Vernon D Potter's Obituary
Vernon D. Potter was born February 16, 1961 in Chicago Heights, Illinois to Arnel and Dona Louise Potter. The fourth of five children, he always loved his family and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout his life he constantly expressed his love for his parents and siblings and his pride in their accomplishments.
As a teenager, Vernon worked as many hours as possible while maintaining excellent grades in high school. At this time, he also became a proud Eagle Scout. After high school, he attended the University of Chicago. At the age of 19, he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in San Bernardino, California. Though called on an English-speaking mission, he quickly learned Spanish in the field, a skill that would help him better serve his patients throughout his career as a doctor. After his mission, he completed a degree in Economics at Brigham Young University.
Inspired by the heroes in the hospital who saved his life at age 13 when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus, Vernon pursued what would be his life’s passion outside his faith and family: being a doctor. After completing medical school at the University of Illinois at Rockford and residency in Columbus, Ohio, Vernon was a family medicine doctor, spending most of his career in a solo practice in Sandy, Utah. Vernon loved spending time with his patients, both in and out of the office. That love was evident by the number of times patients would approach him in the grocery store to talk and the joy he felt whenever they did, as well as by the swiftness with which he would stop what he was doing and help anyone in need. It was also evident by the number of times he went out of his way to bring extra joy to patients outside his role as their doctor.
Over the course of his life, Vernon served in many callings, including as a beloved primary teacher, early-morning seminary teacher, Sunday School teacher, and faithful ward librarian. By far, his favorite church service was in the temple. He served as a worker in the Chicago, Illinois temple after his mission. He always made temple attendance a priority despite the demands of his career. This love only grew as he came closer to retirement. After he retired, he attended the temple whenever anyone would take him and for as long as he was physically able to do so, frequently spending half a day doing what he loved to do.
He met the love of his life and eternal companion, Linda, just as he was nearing the end of medical school. The two of them were married in the Manti Temple in June of 1988 and went on to have five children. He cherished Linda, who would later also become his business partner and ultimately his primary caregiver. He was proud of all his nerdy Potter children who loved school so much that none of them stopped after a Bachelor’s degree.
He loved being Dad and Grandpa. When he was able to drive his children to school on his way to work, he was known as the dad who always carried his daughters to class on his shoulders. His oldest son became an expert at recognizing apostles’ voices as they listened to General Conference talks together. Whenever he ate out with friends, he always remembered to bring back an extra treat for his youngest son. He also taught his children the value of a good deal during grocery runs and trips to the mall and special events. He further shared his love of sports with any child who expressed any interest, especially his love of the Milwaukee Bucks and the Utah Jazz. Whether it was while hiking, eating at restaurants, or running errands, Vernon cherished family time. He frequently made time to attend his children’s sporting events, concerts, and plays, even when doing so required traveling. In his later years, he always had a big smile ready for his grandchildren.
Vernon saw everyone as a valuable child of God and loved being able to serve in whatever way he could. He got excited whenever he could bring a gift to another, whether it was bringing donuts to his seminary students and friends or bringing home a piece of cake from a medical conference. He enjoyed sharing his treats, especially with his children, even more than he enjoyed eating them himself. He was always thinking about other people.
The family would like to thank all the people who have helped Vernon over the years. Thanks to the people who drove him to primary and helped him become an Eagle Scout in his youth. Thanks to his mission companions and friends for all the support he has received. Thanks to his loyal patients who brought joy to his career and his dedicated staff who made it possible. Thanks to all the medical teams who helped him fight through his various ailments giving him more time to do the things he loved. Thanks to the ward members who helped make his house more accessible as his mobility decreased. And a special thanks to the men who drove him to the temple several times a week when he could no longer drive himself.
Vernon is predeceased by his parents and his daughter, Kathryn (“Kathy”) Potter. Vernon is survived by all four of his siblings: Elizabeth (Tony Guzman), Rosemary (Joe) McGrath, Bill (Leslie Fischer), and Cynthia (Michael Higley), his wife, Linda, four children: Michael (Kelsi), Brianna, Hannah (Michael Sullivan), and Aric, and three grandchildren: James, Meghan, and Kinsley.
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