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BORN
1939
DIED
2020
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Kenneth Potter Obituary
York - Kenneth A. Potter, 81, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2020 at UPMC-West Shore. He was the husband of Sandra A. (Shultz) Potter to whom he was married for 61 years.
A Private Celebration of Life Tribute Service will be held with entombment at Susquehanna Memorial Gardens. Given the current Coronavirus situation, a typical public funeral is not possible without risk and Ken would never allow anyone to be at risk on his behalf. The family plans to have a memorial activity a few months down the road when it's safe to do so. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road is in charge of arrangements.
Born February 22, 1939 in York, a son of the late Russell W. and Irene A. (Hepfer) Potter, he was a 1957 graduate of William Penn Senior High School. Mr. Potter's career spans five decades and was instrumental in the manufacture and distribution of snack foods. He began his career with El-Ge Potato Chip Co. in York in 1955, until he purchased, along with his wife, the Martin's Potato Chip Co. in 1971. As company President, he extended Martin's marketing territory from a small local facility to 5 states, growing from a one truck operation to over fifty trucks and created the reputation of having the best potato chips in the world. Martin's was the first to mass market the Kettle Cooked Potato Chip and he was the first to place his name, phone number and guarantee on potato chip packages. Ken retired from Martin's in 2004. He then became President of Agraco Technologies International, LLC where he assisted many Agribusinesses in getting started in China, India, Australia, Canada, Poland, Russia, England and India.
Mr. Potter has received numerous awards and recognitions including; 1984 Small Business Award by Eastern Regional BBB, 1986 Small Business Award by York Area Chamber of Commerce, 1987 named to William Penn High School Hall of Fame, 1988 Small Business Person of the Year by Philadelphia Council of the US SBA, 1992 & 1993 nominee for Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Ernst & Young competition in Philadelphia and Harrisburg, 1996 Agribusiness Award by York Area Chamber of Commerce, and in 2013 he received the Central Penn Business Journal Business of the Year Award. He has provided expertise and assistance to the Agriculture Dept. of The People's Republic of China; participated in the 1999 Envoy to Mexico with the PA Dept. of Agriculture; and in 2001 was a PA Dept. of Agriculture spokesman at an Agribusiness Fair for 80 countries in India.
Ken was active in the York community, having served as Past President of Keep York Beautiful, supporter of 9/11 Memorial in the new Liberty Garden in Kiwanis Park, strong supporter of Margaret E. Moul Home for Cerebral Palsy patients, member of York Toastmasters, and continually supported Boys & Girls Clubs and many other youth organizations. Ken was an avid bowler and golfer, he enjoyed competing and making many friends along the way.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Potter is survived by a daughter, Lizabeth A. Potter, MD and husband John Day of York; three sons, Kenneth A. Potter, Jr. and wife Janet of York, Kevin A. Potter and fiancée Laura Amalfitano of Dallastown and David J. Potter and wife Karen of York; 12 grandchildren, Ryan, Natalie, Zowie, Erin, Logan, Collin, Andrew, Dana, Dominic, Dimitri, Chase and Olivia; one great granddaughter, Reagan; a sister, Rosa M. Kenyon of Dover; and a brother, Russell W. Potter and wife Virginia of York. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Matthew Allen Potter.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 50 E. King Street, York, PA 17401 or to Leg Up Farm, 4880 N. Sherman Street Ext., Mt. Wolf, PA 17347.
Send Condolences at HeffnerCare.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Potter
Sponsored by InYork.com.
Mark Camponeschi
June 13, 2024
I did not know this man but I was going through old pictures and found this Gem. This was circa 1990 and my parents were at some event or bull roast in the Baltimore area. I was asleep in my stroller and he walked by and was like "get a picture of me and the boy" lol
Ronald Oravitz
March 23, 2024
Greatly miss my dear friend
Yash Amin
March 23, 2024
Ken, I miss you everyday. Love you so much.
Yash Amin
March 22, 2024
Will always remember you.
