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On Thursday, March 12, 2026, at his home, George Potter passed away at the age of 83. Born April 10, 1942, George is survived by his beloved wife, Joan, of 43 years. Cherished father of Lynne Helwig, Carrie Wernert (Robert), and step-father of Jennifer McKeage (James), and Colleen Mormino (Dan). Proud grandfather of Alex, Caitlin (Jordan), Sarah, Paige (Shane), Mitchell, Aidan (Allie), Brendan, Sara, Dan and great-grandfather to Hayden and Nathaniel. Dear brother of Genevieve, Thomas (Toni) and John (Judy). Loved uncle of many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents William and Georgina, and by his siblings David, Agnes, and Bob.
George was the 5th of seven children. Following the death of his father in 1946, his mother took the family to Mooseheart, Illinois. His father had been the member of the Loyal order of Moose in Sarnia which supported a home called Mooseheart for the children of deceased members. George made many lifelong friends at Mooseheart and travelled back for Homecoming many times and remained in contact with some of his classmates until he passed. While at Mooseheart he learned to play the flute and used this knowledge to teach himself Irish tin whistle which he played often and into his last days.
After leaving Mooseheart, he returned to Sarnia for the rest of his life. He attended S.C.I.T.S. High school and worked many jobs including delivering groceries on a bicycle and setting pins at a bowling alley. He was then hired by Polysar, and its successors at which he spent the remainder of his career as a technician in their quality control lab.
George and Joan were married in September 1984. They attended Grace United Church in Sarnia until COVID and ill health prevented them from continuing. He absolutely LOVED fishing, always being very secretive about any great spots he had found. He also enjoyed making (and drinking and sharing) wine from the rhubarb he grew and blueberries and elderberries scrounged from other secret locations. Family gatherings always included a friendly wine competition with his two brothers, Dave and,John. George was also a passionate gardener, particularly at his home on Elizabeth Street, where he traditionally dug the last carrot crop on Christmas Day.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of George’s life will be held at Smith Family Centre, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to Canadian Cancer Society (cheques only at the funeral home please).
