February 11, 1957 - May 06, 2017
Don passed peacefully on May 6, 2017 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born February 11, 1957 to Donald L and Lauralee Potts. Don (also known as Donny to family) is preceded in death by his father, and is survived by his mother Lauralee Potts, 4 sisters: Debra Hoglan (John Turner), Terri DeGon (Doug), Lori Birrell (Doug) and Wendy Martin (Dave Rudnick), ex-wife Sheri Potts and their 3 sons Taylor, Kasey and Colby. Don was also an uncle to many nephews and nieces. - Don had opportunities to move to the West Coast, but loved Spokane where he lived his entire life. He attended University High School, SFCC where he played baseball and Eastern Washington University. He worked for the Washington State Department of Agriculture for 35 years. He managed the Grain Inspection Division and Grain Warehouse Auditing for Eastern Washington. Don enjoyed working with his team and was the expert in grain inspection for the State. He was an invaluable resource to the State and to area farmers. - Don was known for his quick wit and humorous stories. For fun, he enjoyed golfing with his family and many friends, but, most of all, he loved competing with his sons Taylor, Kasey and Colby. - He and his family spent summers at their Pend Oreille River property in Priest River, ID. "Don's cabin" as it is called was his pride and joy as he made it warm and welcoming for all. The more the merrier was his philosophy. - Don was very athletic as a small boy through high school, winning many awards. His athletic ability and love of sports prepared him for coaching his boys in football, soccer, basketball and baseball. One of his passions was coaching youth sports. Many of the kids he coached came back later and thanked him. - He was a family man and enjoyed hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings that could easily exceed 20 people. Over the past several years he hosted Sunday dinners with his boys and their friends. He loved getting his family together for great food and stories. - Don will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. He was a great son, father, brother, uncle, friend, and mentor. You will always be in our hearts. - A celebration of Dons life will be held Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Vianney Church, 503 N. Walnut Rd. Spokane Valley, WA 99206. Community Cremation & Funeral Spokane Valley - 13127 E. Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99216, (509)926-2020 - www.communitycremationandfuneral.com
