Name: Glenhaven Memorial Chapel
Address: Vancouver, BC

"What we do for ourselves dies with us.  What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal."  
Albert Pine
This quote was personified by Dawne.  She will remain immortal.
To the whole Potis family, please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.
Jodene Gant

The first time I heard the name Mrs. Potis was when I was very young and my mom and her would talk for endless hours on the phone when they were both on the metro board.  I never knew at that time what an impact she would end up having in my life.  Whether it was her support on the sideline, her quick wit, her always open and never judging ear, her rides to the Roxy, her warm embracing hugs, her amazing meals and her unconditional love. She was always there and willing to help in anyway possible.  Mrs P, your candle burned out long before your legend ever will.  I will love you always and be forever grateful for all that you have done.  May you rest in Peace.
Tye and Maia, I can't wait to share so many wonderful memories I have with you in the coming years.  Know that your nana loved you very much and that she will always be that bright shining star watching over you every day.

To Sandi and Family,

I met Dawne on several occasions,mainly watching and cheering for the same team " The Whitecaps ".
We also spend a few days in Las Vegas for Sophie's stagette party. I was not willing to share the room with her because I snore ...Dawne told me very kindly
" There is no way that you can snore louder than Nick, I am sure it will be fine!!"
On our way back from the funeral, Sophie told me a very touching story. One day, Dawne gave to each of the soccer team girls an empty film canister with their name and number printed and glued on. This was Dawne's great idea: a little box for the girls to put their jewelry in.
I think it describes so well how thoughtful and caring Dawne was for big and small details.
Thank you Dawne.
Rosanne Spilborghs.

Nick, Rod, Sandi, Tye, & Maia,

The admiration for all that our "Auntie Dawne" gave will always be remembered and will forever be apart of us.

Our thoughts are always with you.

Nick Rod Sandy and Family  Dawne was a beautiful person and gave so much of her time to the benefit of all the people she came in contact with. She was a good friend,mentor,leader and a great example of how we should live our life to the fullest. She will always be remembered by her soccer community and of course the ones she worked with on the Sun Run.  Tye and Maia she was a very special grandmother and Thank You for sharing her with us.  Fay and Sandy Paul

To Nick and family,

Dawne’s constant support from the sidelines of our soccer games was a very important contribution to our United family.  When we looked at her, we would see her watching, cheering, and socializing with the other fans, always with a smile on her face.  Her sincere positivity was a reminder to us that while we are competing, the true goal is to enjoy the experience.  As well as her supporting us on the field, Dawne gave us many opportunities to get involved in our community through her initiatives - each year she would bring us together to help with the Sun Run prep.  Although we may not have realized it at the time, Dawne was showing us how to be something more than just a soccer team – we were making contributions to our community.  By giving her time so generously, Dawne has set an amazing example for us to follow, and has shown us what it means to give back to the community.  We miss Dawne greatly and she will always be a part of our United family.  

Love,
The Vancouver United Soccer Family

Dawne and I go 'way back - to elementary school and high school, and to our little community of a few blocks in West Point Grey during the late 40's and 50's. Half a dozen of us were best buds..we walked to school together, played after school and had a club called the Evergreen Club, which met once a week after school. We occasionally walked up to 10th Avenue and had a cherry coke at Dean's, or played tag or baseball on the street. When we were young teenagers, Dawne's house was our focal point - she alone had television with an aerial - the rest of us only had rabbit ears! We could watch "American Bandstand" without a lot of snow clouding the screen, so there we were after school, watching all those Americans dance away the day. When Dawne's brother, Ken, turned 16, his mother made him drive us out to Empire Pool at UBC if he wanted the car, which annoyed him and thrilled us, since he and his friends were a couple of years older. 
   After the high school years most of us went to UBC, and Dawne started to work, so we lost touch for awhile, but during the last 10 years, the four of us who remained in the old "Evergreen Club" had dinner every couple of years and caught up with each others' successes and travails. And most recently, several of us have been behind the 50-year Lord Byng high school reunion for our year. Dawne immediately agreed to be on the planning committee, and also agreed to take on the hardest job - that of data and money collection. Those of us who are lacking in those skills were thrilled. Our most recent meeting, and the last time that we saw Dawne, was in November. As usual, she was helpful and attentive. Although we knew of her work in the Sun Run, she never told us of her many contributions in other areas - always understated, humble, but so willing to share the load. We'll all miss you, Dawne.

Dear Sandi, Donn, Tye, Maia & Family,

When I came to your kindergarten class at Central Elementary to pick up Stefania from the end of class, I remember your Mother helping you with your classroon set-up. I immediately knew what a wonderful Mother you had. 
Although, I did not know your Mother...Only a nurturing and caring person could raise such a loving, caring teacher as yourself.

We are deeply sorry to hear of your loss

Sincerely,

To Sandi and Family,

I'm very sorry to hear of your Mum's passing. It's been a long time since I've seen Dawne but my memory of her is quite vivid. What a solid lady! Incredibly generous with her time and support. Totally unbiased and free of judgment. Her intentions seemed always set purely towards creating a safe and comfortable environment for everyone who surrounded her. Such humility. I remember how much everyone on the team loved her and how you guys would tell so many stories about years past that were made entirely possible by her presence. I'm glad you have so many memories to smile about and I wish you all the best during this time of struggle.

