Potts
Tim Lee Potts ended his days on earth Jan. 14, 2017, and is currently using his new-found voice to sing in the heavenly choir and being a regular chatterbox – at least that’s the way the family is hoping and imagining it.
Tim came into this world Nov. 18, 1947, in a Lake City, Iowa, hospital. Being born in a different time, his parents, Ray and Grace Potts, were strongly encouraged to turn him over to the state and forget Tim ever existed. His father, normally the reserved sort, restrained himself and promptly gathered up his wife and new son to begin an adventure in God’s faithfulness.
Beginning about the age of 5, Tim attended an Iowa state school for the handicapped until the age of 18. In 1965, he moved to Montana to live with his parents in Shawmut, then Ryegate and later Absarokee. In Absarokee, as a member of the Absarokee Congregational Church, he became the official church bell ringer and helped his parents in their janitorial work there.
Tim also created a routine of making the rounds in town as he retrieved the mail and then coffee at the senior center.
Although unable to speak, he managed to navigate communication in his own way and made many friends.
In the mid-90s, Tim moved to the Special K Ranch. It was another adventure that opened a whole new world for him. Tim skied, water rafted, bowled, was a Special Olympics basketball player, helped work the ranch and its greenhouses and so much more. He made more friends and while he was well, never forgot a single one.
Tim moved to Beartooth Manor in 2012, and it was there he quietly passed on after five years.
Tim leaves behind a brother, Gaylord Potts (Esther); a sister-in-law, Eileen Potts (Dean); six nieces and nephews; 15 great nieces and nephews and eight great-great nieces and nephews. His parents and two brothers preceded him in death.
The family cannot express enough its gratitude to all those who participated in Tim’s life, whether through friendship, kindness, acknowledgement or physical care. Thank you, thank you, thank you! You are all, each and every single one, very much appreciated.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, downstairs at the Special K Ranch’s Craig House.
Please direct all memorials to the Special K Ranch, 34 Special K Lane, Columbus, MT 59019.