Ronald John Potter
September 15, 2016
Surrounded by his family, Ron passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on Thursday, September 15th, 2016 at University Hospital, as a result of a pulmonary embolism. Cherished husband of Judith (nèe Snyder) for 58 years. Ron and Judy moved to London from West Toronto in 1965 and have lived in their home on Hunt Club Drive since that day. Proud and loving father of sons, Chris (Karen) and Tim (Jill), and daughter Robin (Neil McDougall). Caring and forever entertaining Grandpa of Jesse, Quinn, Claire, Gray, Logan, Brady, Callum and Shea. Ron is survived by his only brother Richard (Norma) Potter. Ron was born on February 13th, 1933 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. Ron was a leader. He was a teammate, coach, employer, mentor and motivator. His kind, confidence building approach benefitted everyone who knew him. Ron is remembered as stylish and a true gentleman. He was a gifted athlete excelling in football in particular. Drafted out of high school by the Toronto Argonauts and ultimately winning Canadian championship titles with the KW Dutchmen of the Sr. ORFU. His coaching titles included a Canadian Championship as Head Coach of Toronto’s 1964 undefeated East York Argonauts. He was head coach of The London Lords 1965/66 and acted as defensive line/linebacker coach for the Western Mustangs Football team from 1965/73. Garnering him a CIAU championship ring as a coach of the 1971 team. Honorary officer and twice president of the UWO W club, Ron was inducted into the UWO Sports Hall of Fame in 2000 as a builder. Ron worked with London Life for 35 years. Beginning in January 1963, the majority of those years spent as Regional Manager of the London Central Agency. His legacy may well be most established as the result of the countless hours of time he donated to charity. Ron was awarded the Gov’t of Canada’s Canadian Volunteer Award. He gave 30 years of service to the Canadian Cancer Society, acting as National President in 1995/96. As the Ontario campaign chair he was responsible for Terry Fox and his run in Ontario. Spending time with Terry and Darrel Fox on Terry’s Journey of Hope. Ron is the recipient of the 125th Anniversary Confederation Medal and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal. In 2009, he received the Dr. Ivan Smith Award, Alumni Western’s highest tribute. The Potter family would like to gratefully acknowledge those who cared for Ron in the Intensive Care Unit of University Hospital. A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at the Windermere Manor, 200 Collip Circle, London, on Saturday, September 24th, 2016 with visitation from 2:00-4:00 p.m. followed by the celebration at 4:00 p.m. The family welcomes written thoughts, memories or photos as a keepsake. Donations can be made to the Ron Potter Athletic Scholarship Fund at Western University, Advancement Services, 1151 Richmond Street, Westminster Hall, Suite 260, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, the Alzheimer Society London and Middlesex or the charity of your choice.
We already miss him, and his wonderful sense of humour.
Leave a tribute for Ronald John Potter
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Judy, thinking of you and your family. And sharing with our sons Michael and Bryan the wonder of a beautiful life - and the sorrow of its loss. In deepest sympathy.
Very few people in London Life or through our various affiliated group of companies could not have been personally moved and saddened to learn of Ron's death. A consummate professional and man who simply commanded respect. We have been diminished personally and professionally as a result of his death. From associates of his in the Southwestern Ontario Financial Centre and from myself personally, may God bring all of you His comfort and peace, in time
Dear Judy, Chris, Tim & Robin What a light goes out with Ron's passing! He radiated cheerfulness, wit, fun, and not a little playful mischief. Underneath was a well of kindness, a genuine interest in other human beings, and an abiding desire to serve and make the world better for it. I'm so grateful to have grown up with Ron, and all of you, in our family circle. Glad to know our family was able to be with you yesterday. I'm thinking of you all in Nairobi.
Sorry for your loss.
May our good Lord continue to comfort your hearts . Each one of you have good thoughts about Ron I know he is in the loving arms of God I am sorry for your loss. Sincerely Kalina thinking of you Chris I like your acting God bless you all.'
(Donated to Alzheimer Society London and Middlesex)
(Donated to Alzheimer Society London and Middlesex)
(Donated to Ron Potter Athletic Scholarship Fund at Western University)
(Donated to Ron Potter Athletic Scholarship Fund at Western University)
(Donated to Ron Potter Athletic Scholarship Fund at Western University)
(Donated to Ron Potter Athletic Scholarship Fund at Western University)
The measure of a Man may be in his children...by that measure alone Ron was a great man... He accomplished so much in his time and influenced so many people, especially young people who he coached and mentored. His sense of humour and fair play will be missed.
(Donated to Ron Potter Athletic Scholarship Fund at Western University)
(Donated to Ron Potter Athletic Scholarship Fund at Western University)
(Donated to Ron Potter Athletic Scholarship Fund at Western University)
(Donated to Alzheimer Society London and Middlesex)
(Donated to Ron Potter Athletic Scholarship Fund at Western University)
(Donated to Ron Potter Athletic Scholarship Fund at Western University)
(Donated to Ron Potter Athletic Scholarship Fund at Western University)
(Donated to Ron Potter Athletic Scholarship Fund at Western University)
(Donated to Ron Potter Athletic Scholarship Fund at Western University)
(Donated to Ron Potter Athletic Scholarship Fund at Western University)
Judy & family: Although we met Ron only once or twice, had a brief time with Chris ion a play (John) , but knowing you for so many years, we both want to send our best thoughts and hopes. Judy, .. you were always successful in choosing right things and did so in choosing Ron to be your husband and father of your children. The two of you were a "winning team" and Ron was a successful "chooser' too, His life was full of achievements and significant contributions .Continue living your lives and have your memories always at the ready. John & Gayle Smallbridge
Chris; So sorry to learn of your dad's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. Gwen & Max Black & Family.
