Richard Paul Potter, 70, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on June 16, 2026. He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, music lover, sports fan, and one of the funniest people you could ever hope to meet.

Richard was born on March 27, 1956, in Flint, Michigan, to Catherine Woigdka Potter Isham and E. Edward Potter. He spent most of his adult life in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he made his home, raised his family, and became known for his humor, love of music, lifelong passion for sports, and ability to give out memorable nicknames.

In August 1981, Richard married his wife, Janet. They shared more than 44 years of marriage and 50 years together before Janet’s passing in September 2025.

Anyone who met Richard quickly learned he was funny. Not occasionally funny. Not “had a good sense of humor” funny. Richard was genuinely, effortlessly, absolutely hilarious. He could make a stranger laugh, turn an ordinary moment into a story, and deliver a comment so perfectly timed that people would still be laughing about it years later. If laughter is a legacy, Richard left a very large one.

He also loved music and concerts, and he made sure his children received a proper education in both. This education often came in the form of spontaneous quizzes about artists, songs, bands, and lyrics whether they were prepared or not. Richard knew music, loved music, and was not afraid to test everyone else’s knowledge of it.

He was also a devoted sports fan who loved watching games, keeping up with his Spartans, and talking sports whenever possible. One of his lasting gifts was teaching his son how to play hockey, a love of the game that has continued through the family.

Richard is survived by his son, Paul Potter (Kara), daughter, Jessica Sisman (Arif), and seven grandchildren, Brody, Cohen, Gage, Grady, Lincoln, Melissa and Beaumont. He is also survived by his sister, Bethany, his brother-in-law, Rob Tackett (Judy) and many others who loved him, laughed with him, and will miss him deeply.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janet Potter, his parents, Catherine Woigdka Potter Isham and E. Edward Potter, and his brother, David Potter.

No formal funeral arrangements are planned. In Richard’s honor, the family encourages everyone to play a favorite song, watch a game, tell a good joke, go to a concert, quiz someone on a band they should know, and laugh a little louder than usual.