GARY DANIEL POTTER

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GARY DANIEL POTTER

Gary Daniel Potter passed away peacefully at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the age of 76, with his family by his side.

Born in Neepawa, Manitoba, to Dan and Helen Potter, Gary spent his early childhood living across from the airport where his dad worked. Gary was always fascinated by the airport and would often play there with his sister and friends. Neepawa always held a special place in Gary’s heart. He always shared fond memories and stories of his grandparents and the rest of his family.

In 1960, the Potter family moved to McCreary, where Gary discovered both a love of horses and a gift for training them. Horses remained a recurring passion throughout his life and often brought him great comfort. He also played hockey as a goaltender and took up drumming, forming a band with his friends called The Red Square. While attending high school in McCreary, Gary met the love of his life, Beverly. To Gary, she was always Beverly, never Bev. After graduation, he began working for the Highways Department in McCreary. Although it was a promising career, Gary soon realized that what he truly wanted was to follow Beverly to Winnipeg. There, in 1970, he joined the National Patrol and trained K9 security dogs.

Gary and Beverly were married in 1972 and began their new life together in Brandon. The experience Gary gained in Winnipeg opened the door to a position with the Brandon Police Service, where he continued to learn and develop professionally. He also became actively involved with the Brandon Fair Board and the Brandon Wheat Kings and even took a turn as a rodeo clown, entertaining fairgoers at the rodeo in the Keystone Center. Gary later made a complete career change and joined Labatt Breweries. Always ready for an adventure and eager to learn something new, he became the first mascot for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, appearing as the original Captain Blue. During this time, he was also a member of the River Runner Canoe group, creating memories that inspired countless stories and much laughter. It was during these years in Brandon that Gary and Beverly welcomed their two daughters, Dawn and Amanda.

During his years as a sales representative for Labatt's, Gary grew fond of travelling throughout Manitoba and visiting small-town hotels and bars. That experience, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, led him and Beverly to purchase their own establishment in 1984, the Rivers Inn. This began a new chapter in the small town of Rivers. Gary’s flair for innovative ideas and decorating brought Sneakers Bar and Beverly’s Boathouse Restaurant and Catering to life. Together, their passion for food, hospitality, and entertaining created something truly special for the community; as one former patron recalled, "it was a bright light in Rivers.” During this time, Gary was instrumental in starting a golf tournament and a weekly golf league in Rivers. Both have evolved over the decades and continue today. Another proud accomplishment during these years was Gary's involvement in Freemasonry. He became a Master Mason, joined the Scottish Rite, and later became a Shriner with the Brandon Shriner Car Patrol.

In 1991, Gary's career came full circle when he made the significant decision to return to policing through the OPP First Nations Policing Program, beginning in Wapekeka First Nation, Ontario. He always spoke highly of the people and the community and held fond memories of those he came to know. Gary valued being included in local customs and greatly appreciated invitations to traditional meals featuring caribou, moose, and trout.

In 1994, Gary became a regular member of the OPP and was posted to the Northern Patrol Unit in Sioux Lookout, serving 24 communities accessible only by air. During this time, he responded to a routine call that escalated dramatically. The traumatic events that followed resulted in PTSD, a condition he courageously lived with for the remainder of his life. In 1999, Gary transferred to Kenora, where he became a Firearms and Tactical Instructor. After several years in this role, he was appointed Crime Stoppers Coordinator for Northwestern Ontario and Northern Minnesota in 2003, becoming the only coordinator to support a cross-border program. His dedication and success in the role earned him the International Crime Stoppers Coordinator of the Year Award, which he received in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

It was also during this period that Gary became certified as a Personal Growth Coach in Salt Lake City, Utah, through studies based on The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. This became a meaningful pursuit outside of his duties with the OPP. On his own time, Gary traveled throughout North America, teaching these principles to leaders across a variety of industries.

In 2015, Gary retired, and he and Beverly moved back to Brandon. During his retirement years, Gary found relief from PTSD when Archer, his beloved service dog, came into his life. They bonded immediately, and Archer became an inseparable companion who was rarely far from Gary's side. While Archer brought comfort and companionship, Gary and Beverly continued to enjoy their shared love of travel. What began years earlier as short winter getaways to Florida grew into adventures throughout Hawaii, much of the United States, including owning property in Arizona, multiple Caribbean cruises, and travels across Europe. There wasn't a restaurant or memorable meal that Gary ever forgot from their many adventures together.

Gary was predeceased by his parents, Dan and Helen Potter, and by his beloved service dog and constant companion, Archer.

Gary leaves behind the love of his life and wife of 54 years, Beverly, his daughters, Dawn (Rick) and Amanda (Tjeerd); his grandson, Chase, affectionately known by Gary as "My Big Boy" before he would give his nose a playful twist; and his sister, Gloria (Victor). He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Gary will be deeply missed for his stories, his smile, his generous spirit, and, of course, his unmistakable laugh.

“Be a light not a judge. Be a model, not a critic.” The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

A graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Neepawa on Friday, September 25 at 11:00 a.m. with a celebration of Gary’s life to follow at the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum - Canteen Building, 300 Commonwealth Way, Brandon, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Donations in Gary’s memory may be made to Wounded Warriors of Canada, CRA #82808-2727-RR0001, Byron Street South, Suite 4, Whitby, ON, LIN 4P8 “Specific to the PTSD Service Dog Program”.

Condolences: www.brockiedonovan.com

GARY DANIEL POTTER

Gary Daniel Potter passed away peacefully at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the age of 76 years.

Gary will be lovingly remembered by his wife Beverley; children Dawn (Rick) and Amanda (Tjeerd); as well as grandson Chase.

A graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Neepawa on Friday, September 25 at 11:00 a.m., with a celebration of Gary’s life to follow at the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum - Canteen Building, 300 Commonwealth Way, Brandon, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Donations in Gary’s memory may be made to Wounded Warriors of Canada, CRA #82808-2727-RR0001, Byron Street South, Suite 4, Whitby, ON, LIN 4P8, specifically to the "PTSD Service Dog Program."

Complete obituary information to follow.

CONDOLENCES

www.brockiedonovan.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 12, 2026, Sep 19, 2026