John Richard Potter Obituary (2025)

John (Dick) Richard Potter, 98, passed away January 22, 2025, in Yakima, Washington, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's. Dick was a lifetime resident of the Kittitas Valley, born January 8, 1927, in Ellensburg, Washington, to Francis and Grace Potter. Those who knew him loved his wonderful sense of humor, as he also showed kindness to friends, family and strangers, and he was known for taking in those who were homeless from time to time. Dick new many people and had a lot of good friends. He went to work on his grandfather's farm in the Badger Pocket area when he was 13 years old and continued there through graduation from Ellensburg High School, until 1950 when he was drafted into the US Army, where he spent the next two years in Germany. He married Claudia Czapiewski in 1952 and lived in Seattle for a short time before returning to the Kittitas Valley where they raised their two children, Steven and Pamela. In 1955 Dick joined the crew at Mid-State Co-Op, doing a variety of jobs before earning the title of store manager from the board of directors in 1969. Claudia passed away in 1991 and Dick retired from Mid-State in 1993 after 38 years. In his free time Dick thoroughly enjoyed hunting for Ellensburg Blues, petrified wood and mushrooms, hiking and fishing with his son Steven and camping with his family. Dick had great pleasure in jewelry making from the rocks and wood he found on his adventures. He loved the outdoors and went to gather his own firewood in the hills as well as going huckleberry picking with his good friend Carol Hansen. He was a Boy Scout leader and a member of both the American Legion and the Moose Lodge. In 2001 Dick married Mary Lou Edwards and would have celebrated 24 years of marriage this May. They enjoyed many years of traveling to Hawaii and going camping on the family land in the Cle Elum area. Dick is survived by his loving wife, Mary Lou, his son Steven (Joy) Potter of Spokane, his daughter Pamela (Steve) Cook of Lake Tapps, Grandchildren: Ryan, Ron Potter, Steven Jr., and Brian Cook: Great Grandchildren: Rudy, Logan and Duke Potter: Step-family Melody (Rich) Morrow of Camano Island, Monica (Mike) Sullivan of Syracuse, Utah; Michelle (Neal) Knowlton and Sean (Shelly) Clark, both of Ellensburg. Grandchildren: Amanda Horvath, Lindsey Limb; Evan, Phillip and Matt Sullivan; McKenzie and Macie Knowlton; Avory and Azlyn Clark. Great Grandchildren: Peyton, Damon and Bridget Horvath; Brigham, Ella, Jace and Camden Limb; Grayson, Lincoln and Evelyn Sullivan; Lynne Maw and Cyrus Hodson. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Claudia, sister Betty Watts and brother-in-law Dick Watts. The family is grateful for the care Dick received from Willow Springs, his caregivers, Hospice and many friends. He is greatly loved and will be deeply missed. A Memorial honoring the life of Dick Potter will be held at 11:00 A.M., February 22,2025 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 808 S. Magnolia St. in Ellensburg, WA. In lieu of flowers and gifts, please direct donations to the KVH Hospice1506 E Radio Rd. Ellensburg, WA 98926 Ellensburg, WA 98926-9589