Our John, Dad, Papa, Great-Papa, finished his last gig on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.  John Potts was born in York, England in 1936 to William and Marion Potts.  Shortly after, he became big brother and best friend to Richard. 

In 1960, John met the love of his life, Margaret, at a gig.  John was instantly smitten and six months later asked Margaret to share her life with him.  This began their international adventures of moving between England, Spain and Turkey and growing their family along the way. In 1968, John and Margaret boarded the Empress of Canada for a week-long sail to move to their new hometown of Elmvale.

John began his Canadian teaching career at Huronia Centennial.  During this time, he and Margaret worked as a team to complete his degree from Laurier University. John moved on to become vice principal at Bayview in Midland and later was promoted to principal of Regent and Parkview.  John was an advocate for the rights of educators with the teaching union. From the mountain tops of Alberta to the shores of PEI, people would approach John to share how loved and respected they felt as a student under his care.

John had a full life outside of the classroom.  He continued his love for Dixieland Jazz as the band leader for the Fig Leaf Jazz Band and later Moonglow. At the age of 88, John decided to bring his musical career to a close.  He passed on his instruments and cherished items to his grandchildren and donated a considerable amount of equipment to local schools. He was overjoyed to know that his love for music will live on through these people, including a recent recording at Massey Hall.

Always a champion of others in his community, John taught his children the importance of welcoming new Canadians to our area.  Through his many years of service at the Elmvale Food Bank, he taught the importance of respect, dignity and kindness for all. 

John has created a legacy that will be carried on through his adored family.  He is forever cherished by his wife Margaret, his children Sally (Geoff), Ivan (Shelley), Cal (Joanne), Wendy (John), Rachel and Leyla.  He is loved by his grandchildren Bronwyn, Jennifer (Matthew), Christopher (Robin), Kera (Erik), Kaleigh (Devin), Kyle (Kiersten), Nicholas (Jaclyn), Thomas (Lucie), Jack, Gwyneth (Isaac), Meg (Mitch), Autumn (Zach). And his beard tickling great grandchildren Leigha, Lily, Ellie, Wes and Violet will carry on his legacy. John is looking forward to his grandson Liam welcoming him to the next life with the biggest hug.

John would like to share his affection and respect for all of his students, teachers, staff, musicians, neighbours, relations and friends that he had the privilege to share his life with.

Those who would like to share happy memories with the family can join us for a visitation at Lynn Stone Funeral home on Saturday, February 7, from 1 pm – 4 pm. 

Memorial donations can be made to the Elmvale Food Bank. You can honour John with acts of kindness in your everyday life.