Mr Potis and Sand

I am truly sorry for your loss I will never forget Mrs Potis.  Mrs Potis was simply the best and I like everyone else is lucky to have known her.

Love Nancy

Dear Sandi & family.

At first, I didn’t know what was going on when I came across these messages on Sandi’s facebook wall.  
Then, I had to admit the devastating reality that Dawne was gone when I got an email from Tammy. 
 
She was such a warm and caring soccer mom to me as she was to so many more.  She welcomed me with such enthusiasm every time I joined the team and took care of me so much.  I was very lucky to be on her team.  
Although I have been living in Japan for the last 4 years, I still had been thinking about Dawne here and there, thinking of sending her an email to find out the possibility of playing on her team again if I decided to moved back to Canada.  

The memory I want to share with Dawne is when I played in Toronto one summer season with Sandi.  
Not only did Dawne fly all the way across the country to cheer us on, but she brought me Organic Blueberry Bars from Starbucks in Vancouver. 
 4 of them!  
At that era, I was such a Starbucks blueberry bar addict I ate one a day.  But how would I know they did not sell them in the east?   
I was so happy that I ate one and froze the rest so it would last for some time.  
I know it sounds like what Dawn would do in the ordinary,, but that event was huge for me!!! Thanks Dawne!!!  I love you! 

I will miss her and her loving humour. 

My deepest condolences and my thoughts are with the family.

With Love.

Dear Nick and family,

We feel so fortunate to have had both you and Dawne in our lives for the wonderful United soccer years. We were always amazed at the support that Dawne gave to the United team until we got to know her better. We then realized that she was a truly amazing and giving woman who would always be there for soccer families no matter how many teams she was involved with. She took an interest in all the girls and was always asking about their future plans, especially as their time together as "The United" was coming to an end. Our family, and I am sure the whole United family, are blessed and lucky to have known Dawne.  She was truly inspiring and will be sorely missed.

With much love,
John, Kathie and Joanna Stratton

Hey you guys,

I have to admit I'm still very taken aback by the suddenness of this sad event, having just found out on Friday morning. 

Although we never got together enough, she was always known to me as being so iconic. Before mum went, she would very often talk about Dawne. She'll be a hard act for anyone to follow. 

Much care and thoughts,

Randy

I have so many happy memories from high school hanging at the Potis' house.  Dawne and Nick could always be counted on to 'rescue' us girls when we'd done something dumb and needed a ride home.  Dawne drove us all to so many soccer, basketball, volleyball, and softball games throughout the years, and was always cracking jokes that reduced us all to tears.  It is such a tragedy that this amazing lady has left us way too soon.  Sandi, Nick, Rod - my deepest condolences.

  Dear Kenny and family,


 From Jean, Susan and Carol Laird, now Susan Pearson and Carol Pinkerton. Richard Laird Jr. passed away Dec., 2004.
            We are so sad to hear of Dawn's passing and very shocked.My mom,Jean has so many memories of your mom and Dad up the coast and in Vancouver.I  Carol (remember) visiting you one time and Dawn was telling you not to sing"Hound Dog" by the Every Bros. all the time.Also we played in cardboard boxes and made horses out of saw horses in your basesment while my dad, Dick Laird and mom, Jean visited with your parents..Great, Happy thoughts . Love from Jean, Susan and Carol...

Nick and family

Alli is one of the soccer girls who had the good fortune to have been touched by Dawne. Her kind words, awareness and encouragment meant so much and played a huge part in Alli's on-going love of the game.
  
She will always be remembered with fondness and gratitude. Our thoughts are with you.

I was very shocked and saddened to hear of Dawne's passing. I remember her from working in the Metro Womens Soccer Office coming in to register players for the UBC Alumni, Pegasus soccer team.  Dawne was always so happy, organized and proud of her family and the girls on the team.  She was a bright spot in so many of our shifts with her stories.  I remember her coming in to register players and remarking "I should never have stopped slipping birth control in the water - I have three off to have babies and one of them is my daughter."  She was so excited to become a grandmother and after Tye was born we were lucky to have her bring him in.  She was so proud of him.  When I ran into her at a Whitecaps game she proundly told me she had another grandchild on the way.  This was Maia.  Another bright spot in her life.  Dawne was a wonderful person.  Now I know Sandi and can see that wonderful person will live on.  May all the good memories help all Dawne's family through this difficult time.  My thoughts are with you.

We would like offer our sincere condolences to Dawne's family. We are two of the thousands of Sun Runners who remember her fondly. Thoughts of her inpire us in our own lives.

Nick and Sandi

The news of Dawne's passing was shocking and beyond sad for so many people in our community.

My heart and my families warmest thoughts are with you and the family in dealing with this tragedy.

Dawne was such an important part of so many people's lives. She "mothered" so many of us, young and old, sharing soccer moments, great successes and those moments that seemed to be hard at the time. She was a mentor, a leader, a do-er, and maternal figure to the soccer community.

She was such a nurturing, giving, and professional person. Dawne looked after everything and everyone. 

I will always remember all of the times spent travelling and laughing with her and all the soccer chats we had on the phone and in person. She was such a big part of my "growing up," managing and supporting so many teams that I had the true pleasure working with.

Watching her give to her family and the community was an inspiration!

From seeing her on the boat at my weeding, to watching her expression when she found my missing Van keys in Portland (in the ignition of the locked Van with the engine running), I have soo many of the fondest mememories.

