Obituary: Potter, Charles R. “Dick”
Age 81
He is survived by his wife Helena of 62 years, children Judy (Gordon), John (Stacie), Linda, and Jeffrey, also 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren and was known lovingly as Great-Great Potter which was fitting considering what a GREAT man he was.
Dick was born in St. Joseph, MO, and became a resident of Spokane where he started playing football at John R. Rogers High School and graduated in 1949.
His football career continued at Eastern Washington College of Education where he was a member of the 1950 team that was recently inducted into the EWU Athletic Hall of Fame.
He received his teaching degree in 1955 which started his 33 years of educating future leaders.
He was known fondly as a “teach-a-holic” and he believed that every experience was an opportunity for learning, just ask anyone who has met him!
Mr. Potter started his teaching career in Amber, WA.
He then taught some of his own children in a one room school house in Long Lake, WA.
He was known for the annual Christmas programs, Easter egg hunts, May Pole celebrations, and remembering every holiday through celebrations.
Mr. Potter’s Special Ed career began at Lakeland Village.
He then continued his Special Ed teaching in Spokane where he ended his career at Shadle Park High School in Spokane.
In addition, Mr. Potter spent over 25 summers teaching Drivers Ed to thousands of eager future drivers.
He would always tell people, “I’m here for the kids.”
He was well known in the sport of Track and Field all over the Western United States as an excellent and fair official.
He was a U.S. Masters Certified Track and Field official and officiated in all levels of competition from High School State meets, to meets in the PAC 10 conference, to the Olympics Trials, and the National Senior, Junior, and Special Olympics.
He was always involved in his family’s life.
He coached Little League and basketball; he was an Eagle Scout leader, PTA president, Sunday School teacher, and the list goes on.
After retiring, Dick and Helena became snowbirds to Mesa, AZ, where his passion for organizing events continued through bean bag tournaments, banana split parties, card nights, potlucks, etc.
His happiest times were spent with his family and friends, and he will be truly missed by all who had the opportunity to meet him.
Dick’s Motto: There’s the right way, there’s the wrong way, and then there is Mr. Potter’s way.
At his request no services will be held.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to “The Dick Potter Track and Field Scholarship Fund” at any STCU branch in Spokane.