Raymond Potts
Posted Nov 27, 2017 | 2:56 PM
Raymond William George Potts
Ray Potts, 82, of Saskatoon, late of Good Sheperd Villa in Prince Albert, passed away peacefully in the arms of his family and went to join his love, Audrey, on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017. From his birth on the homestead in Neeb, SK on March 22, 1935, until his death, Ray lived his life with love, humor and a strong sense of right and wrong.
Ray was the first child born to Charlie and Eileen Potts and was a big brother to four sisters. He attended Neeb School and Kelowna Secondary and High School when the family moved to BC in the mid 1940s. He started work at Harris Meat Market in Grade 9 and worked there until they moved to Sutherland, SK in 1951. At the age of 16, Ray went to work at CP Railway in Sutherland. He was a locomotive fireman, and it was his job to keep that fire going. He then worked at the U of S as a maintenance mechanic and while working there completed school as a machinist, becoming a journeyman in 1969. Ray hired on at SED Systems, which was the Space Engineering Division of the U of S. He quickly showed his skill in fabricating and machining parts for rocket payloads and prototypes. He attended many rocket launches in Churchill, MB, and watched his work soar into space. Ray ended his work life at Sci-Tec Instruments having worked on the “Brewer”, which is used around the world today to measure ozone levels.
Ray fell in love with Audrey while she was waitressing at a coffee shop in Sutherland. Dad soon became a coffee drinker and told his best friend Mo that he was going to marry that girl. In Ray’s words, it was the smartest thing he ever did. Ray and Audrey welcomed Darren to the family in 1965, followed by Heather in 1967. Ray was a hands-on father who was involved in all aspects of his children’s lives. From driving Heather to ringette at 5:30 am, to taking Darren on Cub trips, he was always there. Watching ball and hockey games, flooding the rink at the school, building a boat house for the Cadets, he always gave his time generously. He took the family on countless canoe trips. hoisting the canoe and supplies on his shoulders for the portages, all the while cracking jokes and watching for bears. He spent many hours helping with the Sea Cadet program, and he loved to watch his kids compete in the band competitions. Ray loved the mountains and being in the bush and passed on that love. He and Audrey took pride in their gardens and their home, which was always open to everyone. He loved his grandchildren dearly, taking them for mini-golf at the mall, to the rides at Kinsmen Park, camping and fishing, and teaching them machining in the workshop. Ray was a proud man, a kind man, and a very humble man. He would do his best for you and ask nothing in return.
Ray is survived by his son Darren (Holly), and daughter Heather (Oscar); grandchildren Cole (Randi), Melissa (Mark), Kelli (Bryce), Emily (Mike), Kendall (Tiffany), Sophie, Darrell and Kayla; great-grandchildren Layla, Kieran, Julia and Aria; sisters Dolores (Frank), Darlene, Lil (Rej) and Penny (Norm); loving in-laws Ray and Holly, Jackie, Glenn; numerous nieces and nephews, and many-life-long friends. He was predeceased by his wife Audrey and his parents Charlie and Eileen.
We will celebrate Ray’s life on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017 at 1:30 pm at McClure United Church. Interment to follow. Condolences may be sent c/o 235 15th St. E., Prince Albert, SK, S6V 1G1.
- Date : 2017-11-15
- Location : Prince Albert, SK