Frederick Charles Pottle

Fred was born June 15, 1943, in Detroit, MI, to the late Ernest and Alma Pottle. Fred grew up in Dearborn, MI with his sister, Beverly Skidmore, who predeceased him. He attended Edsel Ford High School and graduated from Central Michigan University.

Following university, Fred served in the US Army as a medic. He trained in Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver, CO. After training, he served a tour of duty in Vietnam (1967-68), and returned to the states to serve as a medic at Brooke Army Hospital in San Antonio, TX. He was honorably discharged and received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, a Sharpshooter Badge, and Combat Medical Badge.

Following his time of service, he started a career in public health, working for many years at the Colorado State Health Department. After retiring from the state, he worked as a consultant to audit and license methadone clinics. In this role, he traveled the country, and through personal and work travel eventually spent time in all 50 states. Two places in particular held a special place in his heart, with many visits to Montana and Molokai, Hawaii over the years. At work and home he exemplified grace under pressure, helping friends, family, and clients.

Fred was active in sports as a player, coach and fan. An avid golfer, he enjoyed time on the course with friends and family, highlighted for many years with annual golf trips to San Vicente, CA. He coached some of his children’s youth football and basketball teams. A Michigan sports fan, he rooted for the Detroit Lions (enduring many frustrating years) and the Michigan Wolverines. He tolerated his wife Katie’s love for the Green Bay Packers.

Fred loved being a grandfather to his 9 grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Bopa”. He rejoiced in their accomplishments and enjoyed spending time with them.

Fred is survived by his wife, Katie Wells, and his children and their spouses, Mark Pottle and Elizabeth Sims-Pottle (Princeton, NJ), Mike and Darcy Pottle (Fort Collins, CO), Shelly and John LaGuardia (Fort Collins, CO) and step-children and their spouses Beau and Shana Liss (Arvada, CO), Jessica and Brandon Kendrick (Lafayette, CO) and grandchildren Kaylynn, Caitlin, Birgitta, Avery, Jack, Aidan, Luke, Shanin and Melé.

Memorials may be given in memory of "Fred C. Pottle" to:

• American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund

The American Legion Legacy Scholarship helps ensure higher education is a possibility for children who lost a parent to death on active duty, or suffered a service-connected disability.

• Northwest Behavioral Associates

NBA’s mission is to maximize the potential of individuals with autism and related disorders by providing high-quality, individualized intervention, and to promote awareness of both the autism spectrum and the science of human behavior to the community.

Services to be scheduled at a later date…