POTTER, Philip
Philip George Potter, beloved husband, father, and grandfather went to be with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on August 27, 2019, at the age of 85. At the time he was residing at Kirkland Lake Extendicare. Born March 26, 1934, to homesteading parents, William and Lily Potter, Phil spent his life living in Beauchamp township, west of Earlton. In 1958 he married Helen Fergusson, and for the next 61 years they lived happily, serving God, raising a family, and making a living. At the age of 20 Phil realized he was a sinner in need of God’s grace, and accepted God’s gift of salvation through his son Jesus Christ. His life focus was living for Christ: reading the Bible and praying after each meal, meeting with the Christians who gather at the Earlton Gospel Hall, or telling others of his Saviour’s love. He served as an elder for many years in the Earlton assembly. Phil had several careers, including truck driver hauling logs to the Spruce Falls Paper Mill at Kapuskasing; crane operator with Wabi Iron & Steel, New Liskeard; truck driver, Adam’s Mine, Kirkland Lake; and school bus driver for Kerr & Houghton Bus Lines, later Willard Bus Lines. However, always there was farming. As owner of Golden Meadow Farms, he raised pedigree beef cattle and crops. He was one of the first to grow trefoil in Temiskaming, as well as raising prize winning Charolais beef cattle. He was a founding member of the Up North Charolais Breeders, the Temiskaming Beef Herd Improvement Club, and active in many farm organizations locally. He delighted in good crops, and planting trees as the opportunity arose. Family and friends always came first. He enjoyed playing baseball, road hockey, football and table tennis with his children, plus the neighbourhood kids who hung out at their home. He welcomed friends who dropped in to play games or visit. When he had time, he would fish and hunt, taking in the solitude of the beautiful north. Phil is survived by his wife Helen, his son Paul (Lorraine,) Barry (Liz,) and daughter Marilyn, as well as 7 grandchildren: Hilary and Nicholas (Paul), Wayne and Wendy (Marilyn), and Emily, Wyatt, and Sally (Barry.) He is pre-deceased by his daughter, Gwen, his brother John, and sisters Mary, Eileen, and Helen. Funeral arrangements are by McDonald Funeral Home Ltd., Englehart. Visitation: Thursday, August 29, 7-9 p.m. McDonald Funeral Home, 46 4th Ave, Englehart, ON Friday, August 30, 9:45-10:45 a.m. McDonald Funeral Home, Englehart Funeral Service: Friday, 11 a.m. Good Shepherd Church, 139 2nd Ave W, conducted by his good friends Stan Fergusson and Larry Pratt. Philip will be laid to rest at the Earlton Gospel Hall Cemetery, at 2 p.m. Friday. In memory contributions to the Earlton Gospel Hall Cemetery registered charity, a lifelong care of Philâ€s, will be gratefully acknowledged. Condolences, contributions and memorial candles may be left at www.mcdonaldfuneralhome.ca
Write your sympathies or tribute