Potter

Philip Arthur Potter was born February 18^th, 1948, in Plymouth, England. He came to Canada in 1958 and settled in Edmonton, Alberta. Philip was the oldest of 6 siblings and helped in raising his younger siblings. He graduated in 1966 and joined the RCMP that same year. He enjoyed 12 years serving in the RCMP. His first posting was to Kamloops, in 1967, where he met and fell in love with his forever, Marlene. He won the hearts of Marlene’s extensive Italian family almost immediately. Next came Ashcroft in ‘69. Phil and Marlene married in 1971 and started their family there (Tanya ‘74) before his final posting to Vancouver drug squad, moving them to North Delta in 1975. It was here that their family continued to grow and eventually they had 4 children (Michelle ‘77, Kristopher ‘82 and Geoffrey ‘84). Together, they decided to shift careers and in 1979 they opened the Moonrakers Pub, in New Westminster. For 30 years they ran a successful business before retiring in 2009. During those years they made many friends and have wonderful memories. They moved to their forever home in Coquitlam in 1985. They hosted numerous celebrations over the last 40 years. They watched their children grow up and get married and have babies. They traveled the world with friends John and Lisa and Doug and Mary, and together he and Marlene built a life that he was so proud of. They would have been married for 54 years this month.

Dad loved many things, Mom most of all, but also watching sports, especially when his sons played (hockey, lacrosse and football). He enjoyed his many fishing trips with his buddy, Gary, spent endless hours organizing things like the garage, and drawers in the house. The bills in his wallet always had to be in order and the dishwasher loaded correctly. He was also an avid reader and puzzler.

One of his greatest strengths was his generosity. He had a heart of gold, and anyone that met him would attest to this. He was always there to lend a hand, give you a place to lay your head, feed you a warm meal, or lend you a dollar. His infectious smile and baby blue eyes made it hard not to love him.

To his 7 grandchildren he was known as “Gampy” and in his retired days, he loved spending time watching them dance, play sports or just sit with them and play. Our family gatherings were often loud and hectic, but you would always find Dad sitting in his chair, proudly watching it all happen around him.

He is predeceased by his parents Molly and Reginald. Survived by his loving wife Marlene, daughters Tanya (Jason Collins), Michelle (Kent Schechtel), and sons Kristopher, and Geoffrey (Kaela). Grandchildren; Britton Collins, Stella and Roarke Schechtel, Maeve and Elsie Potter, and step-grandsons Chase and Michael Russell. Also, by his loving sister Sheila Yuzyk, who was by his side day and night in his final months. Sister-in-law Jane (Mike Wolfram) and brother-in-law Glen (Dawn Favali). His brothers Mike (Yvonne), Richard, Gary (Sheila), and sister Karen. Also mourning his death are numerous relatives, family friends, and neighbours.

He was larger than life and leaves an even larger hole in our hearts. Though they are heavy, we find comfort in his memories and the many stories we can all share.