Donald Garnett Potts

Donald Garnett Potts was born on November 9, 1923, in Calexico, California to Garnett Fishburn Potts and Elizabeth A. Potts. He passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2011, with his family by his side. During his early childhood, he lived in El Centro before moving to Fresno; graduating from Fresno High School in 1941. He enrolled at Fresno State College but left soon to join the Navy. He was sent to pre-flight at St. Mary's College, was commissioned as a Naval Aviator (LTA) and piloted blimps flying submarine patrols. Following the war, he returned to Fresno, completing his education at Fresno State. In 1948, he met his future wife, Mary Glenellee Hall, during Sierra Summer School at Huntington Lake and they were married in 1949.

Don had many interests and endeavors including insurance, financial planning, and as an educator, held various positions. During his early career, he had the opportunity to be employed by the National Park Service as a summer ranger in Yosemite. Don was always a man who loved the mountains. The summers in Yosemite provided his family a most unique experience and a wealth of wonderful memories. Don was a generous, helpful and kind man, always putting his family first.

After retiring, he enjoyed his cabin at Huntington Lake, living each summer in the mountains that he loved so much. He and his wife also enjoyed sailing and travels to many countries in Asia and Europe.

Don continued his interest in blimps; belonging to the Naval Airship Association and attended several reunions. In September 2010, at Moffett Field, he was thrilled to ride in the newest concept of an airship. Not a blimp; but a smooth, graceful airship named EUREKA; made in Germany; one of only three in the world.

Don enjoyed a full life with many good memories. The most beautiful of which might be the view from Glacier Point across to Half Dome at sunset - the sun casting rays of pinkish light, becoming a lavender glow and finally a deepening purple falling beyond the canyon wall.

Don is survived by his wife, Mary Glenellee Potts; daughter, Margaret Lee Northrop and husband, Dr. Ronald J. Northrop; son, Donald Alan Potts and his wife, Leslie Simmons Potts. He also leaves four grandchildren, Christine Matt and husband, David Matt, Michelle Missler and her husband Zachary Missler, Sarah Potts, and Donald A. Potts, Jr.; and nine great-grand-children.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Columba Church, 5073 N. Palm Ave., Fresno, 93704, on Saturday, November 5, 2011, at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please enjoy a beautiful sunset, somewhere, sometime.

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