Yash.
Chloe potter
January 12, 2024
I loved ken Potter
Chloe
January 11, 2024
SO SAD I LOVED HIM
Lisa Bradley
March 23, 2023
Ken was so generous, helping with St Rose of Lima & United Parishes Youth Baseball Fundraisers. He is missed
Donald Tiesenga
August 9, 2020
Sorry to hear about Kens passing.
Loved his enthusiasm for life and of course Martin potato chips. Still the best BBQ kettle chips. We live in Kansas City and happened to have chips for lunch and my wife asked which chips I liked best and I thought of Ken.
Blessings for his wife and family.
Don Tiesenga. Retired from AWI in 2009
Lisa Bradley
April 9, 2020
I remember Ken was ALWAYS so very generous to United Parishes - Youth Baseball/Softball sports programs. He made many donations for our concession stands to help fund our program. Ken had a heart of gold. He will be missed by many. Our Deepest Sympathy to his wife Sandy & his beautiful family
In Sympathy & Friendship,
Dan & Lisa Bradley
Rich Munkittrick
April 9, 2020
For many years I with Ken for coffee in Dillsburg at the Square Bean . He was Inspirational to me and my kids, he was a great friend. Ken will be truly missed around the coffee shop and will forever be in my heart.
Rich Munkittrick
April 9, 2020
Didn't know
Yash Amin
April 6, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Yash Amin
April 6, 2020
To the Potter family:- Sandy, Liz, Jr., Kavin, and David,
Rita and I are deeply saddened by the news of Ken's passing.
Ken was one of my best and dearest friends. He was such a pleasure, a very thoughtful, helpful, and a super great person- a true gentleman. I will miss him for ever. I love you Ken. Please accept our deepest sympathies. May his soul Rest In Peace. See you in heaven some day!
John
April 5, 2020
We will miss you my friend
Marcia Laughman
April 3, 2020
Ill never forget meeting Ken! My father, Bill Miller, had graduated with him and we made a trip to Martins to meet with him. He was such a wonderful and down to earth person! He took us on a private tour and that made my day. My prayers are extended to the family and friends of such a terrific man! Youll be missed Ken and thank you for the person you were!!
Nicole Bernard Dawes
April 2, 2020
I wanted to send a note of condolence from my family. My late father, Steve Bernard who founded Cape Cod Chips talked about Ken often. He was kind enough to let my father visit when he was trying to get started. We will keep you all in our thoughts as you navigate through this difficult time.
Rick Breski
April 1, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Ken was a good man with a wealth of knowledge who always had time to talk and provide assistance. I a truly saddened and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Don Bricker and Staff of Bricker's Famous French Fries
April 1, 2020
Potter Family, We are deeply saddened by news of Kenny's Passing. So many memories of him stopping by our shop. His smile and presence will be missed by all. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
March 31, 2020
Ken was always a pleasure to deal with. A friend, customer and friend of the family. Our thoughts and
Prayers to the entire family.
Judi and Charlie Snyder.
Mike Stabley
March 31, 2020
He was a great mentor and boss. I've always been grateful to have worked for him. I use his wisdom to this day. R.I.P.
Wayne Bear
March 31, 2020
You will be missed, our friend. Well always remember the fun times at the Ponderosa. Love and prayers to the family. Wayne and Sandy Bear. York High class of 1957
Alan - Vicki Little
March 31, 2020
The Potter Family
We were deeply saddened to learn of Ken's passing just recently. A friend and competitor in the snack food industry for many years he will be deeply missed by everyone. He was truly a gentleman and great man to work with for many years. Our deepest and sincere condolences condolences to the entire family and may his memories last the family a lifetime.
Wayne Bear
March 31, 2020
You will be missed, our friend. Love and prayers to the family. Wayne and Sandy Bear. Class of 1957
Alan - Vicki Little
March 31, 2020
The Potter Family
We were so deeply saddened to hear of a Ken's passing. A friend and competitor in the snack food industry he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers and well wishes are with the entire family in this time of sorrow. RIP my friend until we merry again.
