Thomas Potter

Artemas, Pennsylvania

Thomas “Tim” Cathcart Potter, age 83, of Fulton County, Pa., passed away Friday, March 20, 2020 at his home.

Tim loved his family, farming, politics, and yard sales; not necessarily in that order. He was originally from the Philadelphia, Pa. area. He graduated from Penn State University with a Dairy Technology degree. He spent 45 years living in Maryland and working for the Department of Health, in Washington, D.C.

He married the love of his life, Gail Tress Potter, who shared his dream of owning a small farm. They bought their farm in Fulton County in 1971 and it became their “Happy Place” and their version of Green Acres. During the time that they live in Maryland, they used the farm as a week-end getaway, and enjoyed finding treasures in other people’s yard sales. Tim was the perfect father and raised two perfect children. He was a Pennsylvanian at heart and wanted to move back there when he retired. He and Gail retired to their farm in 2004, and Tim had his chance to play as a hobbyist farmer. He built barns and workshops and ended up raising alpacas. As Tim was getting older and his limbs were wearing out, he spent the last few years glued to Fox News in his recliner. By the day after Tim’s death, on Saturday, March 21st, Fox News had called the house to see if Tim was okay, because it had been many years since Tim had switched the TV channel and Fox News was worried about him.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Ellen Tress Potter; his daughter-in-law, Holly (Gainor) Potter; and two terrific grandchildren, Andrew “Drew” Potter and Alexandra “Alex” Potter.

He was preceded in death by his son, Andrew “Andy” Potter; and his sister, Phyllis Lee Potter.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, after the Coronavirus shelter-in-place order has been lifted.

Arrangements are being entrusted to the Grove Funeral Home, in Hancock, Md. Online condolences will be accepted at www.grovefh.com