Gregory James Potter
Please send your memories and tributes for Greg. We will post them on this page as we receive them. Send your messages to GregPotterMemories@earthlink.net
Posted from Jean Thomas (McClendon)
May 18, 2007
I have so many great memories of Greg so I thought it would be easy to
write about him but I find myself struggling to find just the right
words. I don't think many of us can think about Pueblo Jr. High or
LAHS without having some kind of memory of Greg. He was just the type
of person you wanted to be near because he had that certain "it"
quality that can't really be explained but it made him special.
I remember at Pueblo we flocked around Greg like he was some kind of
celebrity. I remember going to dances just for the purpose of watching
him dance. At football games and track meets I started realizing what
an exceptional athlete he was and man could he RUN! There were a couple
of times during lunch or after school that Greg would come up to me and
say "we should race to the other end of the field". Crazy enough to
think the Gods would favor me, I would take off across the field. He
would give me the most gigantic head start and just when I would think I
was actually going to win, he would go thundering past me as if I was
standing still. But I always went along with it because anytime with
Greg was a good time even if you were left in his dust. When the rest
of us were just a bunch of gawky teenagers, Greg was always self-assured
and confident but never in an egotistical or conceited way. He could
bring a smile to anyone's face and I was forever in trouble for
cracking up in class at his wisecracks or practical jokes. I was
constantly requesting him to do one of his impressions (Geraldine was my
favorite) and he was forever willing to perform.
In High School he was exactly the same. He was always there to make
people laugh, and he could melt a girl's heart with those big brown
eyes and that killer smile! He also gave the greatest hugs and I
don't think there were many days that I wasn't looking in the
hallways for Greg to steal one. Thinking of him, I always remember one
particular day during Senior year. I had walked into English class late
and really upset about an incident that happened earlier. I was sitting
there trying to hold back tears and I don't think anybody really
noticed that I was upset except for Greg. He didn't say anything to
me but at one point in class he just reached over and squeezed my hand
and smiled at me. After class he caught up to me in the hall and asked
if I was alright, then he just put his arm around me and walked with me
to my next class. He didn't try to pry and he didn't try to make
light of it by trying to make me laugh, he just let me lean on him for a
minute and that was exactly what I needed. I know there were many of
you that were much closer to him but in those few moments he made me
feel like I was the most important person in the world to him. I think
he made a lot of us feel that way, and I for one took it for granted.
Greg was a genuine and caring soul and I hope that somehow he knows how
lucky we were to call him our friend.
Jean Thomas (McClendon)
Posted from Susan Brockway
May 17, 2007
Greg was a very very special person. I really met him in Jr. High
(although I knew of him from interpool meets, I was a Barranca
Baracuda) and even though I was at Cumbres and he was at Pueblo we were
good friends. I also danced in a couple of dance contests with him and
of course we always won, it was a sure fired way to be on the winning
team, just team up with Greg. I remember the last Cumbres - Pueblo
football game everyone kept saying that we would win if we could just
take Greg out. I think he broke his leg in that game and we won, but we
actually felt really bad.
I also ran track with Greg and hung out with him at track meets, we
would always make sure that we watched anything he was in, he was just
so amazingly gifted. I have lots of fond memories of Greg, like Kelly
Dunn and I sneaking into East Park Pool with Greg and Harlo' late at
night and running the covers and playing around. Laura Dudgeon and I
took the lifegurard training series with Greg and Rick and always stayed
afterwards to help "clean up" (aka more running the covers). Of course
unlike Greg and Rick who actually went on to be lifeguards I did not,
but occasionally they would call me in as a sub.
I saw Greg several times before his death here in Los Alamos and he
could still give me a chuckle and of course a super hug. If you haven't
read the eulogy on this page from his Brother Jaiya John, take the time.
It is a real tribute to Greg's spirit and wonderful life. We miss ya
brother, you will be with us in spirit during the reunion, because we
can't think of High School without thinking of you.
Susan Brockway
Posted from Megan Morrissey (Miller)
May 17, 2007
When I think of Greg; he has a big smile and is doing everything he
can to make sure everyone around him is smiling too. I spent many
summers with Greg at East Park Pool hanging out, playing games in the
deep end and making one of the best friends I would have growing up.
He was literally the life of the pool! I don't think we would have had
close to the fun we did without him and I mean that. His energy was
contagious. He and I won a dance contest at his birthday party at his
house in Junior High and he carried us to victory. Such good memories.
Then there were the track meets in junior high. He was the star but
took it very seriously even though he always won easily. What a time
that was.
When I came back to Los Alamos after being gone for a year in high
school, Greg and Rick were life guards at East Park Pool. I had always
worshiped the life guards growing up, so this was just strange! But
Greg really deserved the worship. I felt very lost coming back but once
again Greg made sure I had a smile on my face and we all hung out that
summer and had a great time. Greg was just ALWAYS there for you and
never asked for anything back.
I lost touch with everyone when I graduated and was very sad when I
heard he was gone. Actually sad is a lame word for what I felt. But I
am thankful for all Greg's smiles in my memories. I know heaven is a
better and happier place with Greg there trying his hardest to make sure
everyone has a smile on their face as big as his. Thank you Greg.