March 31, 2020
Sandy & Family,
What an outstanding man; one of our best friends to the end. We will meet again on the other side.
Tom & Dee Kern
Doris M. Gemmill
March 31, 2020
Sandra and family,
So very sorry for your loss. You and Ken were a "good team". My deepest sympathy.
Doris Gemmill
March 30, 2020
Best potato chips ever. God bless. May you rest in peace.
Joe Myers
March 30, 2020
Heartfelt condolences to Kenny's family. He was a remarkable man. I will miss seeing him and hearing about his ongoing endeavors. (To me he was always "Yogi," after Doc Powers called him that for his prowess as a catcher and hitter in 8 - 12 BFB at Lincoln/Smith field.) :)
He will be sorely missed in the community.
Michal Grinnell
March 30, 2020
He will be missed by many. Condolences from the Grinnell family
Michal Grinnell
March 30, 2020
Condolences from the Grinnell Family. He will be missed by many.
Roland Eckenrode
March 30, 2020
He was a Super great person. I remember when I was a machine operator at York Snacks and he personally brought us all Donuts and talked to several of the employees there as we made the party mix for Martinis. He also went to school and worked with my stepfather and when ever he seen my parents out at dinner he would pay for their bill without them knowing.
Paul & Beverly Sheffer
March 29, 2020
Sandy & family,
Ken will be missed by all who knew him.
Sorry for your loss.
Dairy Bar!
March 29, 2020
Potter Family, Sorry for your lost. We all enjoyed Ken coming in for Breakfast or lunch or just stopping by to say Hello and seeing how everyone was! God bless all of you!....Jim Senft and the Dairy Bar girls!
JACK & SHERYL HOOKS Thomasville Auction
March 29, 2020
WE LIKE TO SEND OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE POTTER FAMILY.WE WILL NEVER FORGET THE GREAT TIMES AT THE STRAND/CAPITAL CELEBRITY AUCTIONS HELD FOR FUND RAISING IN THE COMMUNITY.
EVERY YEAR WE WOULD AUCTION A CABBAGE PATCH DOLL OFF TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, WHICH IN TURN COULD DISPLAY THE DOLL IN THEIR PLACE OF BUSINESS FOR A YEAR. WELL, NEEDLESS TO SAY, KEN WAS TOP BIDDER EVERY YEAR, NO MATTER WHAT THE COST. HE WANTED THAT DOLL IN HIS OFFICE IN THOMASVILLE!. WE HAD THE PLEASURE BOWLING WITH KENNY IN LEAGUES, HE WAS VERY COMPETITIVE. ALWAYS HAD TIME TO CHAT WITH YOU IF YOU RAN INTO HIM OUT. LOVED TO TALK ABOUT ALL HIS NEW ADVENTURES.
OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
HE WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED BY ALL.GOD BLESS
Gerald Inkrote
March 29, 2020
So Sorry for your Lost. He was a good friend of mineJ.
Bob Lewis
March 29, 2020
Sandy, The world has lost a special person. I'm so sorry to hear this news. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Harvey Young
March 29, 2020
We want to send our Condolences to The Potter family. Mr. Potter was a very honest and a pleasure to know and to work with. Will always treasure the memories of him and the Potter Family . May God Bless you all
Harvey and Donna Young and family
Gary Ludwig Sr. & family
March 29, 2020
I was so saddened to learn of Ken's passing and my heart goes out to the entire Potter family at this most sad time. I had the pleasure of working for Ken and he was an awesome fellow who gave great advice on any subject that would come up. When he said "When you work at Martins, you're part of the family" he meant it. Ken would often stop by our garage just to visit and see what's new with things. I and my family will miss KP very much and to the Potter family, be rest assured that KP is watching down on you... God Bless and may KP Rest in Peace...
