OBITUARY | 2010-06-14
Richard Dick Potts, 70, of Millersburg, emeritus professor of chemistry at the University of Michigan, Dearborn, Mich., died May 27, 2010, from complications due to liposarcoma.Born in Massillon, Dick attended Hiram College, receiving a B.A. in chemistry in 1962 and a Ph.D. from Northwestern University in inorganic chemistry in 1966. He began his career teaching chemistry at the University of Michigan, attaining full professor in 1973. Over the 33 years he spent at the university, he received many professional awards in teaching and recognitions of committee services.Dick was also an avid tree farmer. He started his love for tree farming with his father, Henry, and brother, Ronald, in 1957, when they purchased 55 acres near Millersburg. Since then, the tree farm has grown to over 200 acres and under the direction of Dick and family, they accumulated state, regional, and national recognition for their stewardship and conservation efforts.Dick is survived by his wife of 44 years, Carol Potts; and son, Alan Potts.In remembrance, family requests memorial contributions be made to one of the following organizations: Dr. Richard A. Potts Endowed Scholarship Fund (call 313-593-5130); or the FJC/Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative, http://sarcomahelp.org/donations.htm.
