Robert F. Potts

   Few are fortunate enough to live to be 88 years old. Robert Frank Potts was among the lucky few, and was aware of his good fortune each and every day of his life.  Robert was the youngest of six children born to Mary and Ray Potts. Robert “Bob” Potts was preceded in death by these five siblings: his best friend and brother Jerry Potts, his dear brother John, sisters Francis, Helen and Alice.

   Robert's loving nature was exemplified by the care he gave Sally, his wife of 33 years, when she fell gravely ill in 2003. Their marriage was filled with adventurous travel, laughter, golf, and cribbage, just to name a few. They shared a love of musical theatre, and met in a local production of the Shakespeare spin-off comedy “Romanoff and Juliette”.  

   The theatre was truly Robert's calling. A trip to the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre will show this as “Bob's” picture is featured in many of the framed photo scenes that adorn the lobby walls.  The list of shows he was in is too extensive for this obituary as he performed in productions by Circle, Jewish and many other theatre groups. His last role was arguably his greatest.  Robert was cast as the lead character, “Morris Applebaum” in the Jewish Theater production of “Checking Out”, a dark comedy about an old famous actor who plans suicide after a huge good-bye party, rather than experience the horrors of extreme old age.  How did this once shy, bashful boy find a love of the spotlight? Robert credits his old teacher, Millie Whalen of Thornapple High in Middleville where he grew up.

   Mr. Potts was a Veteran. He was drafted into the Army after putting himself through a year at MSU and later graduating from Davenport Business College in their Executive accounting course. Robert served in Austria as Assistant Provost Sergeant in the 67th Military Police Division. “I loved my tour of duty...the food was excellent” he often remarked.

   Robert was anxious to return home to begin his career. He soon was hired at Morrison Industrial Equipment Company, established for only about 8 months at the time.  Robert crunched their numbers through growth of 13 employees to over 300, from 1 to 14 locations, and the reorganizing of one company into six. This included the transition to the use of computers. He retired in 1993, and this made time for his great passion for gardening.

   Robert Potts was an active member of the Fountain Street Church, where he sang in the choir for at least 30 years.  He was deeply moved and inspired by Dr. Duncan Littlefair, who was a brilliant philosopher and orator at Fountain Street in those days.

   Robert was survived by so many: loving son Jason (Jennifer) Potts, grandchildren Cylas and Ava, true friend and nephew Fred Schad, and all his nieces and nephews, and True Love, Diane Hammerman.  If all the world is a stage, the world is a better one for having such a brilliant, kind, witty, unique and talented man walk upon it.

    A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, January 14th, at 3pm at Fountain Street Church.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the ASPCA, Sierra Club or the Grand Rapids Theatre.

 Service Information