Obituary for Robert Gerard Potvin
Robert Gerard Potvin
It is with profound sadness that our family announces Rob’s sudden but peaceful passing on April 27, 2022, with his cherished wife and adored children by his side.
Born in Kitchener on October 22, 1951, he was predeceased by his parents, Lucien and Loretta (Demaris), father- in-law Joe Psutka, and brother-in-law Al Enns.
Brother to Colette (Dave) Schiebel; Giselle Enns; and Cathy Potvin. Brother-in-law to Cathy and Shawn O’Toole; Judy and Doug Aitken; Janice Loan; Tom and Heather Psutka. He was a delighted uncle to many.
Rob is celebrated by his loving wife, best friend and soulmate, Mary - Jane (Psutka) and his four children and 11 grandchildren: Michael Greb (Christin Carmichael) and their children, Harrison, Jackson and Isla; Stephanie Black (Josh) and their children, Lyla and Ivy; Andrea Potvin (Aaron Wilson) and their children, Tenley, Wells and Navy; Mathew Greb (Ashley Abbott) and their children, Diem, Ashton and Porter.
Impeccably dressed and professional – he was the definition of classy and set the bar for all. Rob was a caring man, a successful entrepreneur, and an immensely proud husband, father and grandfather. The loss of Rob, which was far too early, is profoundly devastating. He touched so many lives and will be missed.
In his early years Rob started building houses, completing his first two by the age of 25. What followed was a lifelong love affair of construction projects. Building houses, renovating cottages and to the benefit of his children, constant project support and coaching of fence and deck building. He was the jack or “Rob” of all trades and was always giving advice on how to properly fix something, even when it was not requested.
At the same time, he also started many businesses in the hair salon industry, training hundreds of people over the years, many of whom have gone on to serve their own clients or start their own salons. He thanks his loyal customers of 47 years - he deeply valued you, enjoyed every minute with you and loved what he did. He had the gift of gab and often imparted his advice on his family that in business, smiling costs nothing but has a huge impact.
Rob loved nothing better than to be around family and friends. He was a hospitable host, always welcoming at every gathering with his friendly, easy-going nature, his laughter and genuine interest in others. He always loved an audience for his endless supply of jokes and joyful pranks. Christmas was a special time for the family.
He loved walking the beach and taking in life with his ”girlfriend” Mary-Jane. One of his fondest memories was his wedding day to Mary-Jane. He also cherished his trusted circle of friends (you know who you are) and enjoyed, in recent years, Saturday games nights and time at Westmount Golf & CC. He treasured his memories with his lifelong and best friend, Murray Woolner (Nancy).
Over the years he led many adventures, especially when it involved driving. Fantastic memories included drives to, and extended time spent in, California and Florida. Simple day trips also brought great joy – whether it be for ice cream (Pralines and cream of course), taking grandkids to the park, or visiting his kids. He would tell you it’s the car that makes the drive! Always driving something that he enjoyed glancing back at when parked, whether it be his Mustangs, Cadillacs, Jaguars or his latest Porsche. Add his girlfriend to the passenger seat and his favourite 60’s tunes, and it was a great day.
Rob and Mary-Jane also loved to travel – highlights included Italy, Greece, Monaco, and Norway to name a few. He also never missed a chance to piggyback his kids’ trips, including Mexico and Cayman Islands – nothing beats your grandkids at the beach!
The family wishes to thank the compassionate and professional health care providers who provided expert advice and expedient care, including Drs. Jennifer Kays-Sommer, Stephen Giilch, Bill Plaxton, Spencer Ler, and the most compassionate nurse, Angela Penner.
The famous quote “The days are long and the years are short” come to mind. Rob never wasted a day and we wish we had many more with you.
You set us up for success. Rest now big guy and watch us thrive because of the foundation you built.
Rob will live on in the hearts of many. In lieu of flowers, Rob requests we all remember a few things: hug those you love, let go of the small things, and smile because every day is a blessing.
Rob’s family will receive relatives and friends from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, 2022, and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 2, 2022, at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749-8467. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, in the funeral home chapel.
