age: 80 years
Hey Dad,
I know you’ve only been gone a short time, and as your son, I’ve been tasked with writing your obituary. It seems that this is truly one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, so I thought I’d write you a letter and share this with everyone.
When you passed away at the Hogarth Transitional unit on April 1st, 2026, Mom (Heather) and I were by your side. You had always asked me to play my guitar and sing “Bye Bye Blackbird” to you when the time came for you to pass. I want you to know that even though I cried through the words of that song and many others, it really helped to know that it meant so much to you.
Dad, I know you were in pain and suffered a lot in your remaining years, and I was so proud that you struggled through and always put Mom first. Mom held your hand and never left your side as the time came for you to go, and even though I know you always knew this, I learned what true love and devotion are from watching her be so strong and supportive as you left us. You were married for 61 years, and I know you loved her more than life itself.
Your grandsons, Maxwell Potvin (Hannah Green), Benjamin Potvin (Saoirse Daly), Samuel Potvin, Logan Potvin (Sam Busche), granddaughter Sabrina Potvin, great grandson Cillian, siblings Alice Ward, Emil Potvin (Ann), Yvonne Fraser (Les), Arthur Potvin (Barb), Mary Ann Erickson, Daniel Potvin (Lenore), Rosemary Hall, Jerry Potvin, Jimmy Potvin (Debbie), daughter Lorilei Potvin-McIvor and all your nieces and nephews are missing you… I know you’d tell us all not to be sad and to rejoice because you were going to meet all those who you loved and had passed away before you. In my head, I can see you surrounded by your father Eugene, your mother Blondine, your brothers Gene, Albert, Julian, Philip, Edward, Joseph, your sister Elizabeth, your grandson Justin, your mother-in-law Margaret Ford, your brothers-in-law Buster Balcom and Jerry Ward, as well as the many great friends you had made throughout your life. I’m sure Auntie Fern (Favot) greeted you at St. Peter’s gate with a lovely plate of lasagna and a glass of red wine. My only regret is that I am not there to sing and play music for this party; it would truly be the greatest gig of my life.
I know if you were here today, you’d like to thank all the great people who continued to visit or call with support. I’d especially like to say thanks to your brother Jimmy and his wife Debbie, Deb Hodgson & Ted Vescio, John Atwood, grandsons Max and Sam, my wife Joy-Inga, your brothers and their wives Emil and Ann, Art and Barb and friend Hal Brindley. The Nursing staff at the Hogarth Transitional Unit deserve a special mention because they did a great job keeping you comfortable. It was hard to watch you go, but these folks were always there offering support to the end.
Father, you were a man of principles, morals and convictions; your long career in the insurance/investments industry exemplified this. When I took a job at London Life and got to work with you, I learned how respected you were by your peers and aspired to be like you in my chosen path. I was so proud of you when you became the president of the United Way. I was even more proud of your being the president of the Three C’s Reintroduction Centre and of your work to get the Thunder Bay Seaway Non-Profit Apartments built. You always believed that everybody needs a second chance and a helping hand. These were not just words you spoke, but they were actions/outcomes that you made happen, and in my eyes, this made you a great man. The world could really use more people like you.
It really hurts to say goodbye, but I know you had to go. I don’t want you to worry about anything here; we will all be thinking about you, and I have your back. We are going to celebrate your life with your family and friends at a later date, but for the time being, I know you are in a good place and finally free from pain. I look forward to the day when I can sing and play Bye Bye Blackbird for you again.
Love Your Son
Mark
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