It is just incomprehensable that they are now memroies of her as opposed to something that we can all still laugh about.

This time of sorrow may soon evolve into happy memories in some way, but her passing has hit me in a way that is very profound. Her presence in my life for so many years was more than just significant.

I am certain that Dawne touched so many people in the same way.

Your mother, wife, grandmother, friend, was such a unique and special treasure, She will be missed by this community.

My prayers for all of you will go on daily. 

With love

Bob Birarda

Dear Dawne,  It is my honor and privilege to know you and being your Financial Planner for the past eight years. Your enthusiasm in voluteering inspired me to sign up for 'Sun Run'. I know you are a great mom and wife because I saw how happy you and Nick were as a couple every time you walked into my office. I am going to miss you! Although you are at a better place now, but I wished you stay longer with us.  I will do my best to help Nick with the banking matters.  I am sure that all your friends are ready to help Nick during the period of grieving. So long for now and we will meet again one day! Your friend and Mantee,  Linlin Hsia

Today, as we head out to "celebrate" Dawne's life, I think back to when I first met Dawne. My daughter Debbie and her daughter Sandi played on opposing soccer teams, and Dawne always stood out on the sidelines as a very caring, involved "mom" and supporter. Later when I met Dawne through the Vancouver Sun Run, I was always impressed with her knowledge. I was the "front person" at the Sun handling registrations and answering questions, and I knew that if I was stumped, Dawne would ALWAYS have the answers. Every January was a re-union as we started a new Sun Run year. Once the Sun Run office moved to 200 Granville I saw her daily. She was so proud of her own children Rod (working along side her in the office), and Sandi when her first grandchild was born and she brought him in to "show off" like all proud grandmas do! We would talk and share "grandkids" stories. Two years ago Dawne talked about hanging up her "shoes" and retiring from the Run.
She did one more year, and this year was the year she was "finally doing the run with little Tye". We talked about walking the mini run together.
In all my years with The Vancouver Sun I never got the chance to participate in the Run, but this year I will be walking it along side Dawne, in memory!
My heart goes out to you all: Rod, Nick, Sandi, the two little ones and your family.

Dawne was amazingly organized, friendly, kind, compassionate and giving. Her ability to listen and sympathize with every individual she met made her a very special person. She will missed immensly by her family, friends and community. It was a pleasure to know Dawne and work with her on the Sun Run Committee.

We were so fortunate to grow up in a real family neighbourhood...Auntie Dawne was one of my moms.
Our lane way was always alive with bike riding, go-kart testing, little league pitching practice, back gates open and welcoming. 
We have the memories of Halloween pumpkin carving contests in the Potis basement, Sports Days at McKechnie school with the cheering neighbourhood support and our cherished annual Christmas neighbourhood brunches.... always the "When to put in the turkey" fun between Auntie Dawne and her mom, Flora.
My heart goes out to Rod, Sandi and Uncle Nick...growing up in your neighbourhood family was the best.

Dear Sandi and Nick

I think you will know how I feel, so  perhaps this message is for the rest of your family in the future.  
Arriving at a soccer game and seeing Dawne and Nick on the sidelines was like coming home for me. I can't believe I won't do that again. No matter how tense or stressed things might get, Dawne always radiated a positive spirit. I never needed to ask her to cheer me up if I needed it - she just did it. 
As a soccer administrator she dealt with so many people, and always had good words to say about them, and so she inspired all of us to focus on the good parts of each other. Always principled in the decisions she made, and tough but in a way that made things not seem personal. 

As a team Mom/Manager she was unparallelled - she got everything done while still smiling, and was always reassuring. I think she knew that she was looking after the tender egos of us coaches as much as she was looking after the players, and she did both without appearing to try! 

It was a privilege to go away with a soccer team and see Dawne and Nick do their thing, and then see Sandi do her thing ! 

I know there is a lot of Dawne living on in Sandi, and I know the same is true of Rod as well. More than anything, I always saw Dawne, and the whole Potis family, as people you can always count on. 

All of that will live on - I'm sorry Dawne will not be around to see it. 

Bob and Chris

Dear Nick, Sandy and Rod,
I was very sorry to hear about Dawne's passing.  I hadn't seen Dawne for quite some time, but whenever I did think of her it reminded me of all the fun we had together in the Sun Run office.
Dawne was a pleasure to work for.  Quick to help and a Mom to all she was always thinking of other people. No matter how busy she was she was always there to help anyone.
I know this is a difficult time and although I cannot be at the service, please know that all my love and support is with you at this time.

We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Dawne. She gave so much to the community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all family, friends and past co-workers.

Dawne was a wonderful mother, wife and gradmother, but what I remember the most is that she was an amazing soccer mom. Having the pleasure to play under her managment she was always the one we could go to with problems, injuries or just advice on life. She was committed to making each and everyone of us, no matter which team, feel very welcomed and included. Off the soccer field my greatest memmories of Dawne are of how she opened her doors to Sandi's friends-you always knew Dawne would take care of you if you were headed out on the town with Sandi- not only would she drive us to the Roxy, but she would offer us a bite to eat and bed to sleep in when we returned to ensure our safety in our "wild years". Sandi you had an amazing mom and we were all blessed to have her in our life.

