Gilbert N. Potter, 85 of Mystic, CT passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on Wednesday November 27,2019
A lifelong resident of Mystic Gil was born on July 14 1934 to Margret (Potter) Matthewson and Albert Stillman Potter the 4th. He married Elizabeth (Culver)Potter on October 11th 1952 with the birth of his son Danny on August 6th 1953.
As an avid outdoorsmen, Gil spent much of his life hunting,fishing,gardening and almost anything that involved the great outdoors. He took pride in his Irish and Native American heritage and was a true believer that we are all part of the earth. In his youth he was an amateur boxer with a lifelong admiration and knowledge for the sport.
Gil spent his early years working as a farmhand on farms locally and eventually spending the majority of his years working for the town of Stonington highway department, with many friendships established during his years there.
Gil was a self-taught historian, who spent much time researching with an emphasis on local history but not lacking in global history.He often referred to himself as "the keeper of the story" instilling a love of history to his grandchildren to ensure the stories of those in the past are never lost.
He could often be found walking in various locations of downtown Mystic displaying quick wit and humor to friends and strangers.Within his years of retirement he walked every single day regardless of weather conditions, often several times a day in the roughly 20 year period.
Gil had a kind and generous heart and often put others before himself. Protective of his family and always willing to help someone in need.
He is survived by brothers : Albert Stillman Potter the 5th of Mystic, Charles Roy Potter of Westerly, His grandchildren : Holly Potter of Ledyard,Charles Potter ,Cory Potter and their mother Patricia J. Potter all of old Mystic ,and grandson in law John Higgins of Ledyard , and numerous nieces and nephews including : Doreen(Potter) Dougherty of Mount Dora Florida, Albert Stillman Potter the 6th of Waterford, Patty (Potter) Siegel of Ledyard and Margret (Potter) Morgan of Westerly. He was
predeceased by his wife Elizabeth (Culver) Potter and son Danny Potter.
Graveside service will be private. A celebration of life will be open to all who know and love Gil will be held Sunday December 8th 2019 from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Mystic VFW post 3263, 60 Stonington Rd., Mystic CT.
To share a message of condolence or remembrance with his family, please click the link below.