Gary Alan Potter, 70, passed away on 4 Oct 17 at Kaweah Delta Hospital in Visalia, CA following a battle with lung cancer.
Gary was a long-time resident of Three Rivers, CA where he had resided for nearly 40 years. Gary was born in Faulkton, SD 19 Aug 47 before moving to Porterville, CA at an early age with his parents Claire and Gwen Potter. He attended St Anne’s elementary school and later Porterville High School.
Gary enlisted in the United States Army in 1967 and was graduated flight school in Fort Rucker, AL. Gary served two tours of duty in the Vietnam Conflict where he served as an Aeromedical Evacuation (DUSTOFF) Pilot. Upon his discharge from the active duty Army in 1970, Gary continued flying helicopters for the California Army National Guard and several civilian companies. Gary also founded Potters Porta-Potties and was frequently seen throughout the central valley in one of his namesake trucks.
Gary was a devout Roman Catholic and served in many capacities in several Catholic Parishes. On 21 Sep 85 Gary married the former Katherine Quinn of Bakersfield, CA and they began building the Potters current home on North Fork Drive. Their children; James, Therese, Joseph, and Marie were all raised in Three Rivers.
Gary was a friend to all and was legendary for his sense of humor. He was also well known as a man of strong convictions who would always do what he thought was right.