The passing of a true Statesman.

[Straydog]

Oregon lost a true Stateman this week in the passing of Debbs Potts.

I share with pride that he and his wife touched my life at a very early age.

I grew up a few blocks away from the Potts family. And while I new he was supposed to be someone quite important, I had no idea the guy who, along with his wife so graciously supported me, was in the league he was until I became a teenager or young adult.

I started my career as a salesman at about age 8 selling cherries, plums and blackberries from our 3/4 acre parcel in N. E. Grants Pass. The Potts were always wlling buyers.

As I aged, I added mowing lawns to my resume. The Potts were willing customers and Mrs. Potts made the best lemonaide known to a fat 10 year old trudging up and down the street with the old Briggs and Stratton.

Next it was my paper route. The Potts were not the ones that complained if the paper was not in it's exact prefered location in front of the door. They were though some of the ones that offered Christmas bonouses and a heartwarming mug of hot chocolate to a harried 12 year old slogging through the sleet to get the news of the day dispensed.

Who knows, I imagine my respect and admiration for Debbs might have something to do with my own politcal activism and passion towards contributing to my community that I hold today.

One thing is certain, Debbs is a legend in my mind and I will miss his compassion, his caring and his commitment to help the "other guy".

Rest in peace, Debbs.

Debbs Potts. An Oregon Statesman
(edit. there seems to be an error in this reporting. the Grants Pass paper and the Oregonian both reported Potts to be 94, not 93.)

[ 12-20-2003, 09:27 AM: Message edited by: Straydog ]

[Grantspastor]

Yes he was quite a man!