I first met Dawne when I joined the board at Kerrisdale Soccer.  Her many years in soccer gave her great authority, but she was so pleasant and gracious it was always wonderful to work with her and benefit from her knowledge.  
Dawne’s dedicated involvement with the Sun Run built it into the event the city loves to boast about.  She ran the event, but still had time to stop and talk.  Did she know all 60,000 runners?  Maybe not – but it seemed that way.
Dawne will be missed by her many communities and the city.  My deepest sympathies to her family, who will miss her most of all.

Sarah and I are in shock with the news about Dawne, and our family sends it condolences.  She is certainly a leader, but most of all she is a mom...and we know Sandi, Rod, Nick and Happy will miss her dearly.  The unfortunate thing is she worked so hard all her life and didn't get much time to spend with her family in retirement.  Please let us know if there is anything we can do, and remember all the good times!
The Shellard Family

Dear Nick, Rod, Sandi, Tye, & Maia
I was shocked to that the world had lost an wonderful women, wife, mother and friend. I had the honour and pleasure of knowing Dawne through soccer and I recall the countless times that she was setting up nets to washing uniforms on road trips and was always doing it with a mothers touch and genuine smile. You knew she cared about you and loved her family deeply. She will be missed and remember by many. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Dear Nick, Rod and Sandi,

Thank you for sharing Dawne with so many soccer and running people. She was a true gem.

With great sadness from a Magee and Meraloma alumnus,

Doug Sturrock

It was a difficult day for us when we heard of Dawne's passing.  She was a beautiful lady who will be remembered as loving, friendly and always thoughtful of others, with a wonderful sense of humor. She will be missed by all and our love and thoughts go out to Nick and family, at this time. 


Leo & Terry Caldwell, Coquitlam

Our Hearts go out to you Nick and family at this sad time 
Regards Jim & Sheila French

Dear Nick, Rod, Sandi and family,
We were so sad to hear of Dawne's passing.  She was a wonderful  and caring woman.  She also had a great sense of humor.  We have known Dawne , Nick and family for over thirty years.  We will alway  remember the  wonderful times we had at the sporting events at Mackechnie Elementary School where our children attended . Dawne was always there supporting her children and also volunteering her services  with a smile.  We will really miss her but will always have wonderful memories of her which wll be cherished by us and her family. She was great person and will always be remembered for her personality, devotion and dedication to her family and wonderful grandchildren Tye and Maia..
Mary and Mike Januth and family

I understand that the Potis family hopes to record these messages in a book, so that Dawne’s memory can live on through her grandchildren. Dawne touched so many lives…particularly young lives…that you’re going to need a whole shelf of books to capture what she meant to everyone she encountered.  Your grandmother was as giving a woman as you will ever know.  Selfless, encouraging, supportive, endlessly calm.  Not just a soccer mom, but THE soccer mom…the whole team’s surrogate mother. She epitomized commitment and served as a stellar role model to each of us.  You will have more than a book to remember her by, though.  You have your Mom.  (Don’t forget to remind your Mom that you don’t need a driver’s license, you have her.)  I am grateful for the chance reunion I had with Dawne about a year ago. She is as alive to me today as ever and will remain so every time I get the chance to pay her kindnesses forward and positively influence a child in my life.

A true angel.
Like many others I met Dawne playing soccer. She always wore a smile and emanated positivity. She has touched the hearts of so many in her life. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to meet such a loving person. Our thought's and prayers are with the Potis family.

We are truly saddened to hear of Dawne's passing.  Our deepest condolences to the Potis family who have many memories to cherish.  Sincerely, Brendan and Jadine Kennelly

I am still in shock at the news of Dawne's passing.  It's so hard to explain the cycle of life...  she is so alive for me in my mind and heart.  As long as I've been involved as a runner in BC, Dawne has always been there... a kind strong supportive person...most definitely a Mother-figure in the most wonderful of ways for me, whether she knew it or not...both in my early years as a serious athlete,  and in my recent years as a Sun Run programmer with SportMedBC.  It was Dawne who truly has held down the fort for so many of us.  You will be missed here every day but you are with us all in spirit.  My heart goes out to all her closest family and friends.  I will be unable to attend the service as I will be headed to Seattle for a track meet to watch my son compete.  Dawne would have understood that.  xo  Lynn Kanuka-Williams

Dear Nick, Rod and Sandi please accept my sincerest condolescenses on you huge loss.

Your Dawne lived by the motto of " If you give to your community it will come back to you in spades". and that was certainly evident in the fields of youth soccer and the by now famous Sun Run both of which she was a major player in .

She is and will always be missed.

Bruce Matthews

West Vancouver

I had the pleasure of working very closely with Dawne for 21 years. If there ever was a problem or glitch that needed to be solved, she was there to offer advice or direct us to someone who could assist. We always knew that when we attended a meeting Dawne would be there with her trusty pad and pencil. She was certainly the top person who guideded all of us on the Vancouver Sun Run executive committee with a lot of commen sense and good judgement.On behalf of the thousands of Amateur Radio operators, Dawne we miss you

We were very saddened and shocked to hear about Dawne's passing. It was with great sadness that we said goodbye to her from the position of being the driving force to that of being the 'eminence gris' for the Sun Run. There was always a fond welcome from Dawne no matter how many demands or how much crisis was happening around her. Our thoughts are with the family as we both mourn the loss and celebrate having the pleasure of knowing her. Sincerely, Steve & Jean King

Our condolescences to Nick, Sandi, & Rod
Our first treasured memory of Dawne was when Dara as a 16 year old teenager came out to practises with the UBC Alumni team just for the experience. She was a youth player among a much older group of women Ha! Ha! (Sandi was maybe 26 years) and Dawne welcomed Dara and took her under her wings. Then reconizging Dara's ability Dawne invited her to join the team. Which was quite unusual at the time but Dawne's organizational abilities worked out all the wrinkles involved with having a youth player on a metro womens team. 
Dawne was also always there to welcome Dave at the college prospects games when came out to coach. And Darlene remembers Dawne for not only her devotion and dedication to womens's soccer but for her ever-present sense of humour and ready smile.
The Wone family will truly miss Dawne.