Judy and family Very saddened to learn of Ron's passing.He stood out as a class act among a lot of pretty key people at London Life.There is a real sense of loss and we extend our heartfelt sympathy to all family members.We hope the thoughts of many friends will be of comfort to you all. Dick&Dot Low
Dear Judy and family, We are so saddened to read about the loss of your dear husband Ron.Please accept our sincere condolences. We will keep you in our prayers and hope that you find peace and comfort. Thank you so much for comforting our family with your generous gifts after we lost Bill, our beloved husband and father in February. Michelle and the families of Brian and Bebe.
So very sorry to hear about your loss. I am sending my condolences and prayers your way. What a full life Ron lived, I had no idea. My early memories of Ron was when he taught Chris and I about football in your back yard, showing us how to run a pass route (all of 3 yards) and catch the football. I also remember your family taking me with you to tour the "new" Ford plant Grand Opening in St. Thomas. Time to remember and honor the great memories that he blessed everyone with. Brian Krohn
Dear Judy, Chris, Tim & Robin - Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your husband/father. Ron was a great man who made a difference. Our thoughts are with you.
Sending our deepest sympathy to all the Potter family at this most difficult time. Ron was such a remarkable man who shall be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Chris @ Family Sorry to have heard of your fathers passing I hope the year book brought back present memories for him.
Our deepest condolences to Judy and the family, in the passing of Ron. I lived next door to the Potter's for many years, and remember Ron as a kind and caring person. Both he and Judy helped my parents, and were great neighbours.
Dear Judy and family. We were sorry to hear of Ron's passing. Your happy memories will help you and your family at this sad time.
Dear Judy, Chris, Tim and Robin I know your heart is aching. May your happy memories of laughter and the time you had together support and comfort you. He was one of the best. He will be missed by all. Lucy Williams
It s with great sadness that I read of Ron's passing. I think fondly of him in his past career at London Life. He was a great mentor and friend to many people associated with him in our professional organizations. He will be greatly missed Judy White
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Ron. You were a devoted loving family. May Ron's memory be for a blessing to sustain you in the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Arna and Larry
My deepest and most heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Potter Family. I am so sorry I never had a chance to meet your Dad, Chris as he sounds like he was an amazing man. I can see the legacy he left, not only in the close family he produced and the wonderful loving Man, Father and Husband you are, but also in bringing together his community through the meaningful charity work he was a part of. I am sending everyone a Big Hug and I hope that you will find some comfort in your loving memories. Fondly, Gayle Abrams
Dear Chris & family May the fond memories own and guide you. Let his joyful moments be a part of your every day. Because it is these loving thoughts and memories that can last forever. Warmest wishes Norbert
Sorry I won't be able to attend Ron's celebration of life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. He accomplished a lot in his lifetime and I know he will be dearly missed. Deepest sympathy Mary Margaret Prowse
Living in Moncton NB I rarely sees someone I know in the G & M obituary section. Thus I was saddened to read of Ron Potter's passing. The photo is exactly how I remember him. I was a new young salesman for London Life when I met Ron at New Man's School and a few years later at a conference. He was truly a gentleman and I would like to think he left a lasting impression on me on how to assist us in helping our clients as I am still in the business 44 years later. My sympathy to his family and friends.
So sorry to hear of your loss Judith. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
A shock indeed! My favorite campus interview partner,lecturer and all round good man.Glad we had lunch in Byron. Thoughts are with Judy and family.
Judy, we send our sincere condolences to you and your family as you grieve the loss of a dear husband, father and grandfather. Ron was a kind, caring and gentle soul. We remain grateful that our parents had such kind and thoughtful neighbours as you and Ron.
Dear Mrs Potter May I offer my condolences to you and your family? I am saddened to know Ron has 'gone ahead'. As a Canadian Cancer Society volunteer I had the privilege of working with him in both Ontario Division and National CCS Boards of Directors in the 1980's and 90's. His leadership was a model for many of us - commitment, integrity and a sense of humor too. His contribution to the anti-cancer cause was enormous. My thoughts will be with you on Saturday and in the weeks to come. May your good memories help you all. in sympathy, Joan Loveridge
I remember Ron from 30 years ago when I was a new life insurance agent. Even though I never worked with London Life, I always admired him and felt he was a role model for all agents to aspire to. He was a true professional and gentleman. Although you have lost him physically, I hope his memory will always be close at hand as you care for each other at this difficult time.
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Alzheimer Society London and Middlesex
Ron Potter Athletic Scholarship Fund at Western University
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(Donated to Ron Potter Athletic Scholarship Fund at Western University)
~ Jodi Mikalachki