February 22, 1938 – January 22, 2024

Samuel Gillespie Potter passed away peacefully on January 22 while residing at Gemstone. He leaves behind his family that meant the world to him; his loving wife of 55 years, Eleanor, daughters; Elizabeth and Leanore. His grandson Broughton, who meant the world to him along with his wife Sarah, all our pets that he enjoyed so much, Dexter, Clover and Oliver.

Dad, Papa, Sam, Sammy, Shamrock, Mr. Potter to those that knew him, was born February 22, 1938, in Aughnacloy, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland.

He came to Canada in 1965. Arriving to his Uncle Jim’s in Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan. He loved working on his cousin’s farm. The best story was giving everyone a good laugh, when being told to catch a skunk which turned into a stinky surprise for him (he didn’t know of them in Ireland). From there he headed to Kamloops and worked in portable sawmills.

Then he met his true love, Eleanor, in February of 1969 and with a wiggle of her finger he was hers. They were engaged in May and married in August of that same year. Mom said if she had to do it all over again, she would. He was a good man who looked after and provided well for his family.

In the fall of 1970, they went back to Northern Ireland for a few years, bringing with them their first daughter. They returned to Canada residing in Vancouver briefly where he worked at Bay Lumber (sawmill) and managed an apartment block with Mom before returning to Kamloops.

They bought their first home in Westmount before the birth of their second daughter, then moved to their dream home in Brocklehurst where he enjoyed the large yard.

He took pride growing fruits and vegetables which they preserved to provide for his family over the winter months. He also enjoyed sharing his produce with family, friends, and neighbors.

Retiring from Domtar (Weyerhaeuser) in January of 1999 gave him more time to enjoy his home and family.

He loved puttering away in his garage and doing renos to the house. He was always willing to give a helping hand to his neighbors and friends whether it be fixing something, lending a tool, building a fence, shoveling driveways, etc.

We enjoyed playing cards with him and were still able to up until the past year or so. Dementia never stopped him from knowing what you had played and beating us at 31. He got a kick out of winning and it was always great to hear him chuckle about it!

Like he would always tell us; God bless, watch out for the other guy and don’t take any wooden nickels. We will miss him very much.

Gathering of family and friends will be held at his home, 2311 Moody Ave. in Kamloops Saturday, February 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This will be an open house, nothing formal. Come and go as you please to share stories and memories with us.

You may offer a message of condolence at Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services for the Potter family.

• Date : 2024-01-22
• Location : Kamloops