Sidney Dale Potts, of Portland, passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at the age of 85. He was born on April 25, 1932, to Sidney and Oleta Potts in Caddo, Oklahoma. Like so many during the depression, his early years were filled with economic struggles and hardships. The family moved to the San Francisco area in the 1940's to seek a better life. In the ensuing years, the family moved several times. He graduated from Umatilla High School, Oregon in 1950 where he excelled in football. His time in Umatilla led to several lifelong friendships.
He served in the US Marine Corp from 1950 to 1954 where he competed as a sharpshooter marksman winning several awards. It was during his time stationed in Hawaii that he met the love of life, Nova Bradley. After his honorable discharge, they were wed on July 17, 1954, in Los Angeles. The newlyweds lived in Eugene while he attended the University of Oregon. He graduated with a Bachelors in Mathematics in 1959 and later returned to U of O to get a Master's degree in Education. His first job after graduating was as a math teacher at South Grants Pass Middle School. He later worked as the Principal at McKenzie HS '63-67, Vice Principal at Roseburg HS '67-74 and Principal at Oregon City HS '74-77. He changed careers in '77 to better care for his ailing wife which led to them moving to Denver for a short time. It was while in Denver, he returned to school to pursue a second career as a computer programmer. He later got a job as a computer programmer with the Vancouver School District where he worked until his retirement. Dale loved 'all things' Oregon Ducks. For many years he regularly attended Duck football games. He also loved to golf, hunt, camp, travel and fish. Some of his fondest memories were meeting with friends each summer at Crooked River Ranch for the annual golf tournament which he humorously referred to as the 'Crooked River Open and Truth-Telling Contest'. Dale will be greatly missed for his sense of humor, kindness, patience and love. He is survived by his brother, Calvin, of Carson City, CA; his son, Larry and his wife, Joanne of Gresham; his daughter, Linda of Honolulu, HI; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his wife Nova, his father, Sidney Otis Potts; mother, Oleta Decker, and brothers Doug and Jerry. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, June 27, at Peake Funeral Chapel, Milwaukie, (503)654-7755.