Donald L. Potts

Donald L. POTTS Donald L. Potts was born in Brush, Colorado, the son of Leo and Mabel Potts, on August 31, 1939 and passed away in Kent, Washington on January 13, 2011. He grew up and attended school in Brush, until his family moved to the Seattle area in 1956, where he attended Highline High School in Burien and graduated in 1957. In the Navy he was an electronics technician, and then began his career as a Marine electrician working in the shipyards on Harbor Island. After taking night classes for five years he became a commercial electrician. He served 40 years with the Interna tional Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, local #46, where he was very active in union affairs and always spoke out in favor of work er's rights. He retired in 2001. In 1962 he married Jo Morey, whose family had also moved to the Seattle area from Brush, Co. His passion for hunting was revealed early on when he took his new bride deer hunting in the Okanagan on their honeymoon. They lived in Burien for sixteen years where they raised their two children before building a beauti ful home on the west hill of Kent, where they've lived for thirty- three years. When Don's brother, Leo, was killed in a hunting accident in 1974, Don became a strong presence in the lives of his broth er's four children, who were young teens. Over the years he was a father figure and mentor to many nephews and nieces, the patriarch of his family. His love and passion for hunting and fishing grew stronger over the years, and he and his son, Brian and his nephews and friends spent many happy days and weeks hiking in the woods of eastern Washington, or trolling the waters of Puget Sound, and in the Pacific out of Neah Bay, their favorite spot for halibut. Don had many close friends in the IBEW and out. He was the beloved older brother to his three sisters, and considered his wife's family as much his own as the Potts family. They shared many holidays, vacations and special occasions. Don was a man of high morals and unbending values, meticu lous in everything he did, uncompromising in his standards. He was devoted to his family, always there through some really tough times. He was proud of his son, Brian and his daughter, Cheryl, adored his granddaughters and great grand children, and was thrilled when he learned he was getting a great grandson. Don and Jo were married for 48 years, and were hoping-wishing- planning to celebrate their 50th Anniversary in 2012. But though they didn't make it, they felt so blessed and thankful for the life they'd shared and the difference they made in many lives by their example. Don was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Leo, and his son-in-law Chad. He is survived by his wife, Jo, his children Brian Potts, and Cheryl Sweeney, his granddaughters Shani Sweeney and Erynn Sweeney, grandson-in- law Sitha Set, and great grand children Jayden, Aysia and Trey. Also by his sisters Patty, Sandra and Linda, and by many nieces and nephews. He was truly a man among men, and will be dearly missed. Services will be at the John Knox Presbyterian Church, 109 So. Nor mandy Road, Burien, Wa. on Sat urday, January 29th, at 11:00 AM.