- Megan
Posted from Jackie (Keane) Arellano-Kolakowski
May 17, 2007
To All Who Knew Greg:
I remember Greg being an outgoing fun guy in junior high and in high school. I never had the privilege of knowing Greg until after high school.
Greg had just returned to Los Alamos in 2001. I met his sister Kristin for the first time. First off, what a wonderful family! I called Greg and he came to my apartment for dinner. At that point, we became friends for two short years. However, during those years, we laughed about high school and all the stupid things we did. He even remembers being an accomplice in taking Mrs. Hedstrom's wig off in 7th grade! I told him that I never forgot that incident. I got in a lot of trouble for laughing too much.
Greg made me laugh during two very rough years of my life. He was a great friend and we shared some great times together. I cherish the friendship we had for those two years. I still see his family at the Friday night concerts here in Los Alamos and often visit with them. I am lucky to have known Greg and become friends with his family.
Sincerely,
Jackie (Keane) Arellano-Kolakowski
Posted from Rick Wangen
August 26, 2003
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Potter, John, Kristin, Anna and Rudy,
I wanted to let you know how devastated I was when I heard the news
this week about Greg's passing. I really wish that I could be there
today to pay my respects to my child hood friend. Sadly I have fallen
out of touch with Greg the last few years since leaving NM and I really
regret not staying in better contact. I did run into him during Matt
Walters funeral and I jumped all over him about his health and how I
expected to see him get better soon. I've lost two of my best friends
now growing up and I still have a hard time accepting it especially
given the quality of person both Greg and Matt were and what great
hearts and fantastic individual qualities they both possessed.
As you know, Greg and I grew up side by side in Los Alamos going all
the way back to our grade school days playing in the YMCA basketball
leagues. Its funny but back then, Greg was a man amongst boys and
believe it or not, he was the center on our basketball team. Yes I did
say center! I'll never forget the days that Greg lined up against guys
twice his size and the stunned look on their faces as Greg out jumped
them every time. I would sit there in the circle at center court smiling
because these big buffoons had no idea what was about to happen.
Greg was the fastest guy I ever saw back in those days and one of the
best athletes you ever saw. When we we're in junior high, I was
convinced he was going to become some great NFL running back just
because of the sheer power of his running and his track and long jumping
skills were just awesome. I believe that to this day he still holds tack
records in Los Alamos in the long jump. It was really a sight to see and
something I always looked up to. Unfortunately, he also had what all his
friends referred to as "Stone Hands" when catching the football or
basket ball but that's another story : )
Then there was Boy Scouts! Greg and I were inseparable during
scouting and we spent many a summer just having a blast at Summer Camp.
Man we thought we were so cool. We would dress up our tent with all the
creature comforts from home including TV, stereo, tables, lamps, you
name it. We made a mockery out of the term roughing it. We would be
talking all night to the younger scouts about how we were going to sneak
out and find that legendary Girl Scout camp that was five miles away and
how our deeds were going to be talked about for scouting generations to
come. Of course we never did find it although none of the younger scouts
needed to know that.
Of course there were also the number sleepovers at the Potter house.
You see it was better to sleep at Greg's house because for some unknown
reason, he had this door from his bedroom leading to the backyard. Now
Mr. and Mrs. Potter don't get mad but you had the easiest house in Los
Alamos to sneak out of. I would routinely spend the night there so that
Greg and I could sneak out to see our girlfriends although usually we
were too scared that we would get caught and the actual amount of time
away was probably less than an hour. Man we thought we were sneaky and
really getting away with something though. In those days, I was just
along for the ride because ALL the girls Loved Greg which always helped
my cause because his girlfriends always had a cute friend tagging along.
As Greg and I grew older, along came East Park Pool. Man what a job
that was for us. We started young in the basket room and I believe that
both Greg and I still hold the record for longest employment at EPP by a
staff member. We nursed that job all through junior high, high school
and most of college. In fact, unless my father hadn't objected and my
wife finally got me in line, I'd probably be the only 34-year-old
manager in East Park Pool history. We co-managed that pool for so many
years and man, the stories I could tell. Unfortunately if by chance you
are reading this at his service the stories would not be very
appropriate, but for those who were there, I'm sure the memories would
bring a smile to their faces. The Salt and Pepper team is what they
used to call us! .. and man did we have a good time.
I look back at my childhood all the way through college and I can't
remember Greg not being a part of my life. I always felt like family
when I was at his house and I'm sure he felt the same way at mine. I
know my family always loved Greg and he was a welcome member of the
Wangen clan on many a vacation that he accompanied us on. We we're like
brothers in our youth and I know someday I'll be seeing that goofy smile
and crazy sense of humor again in a far far better place.
In the end, I look back at my growing up in Los Alamos, and my
friendship with Greg and I feel so thankful for the memories and the
great times we had. Greg, if you can hear me buddy. Thanks for being my
friend! Man we had a GREAT Time!
I love you bro!
To the Potter family, please know that you are in my family's hearts
and in our prayers.
With warmest sympathies,
Rick Wangen
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