Len Rasmussen
March 29, 2020
I remember stopping by the house one day back when I was in high school, and Mr. Potter was kind enough to take time out of his day to give me the grand tour of the fledgling Thomasville facility. As impressive as the operation was, I mostly remember Mr. Potter as a truly kind, humble, and genuine man. That's what I think of every time I see a bag of Martin's. My sincerest condolences to the family.
JACK & SHERYL HOOKS Thomasville Auction
March 29, 2020
WE WANT TO EXTEND OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE POTTER FAMILY. KEN WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED BY ALL.WE MEANT KEN BACK IN THE 70'S WHEN HE ATTENDED OUR AUCTIONS AT THE STRAND/CAPITAL FOR FUND RAISING. WE WOULD AUCTION A CABBAGE PATCH DOLL OFF WHERE THE TOP BIDDER WOULD BE ABLE TO DISPLAY IT IN THEIR PLACE OF BUSINESS FOR THE YEAR. WELL, NEEDLESS TO SAY, KEN WAS ALWAYS TOP BIDDER, NO MATTER WHAT THE COST! HE WAS DETERMINED TO HAVE THE DOLL IN THOMASVILLE! EVERYTIME WE RAN ACROSS HIM HE ALWAYS HAD TIME TO CHAT AND EAGER TO TELL US ABOUT HIS NEW ADVENTURES. WE HAD THE PLEASURE OF BOWLING WITH HIM IN LEAGUES OVER THE YEARS.
WE WILL MISS HIS SMILING FACE.GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY, OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU
Lynda Shelly(Stoddard)
March 29, 2020
Caring thoughts from my heart to Sandy and the family
Mike Kopp
March 29, 2020
Ken swung by one sweltering hot day in a van with a cooler full of refreshments and expressed genuine concern about the heat when I was mowing the factory grounds.
My dad told me that he helped out more than one employee financially.
That's just the KIND of person Ken was. I am very saddened by his passing. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Cindy Crouse
March 29, 2020
Sending prayers and sympathy to the family and loved ones of Ken. He was such a good giving man. When I worked for him he would always tell you if you were doing a good job and treated his employees well. I remember seeing him sweep dirt off the floor rather than telling someone else to do it. He was humble and a friend to all. May He Rest In Peace. He will be missed.
Ron Oravitz
March 29, 2020
Mr Potter was a treasured friend of mine for over 30 years, he judged no one, and would stop all to help anyone in need. We often worked together on special projects, and he was a mentor to my son and I. I treasured our lunches at Bakers in Dillsburg, and our last together at Mary Janes. My heart hurts as I write this , I miss him dearly! God bless you Mr. Potter, you will never be forgotten and treasured in our hearts.God speed. The Oravitz Family
March 29, 2020
My condolences to you and your family, Dr. Potter. May you take comfort in knowing that so many are sending you love and prayers. Anita Kolibas
Chatney Almoney
March 29, 2020
My sincerest condolences to the family. Ken was an amazing man. He was always thinking outside the box. He was never afraid to tell you what he thought and give his advice. I loved our conversations and I looked forward to seeing him. He was full of surprises and his mind worked in an amazing way. He will never be forgotten.
March 29, 2020
Condolences from The Loveland Family. I will miss him greatly. Debbie Loveland Miller
March 29, 2020
I will surely miss Kenny. Kenny was always kind to us all in the Loveland family and never be forgotten. A lot of potato chip and french fry talk between Martin's Chip and Loveland's French Fry's.
Debbie Loveland Miller and husband Dale.
Larry Slenker
March 29, 2020
I'm one of your munchers.
Joe @ Beverly Borowski
March 29, 2020
Best chips ever! Prayers for the family.
John Kennedy
March 28, 2020
Ken was a mentor to me and many others. Always generous with his time and money. Kind to all. The York Community will miss you.
March 28, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Tom Senft
March 28, 2020
You will be missed Kenny.Kenny was liked by everyone.He always had time to chat with anyone & would help anyone who need help.Kenny always had a smile on his face that will be missed.Condolences to his wife & family.RIP Kenny
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