Robert “Bud” Potter

On Wednesday, May 6, 2015 the angels came and tucked our sweet little Bud into their pocket, and his long awaited journey was complete as he was once again reunited with his beloved Bea.  How does one condense 94 years of life, but we will provide a short synopsis and look forward to visiting in person about any stories you may wish to share.

Robert V. Potter was born December 19, 1920 in Valley County to Fred and Jennie Potter. The family lived in various areas of Valley County, and eventually settled along the Milk River west of Glasgow.  Bud attended Glasgow schools, including the Glasgow Vocational School that offered auto-mechanics, welding, and machine-lathe work and he graduated from GHS.  Bud utilized these trades throughout his life, including when he and his brother worked in the shipyards in Seattle.

Bud and his younger brother Harold took over the family farm/ranch and were partners for several years, as they raised cattle, farmed and put up hay for the livestock.  His nieces and nephews had the benefit of learning farm and ranch work, from Uncle Bud, including driving tractors and pick-ups around the fields.   The brothers were quite handy at fixing things and also helped the neighbors whenever they could.  He enjoyed hunting deer in south Valley County and Elk by Glacier Park, with his brothers and nephews for many years.

A bachelor for many years, Bud finally found the love of his life, and after a few years of “courting” he and Bea were married January 31, 1981.  They were the best thing that happened to each other and enjoyed 21 years of happiness until her death in 2002.  With Bea by his side, they had fun snowmobiling, attending social events, rodeos, pow-wows, Class C basketball tournaments, and enjoyed all of their family gatherings.  With their strong marriage, they also took on the task of raising their grandson, Ted.  Even after Bea’s passing, Grandpa made certain that Ted completed his high school education, and cared for him until he could no longer, when in 2013 Bud moved to Valley View.  Although he would never want to be a burden on anyone and would have preferred to leave this world much sooner, he very much appreciated all of the compassionate care he received from the staff who had the opportunity to enjoy his politeness and twinkling blue eyes.

Bud was pretty much a lifelong member of the Odd Fellows, and was the secretary for as many years as anyone can remember.  He was also a member of the Laura Rebekah Lodge, and with his encouragement Bea also joined and he was very proud when she became Vice President of the Assembly of Montana, and eventually would have served as President had cancer not taken her life.   Bud also stood by her side and contributed much time and energy towards maintaining the Valley County Food Bank.

It was time for the next generation to take over, so in 1996 Bea and Bud purchased a home in town, and sold their farm to nephews, Tim and Lloyd.  Although now a city guy, Bud managed to stay busy taking care of the house, raising a garden and puttering in his shop.  Most people remember Bud and Ted around town as they had their weekly schedule for grocery shopping, McDonalds, Eugenes, Taco Shack and Shopko.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife Bea; sister Dorothy; and brothers, Orville, Thurman and Harold; He is survived by his grandson, Ted; and his many Potter nieces and nephews.  Also surviving are the Mason kids and their families, who adopted Uncle Bud and were honored to have him attend their many family events and privileged that he participated in their milestones.

Funeral services will be Saturday, May 16th, at 1:00 at the United Methodist Church in Glasgow, with burial to follow in Highland Cemetery.

Service Schedule

Burial

1:00 PM

Saturday May 16, 2015

United Methodist Church

500 1st Ave North

Glasgow, MT 59230

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