Kenneth A. Potak

Kenneth A. Potak 1948 - 2008 HUDSON FALLS Kenneth A. Potak, 60, of 76 Dean Road, died Monday at Glens Falls Hospital, Glens Falls, N.Y., following sudden complications related to esophageal cancer. Ken was born Sept. 30, 1948 in Rome, Ga., son of Rudolph W. Potak and Doris C. Davis Potak. He was a 1966 graduate of Pittsfield High School and a 1970 honors graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. After earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Germanic languages, he went on to receive a Masters of Arts degree from Penn State in 1972. Upon returning to the Berkshires, he became the proprietor of The Wilderness Shop in Lanesborough, Mass. He then worked for several years as Marketing Director for the Patten Corporation in Stamford, Vt., and went on to own and operate his own land development business based in the Glens Falls area. Following his retirement, he spent some of his happiest time helping out on a thoroughbred horse farm owned by friends. In addition to his love of horses, he was an avid gardener, excellent cook, accomplished woodworker, and a true outdoorsman. Never one to sit for very long, one of his greatest pleasures was taking walks in the woods with his beloved Jack Russell terrier, "Jack." He was known for his kindness, quiet capable ways, and quick dry wit. He leaves his children, Sarah Scarola, of Plymouth Meeting, Pa.; David Potak, of Seattle, Wash.; Karen Potak, of Pittsfield; Catherine Potak of Easthampton, Mass.; Laura Potak, of Philadelphia, Pa.; two grandchildren, Marlon Binns and Isabella Scarola; sister, Darlene Cohen, of Florence, Mass.; brother Russell Potak, of Cheshire, Mass.; nephew Bryan Cohen, of Albany, N.Y.; former wife, Mary-Jane Ryba Sackett, of Pittsfield; and wife, Meredith Maker, of Williamstown, Mass., from whom he was amicably separated. He was much loved and will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling hours for Mr. Kenneth A. Potak will be held Friday Oct. 17, 2008 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the WELLINGTON FUNERAL HOME, 220 East St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. The burial service will be held privately by the family. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations are suggested to the American Cancer Society via their website www.cancer.org or by mail to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.