Dear Potis/Sparks Family,
We are so sorry for your loss.  Our hearts go out to you and we pray that you find the strength to deal with this loss.  Dawne, in our eyes, was such a sincere, loving and kind person.  She had a great sense of humour too.  Tye and Maia- you are very lucky to have shared time with your Nana because she was a special lady.  Keep listening to all the wonderful stories that your Papa and Mommy share with you.  She was a great cook and she loved watching you play soccer, Tye.  We only knew her for a short time, but in that time, we learned that your Nana was one of a kind ...   
Joel, Farah, Raihan, and Maliyah Chung

Dear Dawne, you were such a dear person, friendly to everyone you met, smiling and laughing your way through your love for life, family, friends, and community.
Thank you for sharing yourself and helping us all to be better individuals. You will be greatly missed.

I cannot remember the year I met Dawne, but it must have been in the early 1980's.  I played on the Kerrisdale Comets, and Nick was my coach and Sandi was my teammate.  It has been a long time since I have seen the Potis's but I have never forgotten those soccer days.  What I remember most was not the game itself but the friendships made and the fun we had together.  Dawne was a big part of that. I remember that she always had a smile on her face and was always full of encouragement.  I don't know if she was aware of this or not, but she had a way of instilling confidence in us, even though we were in that awkward preteen phase of our lives.  My thoughts are with all of the Potis's at this difficult time.

January 10,2011

We were very sad and shocked to read about Dawne's passing. We met Dawne and Nick when Rod was playing
youth soccer with the SW Marine Dolphins,our son Steven
played with him and sometimes against him.Nick was the coach and Dawne was "one of us" EXCITED SOCCER MUMS !
Our prayers are with all the family, she was a very happy
and welcoming person.
Ron, Marjorie and Steven Macdonald.

'Lifeblood' of the annual Vancouver Sun Run succumbs suddenly to cancer

Dawne Potis, described as the "lifeblood" that drove The Vancouver Sun Run since its beginnings in 1984, has died suddenly of cancer at age 67.

"Think of the hundreds of thousands of people she touched," Jamie Pitblado, The Sun's vice-president of promotions and community investment, said Wednesday.

"I used to call her Mother Sun Run. She really was the one person who knew everything about it and was the lifeblood of the event.

"She was the face of the Sun Run, an amazing, giving person."

Pitblado said Potis only found out on Dec. 24 she was "riddled with cancer" and by Dec. 31 had slipped into a coma. She remained on life support in Vancouver General Hospital until Monday and died early Tuesday evening.

"It's unbelievable. Everybody was caught off guard. There had been no real signs of anything being wrong."

The Kerrisdale resident retired as Sun Run manager last year to spend more time with her family, including her husband, Nick, two children, Rod and Sandy, and grandchildren Tye, 4, and Maia, 19 months.

"Doesn't seem right, does it?" Pitblado said.

Potis had been originally recruited by the non-profit Achilles Track Society that founded the Sun Run with corporate sponsorship from The Vancouver Sun.

"The whole thing is pretty emotional," said Achilles co-founder Doug Clement. "She's been associated with the Sun Run from day one; an original organizer. She was the engine that made it work.

"She was the behind-the-scenes person who really masterminded the evolution of what was 3,200 people running down Georgia to 60,000 people. She was a major part of that transition."

When The Sun bought the rights to the event in the early 1990s for $1, Potis the volunteer was hired part-time to manage the event.

"She would answer voice mails and return calls all summer," said Pitblado. "It was a lifetime of love. She always interested and involved and committed."

Achilles was created in 1964 to foster activities related to track and field, including what is today the annual Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome International Track Classic.


Â© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

Thank you for the years of support you gave to my daughter and for being such a wonderful "co-cheerleader" and friend!  I will hold onto the memories of your kindness and wonderful spirit!!

My fond memories of Mrs. Potis are from many years of soccer where she was a supportive and encouraging presence even though I was often on the other team.  I will always remember her kind and smiling demeanour and the endless hours of her time she graciously offered.  Not only was she kind to me; but, she always treated my mom with a genuine care as they watched many games together; I am forever grateful for that.  My mom and I will hold these memories close to our hearts. There is no doubt that Mrs. Potis will be missed by so many! All our love and thoughts are with her family.

If you were lucky enough to have Dawne be a part of your life then you already know that she was the type of person who genuinely put everyone else first.  Many of us who played on a team where Dawne was involved, or should I say did everything, considered her to be our soccer mom.  She was the most dedicated and hardest working manager who only wanted what was best for the players.  On rainy practice nights, she was always there with a smile and jokes and pumpkins at Halloween for the players to take home.  She always made sure the players had everything they needed from Sun Run t-shirts (I only ran once but I have 6 t-shirts) to breakfast at Nationals to a ride home from the celebrations or drowning of sorrows.  Dawne touched so many lives, her smile, laugh and sense of humor will be sorely missed.  We are thankful to have had Dawne be a part of our lives though that time has been cut way too short.  We extend all of our love and support to Dawne’s family.

