Donald Leroy Potter passed away from complications of lung cancer on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at the age of 81, at his home in Glasgow, Montana.
Donald Potter was born on June 15, 1938 to Orville and Rowena (Rice) Potter, in Glasgow, Montana. They lived in Wheeler, Montana where Orville worked as a welder on the dredge; something that always made Don proud. In 1940 they moved to Ogallala, Nebraska and then to Portland where Orville worked on the Kingsley Dam on the North Platte River in Nebraska, and the dredges along the Columbia River.
In 1945 they returned to Glasgow. Don loved spending time on the farm along the Milk River with grandparents, Fred and Jenny Potter. Living with his Uncle Dave Rice and family for a short time while working on their farm was a very enjoyable time of his life. It was during this time that Don developed his love for the outdoors and agriculture. So much so, that every one of his grandkids can recite at least one story from that chapter in his life.
Don completed all his schooling in the Glasgow school system, graduating from Glasgow High School in 1956. His extracurricular activities included playing in the marching band and singing in the choir. While going to school, and after graduation, Don worked as a mechanic at Markle’s Implement.
Following his high school graduation Don bought a pink and black 1948 pan head Harley Davidson motorcycle, with a hand shifter. He, along with Darrell and Lee Blatter, Les Truebell, Johnny Beardsley, Chet Birkland, and others did a lot of riding together, including an impromptu ride in the Wolf Point Stamped parade. It’s been said that getting to ride with him was a big deal.
Don met Margaret Riley, through mutual friends and Margaret’s brothers. They married six months after their first date, on November 23, 1958, and recently celebrated their 61st anniversary with a quiet dinner in their home with family. They raised three children. Veronda was born in 1960, Sue was born in 1962 and Ron was born in 1963.
In 1965, Don relocated the family to Kalispell where he worked for the International truck dealership. After a short time they returned to Glasgow and Markle’s Implement as shop foreman. In 1972, he along with his Dad and brother, established Town and Ranch Servicenter, a farm implement dealership, in Glasgow. They sold Steiger Tractors as well as Owatonna and Will-Rich farm equipment. Don enjoyed his association with Scotty Aitken, Lyle Nelson, Johnny Bellon, and Ingrahm Bellon. Later, the business was named Prairie Ag at which time they sold John Deere Implements. Don seemed to “retire” several times before retiring for good.
Don’s hobbies included spending time with family, fishing, photography, woodworking, racquetball, playing cribbage and worrying about family members. Don loved playing racquetball with a group of men who played during their lunch hour and travelled the state to many tournaments.
The family spent numerous enjoyable weekends each year at Duck Creek or The Pines camping, boating, swimming, skiing, and spending time as a family. Don and Margaret made it a priority to take the family on an annual vacation. It usually included extended family and camping. Don always took time for his family and was interested in all they did.
Don especially loved his grandkids and was so very proud of each one of them; Julia, Brady, Megan, Jonathan, Rowena and Olivia. He and Margaret rarely missed a ballgame, track meet or rodeo. They took the grandkids on many camping trips during the summer visiting the national parks, Mount Rushmore, and family reunions in Canada. The grandkids delight in retelling stories of these fun trips.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter Julia Funk; Margaret’s parents, Ernest and Julia Riley; brother-in-law and good friend, Doyle Riley, and sister-in-law, Sharon Ozark.
Don is survived by his wife of 61 years, Margaret; brothers Bob (Joyce) Potter of Glasgow, Dick (Linda) Potter of Laurel; children Veronda (Craig) Biggart of Cascade, Sue (Shawn) FitzGerald of Jordan, and Ron (Deb) Potter of Glasgow; grandkids Brady (Matt) Brooks, Megan (Dustin) Pankratz, Jonathan (Courtney) FitzGerald, Rowena FitzGerald, Olivia FitzGerald, Nick (Kelsie) Stamper and Jenna Stamper and Jeremy Henderson; great-grandkids Cooper, Wylie, and Augustus Pankratz; Bridger & Houston Brooks; Taryn & Landon FitzGerald; Sophia & Carson Stamper; numerous nieces and nephews; caregiver and friend, Virgie ‘Izzy’ Abanes.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday January 10, 2020
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Ave. So.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday January 11, 2020
First United Methodist Church
500 1st Ave. N.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Celebration of His Life
12:00 p.m.
Saturday January 11, 2020
Elk's Club
309 2nd Ave. S.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday January 10, 2020
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Ave. So.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday January 11, 2020
First United Methodist Church
500 1st Ave. N.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Celebration of His Life
12:00 p.m.
Saturday January 11, 2020
Elk's Club
309 2nd Ave. S.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
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Howard Pippin says
A very good friend
Cathy and John Mc Keever says
Sue and Family we are sad to hear about your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. John and Cathy McKeever
Carolyn Bachtold says
So sorry to hear of Don’s death. I always enjoyed visiting with him. Thoughts and prayers for the family! Cherish the memories!
Nedra J Vander Vorste says
Sue and Shawn!
I am so sorry to read of your dad passing! Just know that he really didn’t want to leave his family, but Jesus saw that he was suffering, and getting tired! You will all see him again! May Jesus soften your sorrow, and console you at this time! Nedra Vander Vorste
Denise Forbes / Kegel says
We always talked about the Green Bay Packers, I will miss his smile.
Marisa Brockmier says
So sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Anne Boothe says
Veronda and girls, so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed reading his life story and know that you have many wonderful memories. Your are in my prayers, may God bless you all.
Anne, Dave and Kris
Anne Boothe says
Veronda and girls,
So sorry to hear about your dad and grandpa. I enjoyed reading his life story and know you will treasure all the memories. May God bless you now and in the days to come.
Anne, Dave and Kris Boothe
Nancy says
Margaret and family,
I just learned of Don’s passing and am so, so sorry to hear the news. Don was a great friend to so many people.
I always enjoyed talking to him and you Margaret. You both are special people and Don will be missed by so many
friends and of course his family. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love to you all!
Nancy Lierow
Ken and Connie James says
Our thoughts and prayers for your family. Whenever I saw Don he was smiling, he was a nice man.
Leanne Belbeck says
To Margret and your family
From all of our family our deepest condolences to you all
Don was a great guy, always with the biggest smile on his face
We are all thinking of you at this sad time
Leanne Belbeck and siblings and our mom, Fay Belbeck
Family of Hal Belbeck
Kathy Riley says
So many happy fun memories with You & Margaret & Doyle. I’m sure he met you at the pearly gates with a new joke & big smile! You are with all your loved ones who have gone ahead. Much love to all. 💜💜💜
Rod & Lorri Coulter says
We will always remember what a kind and friendly man Don was. Are prayers are with all of you.
Cecelia Mann & sons - Doug & Scott says
Margaret & families
So sorry for your loss. Love & Prayers.
Margaret Demarais says
Thinking of you all during this time of sorrow. Don will be missed however not be forgotten. He touched many life’s, his memory will still live on through his family and friends. He was such a fun, loving, joking, and big hearted person. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
With love Margaret Demarais💜
Kathleen Fuhrman says
DEAR Margaret and family, I have prayed for Don and you, his family, during his struggles with cancer and now I continue to pray for God to help with comfort and peace for your broken hearts. Don was a man with a very big and good kind heart!!! He was already God’s Angel here on earth. He helped others unconditionally!!! It’s hard to find enough right words…. He will be missed by me! I’m only a phone call away Margaret. Much love and many hugs, Kathy Fuhrman