Arthur D. Potter Sr

Arthur D. Potter Sr., 70, of Columbia, passed away Sunday Dec. 18, 2005 at Windham Hospital. He was born Feb. 7, 1935 in Mansfield, the son of Charles Potter and Gertrude Potter-Cornell. Arthur retired from Connecticut Light and Power Co. in 1990 after 31 years of employment. He was a member of North Windham Volunteer Fire Dept., the Rotary Club in East Hampton and the New England Trail Riders Assoc. (NETRA). He enjoyed the outdoors, sailing, motorcycling, antique cars and deep sea fishing. He was an avid fan of UConn Women s Basketball and NASCAR. Art leaves behind his loving wife of 49 years, Helene M. (Shirshac) Potter of Columbia, 2 sons , Arthur D. Potter Jr. and his wife Andrea of East Haddam and Thomas C. Potter and his wife Maryann of Columbia; 4 grandchildren, Aric and Adam Potter of East Haddam and Jacob and Sarah Potter of Columbia. He was predeceased by a son Michael H. Potter of N. Windham. He also leaves behind 2 brothers, George and Bruce Potter, 2 sisters, Arline Cripe and Ruth Cornell Adams. Art was a member of a large and dynamic family leaving behind many step brothers and step sisters as well. Art started as a lineman for CL&P in 1959 in Willimantic and furthered his education at night at Hartford State Technical College while being a busy father and husband. Art received a degree in electrical engineering, was promoted to the Engineering Dept. at CL&P and transferred to their East Hampton office where he also relocated his growing family. They called East Hampton their home for many years during which they also enjoyed the purchase of a summer cottage in Mystic, mere steps to the ocean. Here his interest in deep sea fishing and boating blossomed, which he shared with family and friends. Arthur was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a true blue friend, always there to save the day or the occasional flooded cellar. He was loving, playful, dependable and honest. His family will receive friends at the Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic on Wednesday between 6:00 and 8:00pm. His funeral service will be held on Thursday at 1:30pm at the First Congregational Church of Coventry, Rte, 31, Coventry, with the Rev. Dr. Bruce Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary s Cemetery, Coventry. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name may be made to a charity of the donor s choice. For online memorials, please visit www.potterfh.com .