Harvey Potts

Harvey O. Potts, 94, of Mead, Colorado died January 19, 2012 at Longmont United Hospital.

Harvey was born on the family homestead in Rinn, Colorado on October 26, 1917 to Harvey Wallace and Elma Weaver Potts. Raised on the family farm he went through Idaho Creek School and graduated from Longmont High School in 1937.

Harvey married Leona Marr on August 10, 1941 in Longmont. They recently celebrated their 71st year of marriage.

Harvey took a job with Boeing in Seattle, Washington constructing B-17's for the wartime effort. His father became gravely ill, forcing him to return home and take over the family farm. He would sell the property in 1948.

Harvey was an immensely talented man and was a quick learner. He worked a short time driving cattle around the country as a long haul truck driver. He later learned the blacksmith trade, opening his own shop in Mead. Always interested in mechanics and their operations, he joined the H.W. Moore Company. There he was a lead mechanic on heavy equipment. This job took him around the western U.S. working on equipment, which he had a great skill to detect and correct the problem. He retired in 1987.

Harvey was a member of the community of Mead. He help develop the first volunteer fire department, acting as chief for some time. He was plant operator of the initial Mead Water Treatment Facility. In addition, he served on the city council for a number of years and was the Mayor from April 1983-April 1990. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Mead.

Harvey's greatest joy was fishing and camping. He and Leona enjoyed many trips through the years in different places in the Colorado and Wyoming Rocky Mountains. They cherished the opportunity to take each of the grandchildren with them, introducing them to the outdoors, the art of fishing and the quality time shared with them. He spent countless hours in his shop at home woodworking and tinkering. He and Leona enjoyed their periodic trips to Mesquite, NV, and Blackhawk, CO as well.

Preceding him in death are his parents, a son Jerry Potts, and a brother Samuel Potts.

Surviving are his wife of Mead; a daughter Darlene Adler of Mead; 4 grandchildren; Karen (John) Elshof, Gregg (Hope) Adler; Kevin (Jessica) Adler; and Troy Adler; 11 great grandchildren Ashley (Cameron) Hursh; Laurren (David) Dawsey; Tyler Adler; Jerhett Adler, Ryan Adler, Rachael Adler; MiKhaela-Su Adler; Courtney Adler, Jaedyn Adler; Adam Griggs; and Hunter Griggs. He is further survived by 4 great-great grandchildren; Anela Stone, Jace Hursh, Taitym Hursh, and Sebastian Dawsey.

A cremation has been entrusted to the Howe Mortuary.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 4 at the United Methodist Church of Mead, with Reverend Mark Heiss officiating.

Contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church of Mead or Mead Ladies Aid in c/o Howe Mortuary, 439 Coffman St., Longmont, CO 80501.

Please share your condolences at howemortuary.com.