Paul Potter

Paul Wesley Potter of Grand Rapids, 74, passed away April 3, 2018 at his home.  Mr. Potter was born January 17, 1944 in Mount Clemens, Michigan.  Raised in a public housing project in the Detroit area, he was self-educated and started working at the age of 14. He was an East Detroit Shamrock that spent much of his youth drag racing down Woodward Ave.  In 1967, Paul was called to serve his country as a combat veteran for the 9th Division Infantry of the U.S. Army where he earned a Combat Infantryman Badge.  After his service in Vietnam and later with the U.S. Maximum Security Agency in Korea, Paul began his long and successful career with Detroit Edison that spanned 35 years where with hard work and determination he worked his way from janitor to President of Syndeco, a subsidiary of DTE.  However, it is his dedication to his brothers and sisters in the armed services that would shape his legacy.  Several veteran’s organizations benefited from Paul’s voice and experience through his appointment by Governor Snyder to the Michigan Veteran’s Facility Board, as Chairman of the Kent County Veteran’s Board and as President of the West Michigan Alliance for Veterans.  As a lifelong resident of Michigan, Paul felt very strongly about his community and was passionate about contributing his time and talents to many civic and charitable organizations.  Paul is survived by his wife of 17 years, Margaret Evert Potter; son Scott, daughter Christine Fontanin (Edward); stepson Michael Byington; stepdaughter Connie Passejna (Paul); Brother Marty (Diane); sister Linda Rakowski (Jerry); Grandchildren Andrew, Bianca, Alexander, Esther, Quinn, Allison and Evelyn. He was preceded in death by parents Elmer and Rita (Atkins) Potter; Brother Douglas.  Visitation is at Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, on Sunday, April 8 from 2-5pm.  Visitation will be held from 10:00am-11:00am preceding Mass which will be celebrated in his honor at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 156 Valley Ave SW, Grand Rapids, on Monday, April 9, at 11:00 am.  Donations are requested to be sent to West Michigan Alliance for Veterans, P.O. Box 140886, Grand Rapids, 49514.  The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Mike Farage and all the wonderful friends that have been of tremendous help and support over the last several months.

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