It still doesn't seem real that our beloved 'Sun Run Mom' is gone. For so many many years, Dawne kept us all in line and made volunteering for the Sun Run such a joy!  No matter how  frazzled any of the committee was, or how crazy the office got, Dawne was always there with a calm and humourous answer for everything and everyone.  

Dawne taught me how the 'Power of One' can be so affective and motivating for so many. Her complete commitment to making each and every person feel special,and affecting positive change  every day of her life, will stick with me. Her kindness and nurturing has rubbed off on her wonderful family. Thoughts and prayers to Nick, Rod and Sandi and all the extended family, as with them we grieve such a sudden loss of a wonderful soul.

Dear Nick, Rod & family, Like so many others, I was devastated to hear of Dawne's passing.  She was an extremely special lady with an amazing warmth and sincerity that charmed everyone who came in contact with her.  I knew Dawne for 19 years, working with her on the Sun Run and she was perhaps the most patient, sunny-tempered and caring individual that I have ever worked with.  I will miss her more than I can say and my heart goes out to her family - she was truly one of a kind.

I met Dawne in 1992 as a Kerrisdale Hotshot. 

I was first suprised to learn that our coaches, Nick and Laurie, were coaching not because they had children on the team, but because they were truely passionate about the team sport of soccer. I was even more suprised when our coaches wives, Dawne and Treva, attended almost every game, dutifully cheering from the sidelines whether we were in Surrey, Delta, Langly, or Shannon Park, and in every possible weather condition. Their commitment to us did not go unnoticed. 

To echo what so many others have already said about Dawne, Dawne had such a natural motherly warmth to her. Whether taping our ankles or simply helping us get warm and stay positive, she immediately put people at ease. She navigated the issues of a team full of teenaged girls patiently, pragmatically and sensitively, and always showed compassion.  

Dawne will be very much missed. My heart goes out to Nick, Sandi, and the rest of the family. 

Kindly, Lisa Wiens

I already wrote a message but just remembered a really good memory of Dawne that is definitely worth sharing. It was my first season on Pegasus and we were playing in a pretty close and intense game. The coach on the other team was being really hard on one of their better players. She was playing out of position and had no clue what she was doing, and she was really frustrated/upset. She burst into tears and subbed herself off the field and ran into the changing room. I was on the field, but I noticed that Dawne went into the changing room after this player as she wanted to comfort her and make sure that she was ok. This memory is a true testament to Dawne's exemplary level of compassion and kindness.

To the Potis family, our deepest sympathy on your loss.  Dawne was one of the great volunteers of female soccer and an all around kind and considerate person. I worked closely with her through the Girl's Metro Soccer League and have nothing but fond memories.  We had some great conversations at the field during Metro games.......Our thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. Please accept our condolences.

Gayle Statton
Coquitlam Metro-Ford SC

Dear Potis family;
The Hildebrandt family commiserate with you in your loss.
Dawne will always be remembered as a tireless worker and leader in many sports! Even knowing the rules and regulations better then most referees,regulators and administrators.
Her void will be very hard to fill.
You can be very proud.

Dear Nick and Family,
We were devastated to hear of Dawne's passing. She has meant so much to our family over the past 30 years. She was a constant inspiration to all our athletic children, but most of all to Heidi, whose many successes on the soccer field can be attributed, in large part, to your modelling of continuing commitment and hard work. It is hard to imagine that anyone in our community has done as much for the younger generation.
We salute you, Nick, and your family for the way in which you supported and encouraged Dawne so that she never stopped giving of herself.
Thank you all.
Margaret and Olav Slaymaker.

A tragic loss of an amazing woman!

I knew of Dawne through the game of soccer but really learned to appreciate her when I accepted the coaching position with the UBC Alumni team. She was the most passionate manager I ever worked with and protected our players as if they were all her own children. Her ability to organize the lives of dozens of scatterbrained young adults, all with a smile on her face, never ceased to amaze me. 

Dawne was a gift to the soccer community and her dedication to the development of the players and game she loved should never be forgotten.

My thoughts are with her family as they deal with this difficult loss.

My heartfelt condolences to the Potis family. Each of us at The Vancouver Sun who knew and worked with Dawne have our own special memories about her commitment to the community, and her ability to get things done, always with a smile, always with a helping hand. My connection, like so many others who were fortunate to have been in her orbit, was through the Sun Run and, from day one of the event, Dawne was the person I turned to when I needed to know the who, what, when, where and why about any race detail. It was like she had a Sun Run Rolodex in her head, and could recall almost instantly every little nugget of information, year after year. Who's the oldest runner ever? How many oranges do need? Is there anyone interesting from out of town we can interview? There seemed no question she couldn't answer, which made her a reporter's, and editor's, dream, an eternally unflappable and always cheery go-to source, the strong heart and the calm eye in the middle of the Sun Run storm. Dawne is one of the reasons the Sun Run is today one of the biggest and best such runs in North America today.
I, like so many others, will miss her, but will remember her with much gratitude and fondness.

My deepest sympathy for the loss of Dawne.

