“Yo Bro!” That's how my twin first started answering my phone calls years ago. Since then all calls in either direction began that way. It's hard to think those two words will no longer greet my ears. 72 years a twin to a wonderful friend, advocate, and confident. 

As kids, whatever trouble Terry couldn't think of to get into, I did! We had the ballpark covered! In fact, while living in Stevensville, Montana, when we were around 8 or 9, we literally set the outfield of the local ballpark on fire.  How prophetic!  When unable to put out the grass fire which quickly spread, we headed into hiding and listened, wide eyed with no little trepidation, as the fire engines with sirens screaming zoomed past our ‘hideout'. 

Terry and I had the privilege of spending most of our grade school & teenage years living in the redwood forests of Northern California adjacent to our approximately 1-acre farm where we raised chickens, rabbits, beef, 2 dairy cows, pigs, a wonderful apple orchard, honey bee hives, a wonderfully prodigious garden, and almost every kind of berry imaginable, including red, yellow, and black raspberries. 

One of our favorite activities was trout fishing in Prairie Creek near our home along Hwy 101, four miles north of Klamath, CA.  The highlight was catching by hand a 22 pound salmon heading upstream to spawn. Whenever we could, Terry and I were found hiking through the woods behind the house, catching momentary glimpses of deer, raccoon, rabbit, and an occasional weasel, before arriving at the Pacific Ocean wilderness beaches.  

Once there, as we made our way north to civilization and Demartins Beach at Hwy 101, we would play hide and seek with the sea lions who were as curious about us as we were about them. 

4-H was also a big part of our lives as Terry & I participated in community club meetings, showing our livestock and projects at the Del Norte County Fairs, and giving public demonstrations for achievement awards.  At the adjoining fair carnivals, between demonstrations and livestock judging, Terry and I could even be found working in one of the fair booths to earn a few extra bucks to go on the rides!

Our family loved music.  When we were 4, 5, and 6, living in Duluth, Minnesota, mom & dad would invite friends over after we were put to bed, and have jam sessions. Unbeknown to the folks, Terry and I would sneak out of bed and sit at the top of the stairs listening to all the wonderful sounds!  Dad played the fiddle, sometimes with the bow upside down between his legs and the fiddle upside down over top the bow.  This he did up through our years in high school.  

Mom played the mandolin, piano, and guitar.  In grade school and then through high school, Terry played the trombone, saxophone, piano, drums, school band, and as I would often say, the ‘field', as he was always popular with the girls! I played the clarinet, piano, and guitar.  

In our last couple of high school years, Terry also had the distinction of playing in a dance band called ‘The Downbeats'. Of course, as his twin, I would always ‘poke' him by calling the group ‘The Deadbeats'! As I look back over the years, I am not sure which one of us ‘poked' the other the most. I think it was fairly even!  Most of the time in jest, some of the time with significant feeling! 

I loved to listen to Terry play the piano.  As years went by, my feeling was that he got better and better. He loved to play in the black keys (particularly in major and minor notes).  His sense of rhythm and harmony was wonderful.  If I remember correctly, he also played with a band or group while he was in the military – I believe when he was in Okinawa.  

While he had no professional training, he had an amazing ear for harmony and jazz, and he combined his notes and rhythm into what I considered to be masterful compositions.  He recorded some of his music onto a CD which I have often listened to with tearful and heartfelt emotion. 

Once, when we traveled together to Washington state to visit our dad who was living with brother Don, Terry sat down at the piano and played one of his compositions which turned out to be the exact same melody as what I had composed earlier and completely separate from his.  We were both pleasantly surprised! 

While Terry and I would occasionally have our squabbles as we were growing up, there was always a strong bond between us. Our parents would often talk about the fact that when we were quite young, the two of us had our own language which we spoke to each other that mom and dad and others could not understand. 

I find great comfort in the fact that 2 summers ago, Terry and I spent an entire week together over in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties visiting our old haunts and hangouts where we lived and grew up.  It was a special time for the two of us to revisit so many wonderful memories.  

As I look back on it now, to have a brother – and especially a twin – was a priceless gift that few have the privilege of experiencing.  Terry and I were two of the lucky ones! 

Another joy that I have come to appreciate so much is the wonderful family connected to Terry. It has enriched my experience as well as those who have been connected to me through my marriages.  Terry loved his family very deeply, in good times and bad, and never failed to let me know how much they meant to him.  

Family is a bond that helps to cement our nation into all the good that it is.  It deserves our highest prayers and praise, whether in good times or bad, and needs all the support we can give it. It has been a wonderful journey, dear twin.  

Thanks for enriching it for me as I know you have for so many others. You are ever with me dear twin. God speed. “Yo Bro!”

I had the privilege of getting to share in your life for 15 years !! Thank you for your guidance and the love you shared with me !! Love you Dad

To my 'favortist" uncle; I will never forget you. Thank you for all the wonderful memories. I hope you know how much you meant to me.

Terry you will be greatly missed here at the VA Dental Clinic. They said it right,you being a gentle soul.
Our prayers are with you and your family.
Mark Eighan, Susan Kuykendall and Ramona Kohler

Potter,
"i think the nut just needed to be tightened".  "ok you ready for the driving range?" "yep" as the front door shuts. Hours later...we pull up and water is gushing out of the front door!  Whole house under 3 inches of water! I will never forget the first two words from your lips... "my bad!" with a nervous chuckle.  It was the thought that counted and hey we got all new flooring! You never complained even when you had a list of reasons.  You just kept that handsome smile on and lived life.  You are a role model forever in my mind.  When i need to dig down really deep for patience or determination, I think of you Pops.

A time to mourn for one in the Potter Family.
But if your not with the body of belivers, then you are with the the savior!

I love you uncle, and will miss you. I had hoped to take a road trip to see you and the famly, now I'll have to wait to see you until I'm heaven bound too.
Sharon, I loved our time. You four were so special and it was such a loss when you left,that, I was ready to go with. To Portland at least. If you are fine with it I'd still love to come down for several days. There is lots of love all around you guys, don't forget that, and with that I love you and know many friends and family support you.

Terry was apart of my life for 6 years and I am grateful for that time with him. He taught me a lot about golf and I enjoyed hearing his stories about the fascinating life he had. I am also grateful to have witnessed one of the most beautiful and loving father / daughter relationships I have ever seen. Aleasha is so much like her father and I know his spirit will live on through her.  RIP Mr. P.

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Aleasha, Sharon and family
Thanks for sharing this special man with us.  May you all find comfort in each other during this difficult time.

I miss you so much Dad, but know you are always with me. Thank you for all your guidance, love, and positive energy. I will keep it close to my heart always.

He will be greatly missed by the girls in the Lab that has drawn his blood over the years. Sincerely VA LAB GIRLS

OBITUARY

Terrance Loyd Potter

February 4, 1941 – April 26, 2013

Green Street Mortuary

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