togethers and celebrations. Any social gathering was always a good opportunity for Bill to share a golfing story, a travel story or share his pride of his family, including the family pets.

In keeping with Bill’s wishes, a family gathering will be held at a later date to celebrate his life.

IF you wish, donations can made to U-Turn Parkinson’s: a local organization doing great work to provide exercise and activities to people with Parkinson’s.

Bill’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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