For Nick and the to all the Potis family:  It was the saddest of news that Celine gave me Wednesday morning.  Please accept my deepest sympathies.  In the few years that we had to know and meet Dawne through the football community where she played such a major role with her commitment and support we have been left with her indomitable spirit of what building  community means.  This is her transcendence and the legacy she has left for us.  We send you our warmest support in this time of profound sadness.  Celina and Lance

It has been a long time since we have been in contact but I would like to send condolences to Sandi and her family. 

My thoughts are with you. 

Josée Bureau
(past soccer teammates)

To the Potis family my deepest sympathy for your loss of Dawne. She was an amazing woman. One of the most intelligent ladies I've ever known.  She had great wisdom, compassion, kindness & will be missed by all of us. We have lost a wonderful person & gained a special angel watching over us.

A true loss.  Sandy i wish you and your family all the best in dealing with your loss. I have nothing but fond memories in dealing with your Mom. 
Sincerely,
Jason Villeneuve

I don't remember meeting Dawne but I know it was in Grade 1.  A group of us "girls" live within a few blocks of one another and walked to school together from Grade 1-12. We went to Queen Mary and Lord Byng schools in Vancouver.  Some time in Grade 4, I think, we formed a group we Called the "evergreen group".  For a few years we actually met on a weekly basis and did crafts and projects, played baseball and rode our bikes everywhere.  Dawne was always there.

In high school, the goup still hung out together but now we had Mrs. Sands car.  She most generously let Dawne have it (a small blue Simca) nearly every night, and we'd all pile in a drive to the Whitespot to meet others from school.  
We all also went to Moorecroft girls camp in the summer and I clearly remember taking my Intermediate swimming test with Dawne.  By the time we got to the treading water part, the tide had gone out so far that the two of us just stood on the bottom!  Dawne particpated in everything and got along with everyone!

As adults, we all drifted apart but we still kept in touch.  Every so often, the remaining four "evergreens" got together for dinner.  This small group provided the impetus for organizing a 50th reunion of our Lord Byng grad class.  Dawne, being organized, capable and talented took on a huge role-collecting data organizing registration and doing the banking.  We are now adrift and wonder how we'll proceed without her.

My thoughts go out to Dawne's family.  I know you will miss her terribly.

Dear Nick and family,
I just recently was told of your devastating loss of Dawne, and shocked and saddened.

She was such an inspiration to all who knew her,

Although it has been a number of years since we have been in touch, Nick, I will always remember the friendship we had, and you were a special couple in the eyes of Bobby and myself.

Craig, Karin and I send deep understanding and sympathy to you at this time.

Sincerely and with love,

Sue Umemura

I am saddened to hear of Dawne's passing. I came to know this dear lady through the many Sun Run's I ran. She was so very kind, caring & so supportive to me when she learned I had breast cancer. When it reoccurred, she offered me such words of hope & inspiration.  I will never forget this wonderful & loving lady! Her tireless efforts with the Sun Run were just amazing & Dawne could solve any problem that came her way. Dawne was well respected by us all & she was truly an awesome lady! She was the glue that held the Sun Run together & so many of us will miss her forever. God bless you Dawne!
Ms. Lee Turner - Vancouver, BC

Like many I first came to know Dawne through soccer and over the years she became a part of my family and my family of hers.  She was, as many have said, most noteably, mother to everyone -- extraordinary considering her dedication to her own family that she could make so many others feel as if they were also very special and worthy or her time and attention.  And Dawne was not just any mother, but one that was enviously gentle, encouraging, nurturing, supportive and FUN.  Now with children of my own, I know that if I can be half of the mother that Dawne was, I will be doing well.  

To the jello trucks Dawne made ever present at soccer parties (more often than not served in her own home!), her gentle organizing of 20 teenage/young adult ladies, her hotel room breakfasts and her commitment to us all - you will always be remembered and in our hearts as we aspire to carry on your amazing dedication and example.  

Sandi, Rod, Nick, Tye and Maia - my thoughts are with all of you.

Liane Ricou

I was very sad to hear this. My heart goes out to her family. Dawne was one of those people who I knew through running: a wonderful, tireless, enthusiastic volunteer who made excellent races possible. I will miss her when I make my annual Sun Run weekend pilgrimage.

My sincere condolences to the Potis family. (Nick was my soccer coach from 1995-2000)

We first met Dawne (and Nick) years ago through Kerrisdale Soccer.  She was always so personable and was there to lend a hand to anyone.  She worked tiredlessly to promote women's soccer and she and Nick coached and managed teams for many years.  Our daughter Sue has many fond memories of years playing soccer under the direction of the Potis team.  We are all saddened by this loss.  Dawne was "one of a kind" and a very special lady to us all.

Michael, Karen and Suzanne Hunter

It was with great saddness that I learned of Dawnes passing.
I have grown to know Dawne in my many years with the Sun Run; and every year I looked forward to a sort of family reunion. Her laughter, her smile, and all those talks we had over the years.
As I always said she was like a second mother to me with the words of advice and help. 
She will always be in my heart, always.
To you Nick, Rod and Sandy my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Roy Newby

I met Dawne when I first moved to BC and joined UBC alumni (/Surrey Peg) – and will always remember her as one of the first welcoming faces upon starting my life in a new province.  She went out of her way to make me feel a part of the team and community, and made extra efforts to quell my ‘new girl’ anxieties and insecurities - beyond just the soccer realm.  I grew to know Dawne also in the capacity of boss during my one season of Sun Run office work, and there my admiration for her only increased.  I will always remember her generosity, sense of humour, and kindness.  Unfortunately, I’m unable to attend the service as I’m out of the country but will be thinking of her fondly in remembrance, and of her family in this difficult time.

