August 12, 2022
“You give me hope and consolation. You give me strength to carry on. You’re always there to lend a hand. And when you smile the world is brighter. That’s the wonder, The wonder of you.”
It would not be a celebration of Daniel Potter-also known as Danny, Pottsey, The Gov, dandeli, and Grandpa-without a little Elvis.
When my Dad smiled, the world was brighter. And he had lots of different smiles-the incredulous smirk; the gigantic one that accompanied his boisterous, contagious, bellowing laugh; and the one most photographed over the years, what we affectionately call his goofy grin.
What made my Dad smile? Outdoor adventures and nature, especially birds and fish. Playing golf. Playing cards. Watching the Huskers and Chiefs. Singing. Visiting grocery stores. And above all, nothing made him smile more than his family and friends.
My Dad epitomized the work hard, play hard mantra. He was a patient man, never in a rush. Never. School hours, practice and game times were merely suggestions to him. He called the addition he built onto our home Rome because, in his defense, it was not built in a day. In fact, it took him about 5,000 days. But he did it.
He was blessed with so many talents and gifts; perhaps the greatest gift of all was his faith and belief that all things are possible with God. I mean, let’s be honest, he did marry my mom! He taught us that family is rooted in faith and that there is nothing more important than family. Leading in action, he showed us how to look out for each other, take care of each other, and give of yourself to others. Make time for people, embrace life in the moment, and tell the stories of your loved ones to all that will listen.
Oh and he could tell a story. In fact, most of you are convinced that his six children and nine grandchildren can walk on water, create world peace, and bring home Olympic Gold medals. I hope that you never tried to challenge his stories or engage in a disagreement of any sorts. Those were very tough battles to win.
A fierce competitor, Dad played all sports growing up. He was proud of his four-year championship run with the Wayne Transfer youth baseball club and of his Holy Name basketball team. Scorecards for my Dad were different. In basketball, he was not impressed with points, he wanted to know how many rebounds you got and how many fouls you used. If you did not use all five, you did not play hard enough.
He taught us how to play cards, how to play sports and how to compete. He also taught us how to run backwards. A dandeli special.
Dad made us work harder than everyone else, practice longer, and focus on fundamentals. While you cannot teach talent, he knew you could level the playing field if you do these things consistently. Again, his scorecard was different. During my track and field days, I felt like I accomplished something by winning gold medals.
Not Dad. Was it your personal best? How much did you win by? In his eyes, there was always room to do better.
This did not apply only to sports. When I earned all As, he asked me why I did not earn all A+s. And so I did. He set the bar high for us because he believed that if he and Mom provided us with the right opportunities, we could overcome barriers and accomplish anything. His greatest gifts to me? Self-confidence and a voice. He made me believe that I belong anywhere I want to be and to always speak my mind. Be a good person, act with integrity and any door will open for you.
Dad was a dreamer, a teacher, and a creator. After learning the ropes of the grocery business as a deli buyer, he aspired to own a business like his father did. In 1996, he launched dandeli Specialty Foods, carving out a niche by providing specialty deli items to grocery stores throughout the Midwest. Dad loved visiting stores in small towns. He was not a salesman out to close a deal, he visited with the owners to learn about the town, the customers, and their unique needs. Dad made friends wherever he went; in fact he earned the nickname Mayor because while driving through a small town in Minnesota with my brothers and John & Marci, everyone there knew him.
Gene later elevated this famous moniker to The Gov as Mayor was just not grand enough.
The consistent words that people have shared with us about our Dad? Kind, caring, thoughtful. How could you ask for a better legacy?
Dad we will miss your curiosity; the adventures you took us on; your exuberant whistling; the way you rock out in the car slapping our knees to the beat; your spectacular backyard picnics and firework shows; your obsession with weekly ad circulars and refusal to pay any asking price; your particular taste in food and need for toothpicks; and how you loved and took care of your siblings, your friends, your children, grandchildren and above all, Mom.
We will never forget the strength and fortitude you showed us throughout your courageous, heroic battle with cancer. We love the life you created for us and promise to take care of Mom.
As you took your last breaths, you shared several smiles with us. We know these smiles were greetings to your loved ones and a sign to us that you are safe and at peace.
Even in those final moments, you made the world brighter with your smile. And that is the wonder, the wonder of you.