It is with profound sadness that our family announces Rob’s sudden but peaceful passing on April 27, 2022, with his cherished wife and adored children by his side.
Born in Kitchener on October 22, 1951, he was predeceased by his parents, Lucien and Loretta (Demaris), father- in-law Joe Psutka, and brother-in-law Al Enns.
Brother to Colette (Dave) Schiebel; Giselle Enns; and Cathy Potvin. Brother-in-law to Cathy and Shawn O’Toole; Judy and Doug Aitken; Janice Loan; Tom and Heather Psutka. He was a delighted uncle to many.
Rob is celebrated by his loving wife, best friend and soulmate, Mary - Jane (Psutka) and his four children and 11 grandchildren: Michael Greb (Christin Carmichael) and their children, Harrison, Jackson and Isla; Stephanie Black (Josh) and their children, Lyla and Ivy; Andrea Potvin (Aaron Wilson) and their children, Tenley, Wells and Navy; Mathew Greb (Ashley Abbott) and their children, Diem, Ashton and Porter.
Impeccably dressed and professional – he was the definition of classy and set the bar for all. Rob was a caring man, a successful entrepreneur, and an immensely proud husband, father and grandfather. The loss of Rob, which was far too early, is profoundly devastating. He touched so many lives and will be missed.
In his early years Rob started building houses, completing his first two by the age of 25. What followed was a lifelong love affair of construction projects. Building houses, renovating cottages and to the benefit of his children, constant project support and coaching of fence and deck building. He was the jack or “Rob” of all trades and was always giving advice on how to properly fix something, even when it was not requested.
At the same time, he also started many businesses in the hair salon industry, training hundreds of people over the years, many of whom have gone on to serve their own clients or start their own salons. He thanks his loyal customers of 47 years - he deeply valued you, enjoyed every minute with you and loved what he did. He had the gift of gab and often imparted his advice on his family that in business, smiling costs nothing but has a huge impact.
Rob loved nothing better than to be around family and friends. He was a hospitable host, always welcoming at every gathering with his friendly, easy-going nature, his laughter and genuine interest in others. He always loved an audience for his endless supply of jokes and joyful pranks. Christmas was a special time for the family.
He loved walking the beach and taking in life with his ”girlfriend” Mary-Jane. One of his fondest memories was his wedding day to Mary-Jane. He also cherished his trusted circle of friends (you know who you are) and enjoyed, in recent years, Saturday games nights and time at Westmount Golf & CC. He treasured his memories with his lifelong and best friend, Murray Woolner (Nancy).
Over the years he led many adventures, especially when it involved driving. Fantastic memories included drives to, and extended time spent in, California and Florida. Simple day trips also brought great joy – whether it be for ice cream (Pralines and cream of course), taking grandkids to the park, or visiting his kids. He would tell you it’s the car that makes the drive! Always driving something that he enjoyed glancing back at when parked, whether it be his Mustangs, Cadillacs, Jaguars or his latest Porsche. Add his girlfriend to the passenger seat and his favourite 60’s tunes, and it was a great day.
Rob and Mary-Jane also loved to travel – highlights included Italy, Greece, Monaco, and Norway to name a few. He also never missed a chance to piggyback his kids’ trips, including Mexico and Cayman Islands – nothing beats your grandkids at the beach!
The family wishes to thank the compassionate and professional health care providers who provided expert advice and expedient care, including Drs. Jennifer Kays-Sommer, Stephen Giilch, Bill Plaxton, Spencer Ler, and the most compassionate nurse, Angela Penner.
The famous quote “The days are long and the years are short” come to mind. Rob never wasted a day and we wish we had many more with you.
You set us up for success. Rest now big guy and watch us thrive because of the foundation you built.
Rob will live on in the hearts of many. In lieu of flowers, Rob requests we all remember a few things: hug those you love, let go of the small things, and smile because every day is a blessing.
Rob’s family will receive relatives and friends from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, 2022, and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 2, 2022, at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749-8467. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, in the funeral home chapel.