Stunned, shocked, and greatly saddened when I heard about Dawne's passing. Could there have been a more genuine and caring person involved in youth and women's soccer??!! I say "NOT";  from my experience. My first contact with Dawne and Nick was when Sari and a number of her other 17 year old friends made the jump from Youth/girls' soccer to the Premier Women's League to join the UBC Alumni Team back in like 2002. What a treat for these young girls not only to play along with great players like Andy, Amy, Sandi and Siano- but to be welcomed in under the caring and watchful eyes of Dawne was just great. We have all lost a wonderful friend; but we all will have great memories of special moments with Dawne. Thoughts are with you Nick and Sandi.
Bruce Raber

We have all lost someone special, but my heart goes out especially to her family.  Dawne wanted nothing more than to spend quality time with her husband, children and grandchildren.  It was an honor and pleasure to work alongside such a giving and caring person.  She never failed to amaze me at her poise and ability to find the time, like you were the only person in the world, at the most hectic periods before every Sun Run. Our loss is heaven's gain.

My heart is heavy with the loss of my old soccer buddy who I had so much in common with. I use to call Dawne on Sunday nights after all soccer games had ended and we'd been on the phone for a hour no problem. A great lady who did so many things for womens and youth soccer in this province. Someone who put family first, her team second and had so much wisdom. She touched so many young ladies lives including my daughter. I will think of her so often and so miss her. Peggy Stratton

We are very sad and shocked to hear of Dawne's passing. What an incredible lady who always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. She has undoubtedly touched so many people's lives and will be sorely missed. We will definitely miss her and our thoughts are with her family.

Although I didn't know Dawne well, I was always overwhelmed by her sunny smile, love for her family, and her dedication to the many girls on her teams. She will be sorely missed.

Dear Sandi and Family,

You and I were very lucky to have such great mothers.  When I learned about Dawne’s passing all I could think about was how great a person she was. There were so many great things about her;  “Team Mom”, “2nd Mom”, “Designated Driver Mom” , “Sun Run Mom”, – someone who was always there for everyone, and not just for her husband, children & grandchildren.  
I enjoyed my 4 years working at the Sun Run office and I had so many special moments with Dawne.  Your mom was a great boss, and sometimes I had to tell her to stop with the jokes so that I could get my work done.  She even let me leave early for ‘happy hour’ on many occasions (not many bosses would do that you know)…
Dawne was a very supportive person in all aspects of life.  Dawne is one of the reasons that I was able to jump on several opportunities which would have otherwise passed (thinking of me and providing me with employment, flexing my work schedule to do other work training, letting me go away right in the middle of peak Sun Run registration-the list goes on).  Dawne also encouraged me through the peak of my soccer career (I will never forget how supportive she was).
One of the best things that someone told me was that I reminded them of my mother.  I was so proud to know that I was similar to someone so dear and special to so many people.  Your mom’s great qualities have been passed through to you (Sandi) and it shows that you are also a very dear and special person to many.
Dawne’s legacy will be remembered dearly.
With healing hopes for you and the family, the Jack family passes on our condolences,
Arietha Jack (Moseley, Byron, and Colin)

Our sincere condolences to the Potis Family.  Dawne from the very beginning was for so many the tireless and ever pleasant contact for the Vancouver Sun Run.  What we have come to know over the these many years is that what she brought to the Sun Run was an extension of her love for her family, her caring for friends and her commitment to the many other sport and community activities that filled her life.  Dawne is what "Community" is all about.  Our never ending thanks to her family for sharing Dawne with so many.
Thank you Dawne for being part of our lives.
Brian McCalder
On behalf of BC Athletics

Such a great loss to us all. I worked with Dawne regularly over the past 17 years and found her to be a kind, calm and most generous person - giving of herself and her time in so many ways.  I will miss her greatly.  My thoughts and prayers are with her family.  
Sam Collier

Dawne was my manager when I played for Surrey Pegasus. She was an amazing manager and was so well respected in the soccer community, but more importantly, she was such an amazing person. She was always so kind and supportive towards me, and totally went out of her way to made me feel very welcome and accepted. Dawne always stood up for people, was so devoted to our team, and had such a great sense of humor. Dawne's love for her husband Nick, her children, and grandchildren was so obvious and moving, as was their love for her. Dawne was the type of person who had the ability to make a positive difference and touch so many lives. I will really miss her. My heart goes out to her family, friends, and anyone who knew her. People like her do not come around very often.

I am very much in shock as I have just found out this morning Jan. 7 of Dawne's passing.
I first met Dawne when I was asked to coach the UBC Alumni team.  She was the best manager that I have ever had.  She was thoughtful, kind, caring and had a wonderful heart.  Along with her husband Nick they made the best team ever.  Soccer has lost a great lady and I will always miss her warm smile and all the great chats that we had.  Dawne you are and always will be number one.

I was very sad to hear the news about Mrs. Potis's passing.. I first met her through her work with the Sun Run.. She was an amazing Volunteer and tireless worker.. My heart goes out to her Family..

Steve Darling
Global Television

OBITUARIO

Dawne Marie Potis

6 julio, 1943 – 4 enero, 2011

Glenhaven Memorial Chapel

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