Obituary of Donald Angus Potts

Donald Angus Potts was born September 27, 1950, Shellbrook, SK and passed away April 13, 2024, Prince Albert, SK at the age of 73 years.

Donald took all his schooling in Shell Lake. Upon completing grade 10 he chose to farm full-time with his parents, Walter, and Olive Potts. Farming became his lifelong career. He preferred spending time with his cattle and horses to pulling wrenches and trying to fix finicky machinery.

He met his future wife, Linda, (Selsey), in 1973. She had recently moved to the community to teach school. They were married November 2, 1974. Four children followed: Audra in August 1975, Bruce, December 1976, Brent, August 1980, and Rosemarie in April of 1983. 

Donald lived in and around Shell Lake throughout his farming years. As his health failed him, he reluctantly moved to long term care in Spiritwood in January 2024.

While at school he enjoyed playing softball, but extracurricular activities were out of the question due to long bus rides and many chores at home.

He spent many hours with his trusty horse, Flash, riding to the neighbors, chasing cows or going to a rodeo. He was very proud that he had her trained to load by having her jump up into the truck box and jump down at their destination. Once his children were old enough to ride, he took the family on all day trail rides, leaving for the Allan Lockhart farm at 8:30 am and arriving home at 8:30 pm. We saw a lot of beautiful country on those rides. He also hosted several 4-H trail rides and poker rallies when his children were 4-H members. When riding became too physically demanding, he hitched up Babe and Lady, driving the trails instead. One overnight drive took him to Debden and Keg Lake. Each July he would either ride with his family from home or drive the team and wagon to the annual Hey Days parade in Shell Lake. He either rode or drove home afterwards. Many years he would say, the day before, “I don’t think I’ll be going to the parade this year. That hay across the road will be ready to bale!” Linda would just stay quiet and make sure everything was ready because we usually had showers the night before. Sure enough, morning would come, hay was too damp to bale, so off we went!

Donald passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, April 13, 2024.

Donald is lovingly remembered by his wife: Linda, his children and grandchildren: Audra (Marty) of Lloydminster, SK and children: Deandra, Cameron, and Evan, Bruce (Shelly) of North Battleford, SK and children: Riley, Kaylyn and Madison, Brent of Prince Albert, SK, Rosemarie (Clayton) of Shell Lake, SK and children: Lauren and Amaya, his siblings: Clara of Shellbrook, SK, Barry of Shellbrook, SK, Greg (Sandra) of Shell Lake, SK, his sisters-in-law: Nita and Bev (Russ), his aunt: Verna Creary also numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He is predeceased by his parents: Walter and Olive Potts, his grandson: Michael Williamson, his parents-in-law: Fred and Betty Selsey, his brothers-in-law: Clifton Brown and Boyd Wilson, his nephew: Armand Brown.

A funeral service to celebrate Don’s life was held Sunday, April 21, 2024 - 2:00 pm in the Lions Community Hall, Shell Lake, SK with Delores Beaulac and Pastor Sarah Urano officiating.  The eulogy was given by Don’s son-in-law Marty Lammle.

Honorary pallbearers were considered “Everyone who shared in Donald’s life” and the urn bearers were Don’s sons: Bruce Potts and Brent Potts.

Memorial donations may be made to Partners in Worship, Shell Lake, SK in memory of Don Potts as tokens of remembrance.

Interment will take place at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, R. Mark Muir Funeral Director, Spiritwood, SK (306) 883-3500.