Obituary of Ronald John Potter

Surrounded by his family, Ron passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on Thursday, September 15th, 2016 at University Hospital, as a result of a pulmonary embolism. Cherished husband of Judith (nèe Snyder) for 58 years. Ron and Judy moved to London from West Toronto in 1965 and have lived in their home on Hunt Club Drive since that day. Proud and loving father of sons, Chris (Karen) and Tim (Jill), and daughter Robin (Neil McDougall). Caring and forever entertaining Grandpa of Jesse, Quinn, Claire, Gray, Logan, Brady, Callum and Shea. Ron is survived by his only brother Richard (Norma) Potter. Ron was born on February 13th, 1933 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. Ron was a leader. He was a teammate, coach, employer, mentor and motivator. His kind, confidence building approach benefitted everyone who knew him. Ron is remembered as stylish and a true gentleman. He was a gifted athlete excelling in football in particular. Drafted out of high school by the Toronto Argonauts and ultimately winning Canadian championship titles with the KW Dutchmen of the Sr. ORFU. His coaching titles included a Canadian Championship as Head Coach of Toronto’s 1964 undefeated East York Argonauts. He was head coach of The London Lords 1965/66 and acted as defensive line/linebacker coach for the Western Mustangs Football team from 1965/73. Garnering him a CIAU championship ring as a coach of the 1971 team. Honorary officer and twice president of the UWO W club, Ron was inducted into the UWO Sports Hall of Fame in 2000 as a builder. Ron worked with London Life for 35 years. Beginning in January 1963, the majority of those years spent as Regional Manager of the London Central Agency. His legacy may well be most established as the result of the countless hours of time he donated to charity. Ron was awarded the Gov’t of Canada’s Canadian Volunteer Award. He gave 30 years of service to the Canadian Cancer Society, acting as National President in 1995/96. As the Ontario campaign chair he was responsible for Terry Fox and his run in Ontario. Spending time with Terry and Darrel Fox on Terry’s Journey of Hope. Ron is the recipient of the 125th Anniversary Confederation Medal and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal. In 2009, he received the Dr. Ivan Smith Award, Alumni Western’s highest tribute. The Potter family would like to gratefully acknowledge those who cared for Ron in the Intensive Care Unit of University Hospital. A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at the Windermere Manor, 200 Collip Circle, London, on Saturday, September 24th, 2016 with visitation from 2:00-4:00 p.m. followed by the celebration at 4:00 p.m. The family welcomes written thoughts, memories or photos as a keepsake. Donations can be made to the Ron Potter Athletic Scholarship Fund at Western University, Advancement Services, 1151 Richmond Street, Westminster Hall, Suite 260, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, the Alzheimer Society London and Middlesex or the charity of your choice. We already miss him, and his wonderful sense of humour.