David Dorwin Potts

David was born June 30th,1957 in Jackson, MI to Robert and Marilyn Potts. He was a wrestler in High School, and received a Bachelor’s degree in History, and achieved a Master’s in Reading. In spite of struggling with dyslexia, David was an avid reader. His house was full of books, and he was always reading something. David loved to teach; he taught children, adults, cyclists, alternative high school kids and many people in between. His longest job (22 years) was as a year 1-3 elementary Montessori teacher at Stepping Stones Montessori School. He worked hard to nurture and care for the people he taught. He was an excellent storyteller, he played tag with his students at outdoor break times, and he created amazing projects and demonstrations, from small woodworking projects, to homemade firework volcano demonstrations.

David loved bicycling and the outdoors. At 28 he traveled 6500 miles across the country from coast to coast by bicycle. He led bike tours, did and taught bike repair and maintenance at Michigan Bicycle Tours in the Traverse City area for several years. His passion for cycling continued until he was no longer physically able. After that, he would rely on his regular long walks through the neighborhood for his exercise, and for his connection to the outdoors.

He had a passion for woodworking. He made beautiful cabinets, tables, shelves, and cedar chests. He often made a piece of furniture for the annual Stepping Stones fundraiser, which took him many months of work. He also auctioned one-on-one woodworking lessons for his students.

He spent much of his summers growing kale, tomatoes, and other plants, both in his backyard and in the Moores Park community garden. He was a member of the Moores Park Neighborhood Association. David was an activist, he attended protests, he participated actively in his political environment and had strong values about being involved in shaping the world around him for the better.

He enjoyed golfing with his parents and siblings, and was a wonderful uncle to his 4 nieces and nephews. He also loved to dance and was a regular attendee of the local contra dances, where he was part of a warm and loving community that pulled together (along with his family) to support him through his illness.

David and Ulyana, who met at these dances, were married in June 1991 and divorced January 1999, but remained very close friends through the end of David’s life. David and Ulyana coparented Ulyana’s daughter Sofia through their marriage and after their divorce. Though Sofia was not his biological child, he was a wonderful, kind, and dedicated father. When David began to need more and more help through his illness, Ulyana took on the coordination of his care and continued to be a strong support and advocate for him through the end of his life.

David was above all a gentle and kind human being. He was an amazing neighbor, friend, and family member. He was smart, creative, and unendingly funny. The impact of his absence, and the impact of his presence is, and will continue to be, felt by a truly incalculable number of people.

He is predeceased by his parents, Bob and Marilyn Potts.

He is survived and mourned by his daughter Sofia, his ex-wife and best friend Ulyana, his brother Rob (and spouse Janet), His sister Deb (and spouse Steve), and his nieces and nephews Dan, Katie, Shaina, and Keith, his grand nieces and grand nephews Emy, Leo, and Hazel. He is also survived by many friends, colleagues, and former students.

Join us in celebrating and mourning David Potts on June 29th 2024, 1pm-4pm.

Potluck style, optionally bring a small dish. Sharing stories about David starting at 2pm.

Red Cedar Friends Meeting House, 1400 Turner St., Lansing, MI 48906

While at the Venue, please refrain from:

• smoking/vaping

• drinking alcohol

• wearing scented products

• burning incense, candles, or any open flames

PARKING:

- Free street parking on weekends

- Cesar Chavez Parking/City Lot 56: .75 per hour located at Cesar Chavez Plaza, where Turner St dead ends on Cesar Chavez Ave.

- Turner Dodge House: - Free - take Dodge River Dr., it loops around to take you to parking at the historical Turner Dodge House.