Obituary of Joseph Harold Pottie

Joseph “Bucky” Harold Pottie

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Bucky, age 90, on March 5, 2019 at QEII Health Sciences Centre. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia on July 14, 1928, he was a son of the late Alexander and Virginia (nee Briand) Pottie/Sampson.

Bucky led a life worth living. He had a varied career including being a Red Cap at the CNR Railway, working at No Frills and Hop Goods, and as a Head Messenger at the Nova Scotia Legislature. He also worked for many years at the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission from where he retired.

Known for his kindness, sense of humour and talent for jokes, he loved sports and was an avid reader. He was a bargain hunter, stocking up when he found the best prices on his favourite items. For most of his adult life he took loving care of many members of his family, including his mother and sister, and babysat most of his nieces and nephews as challenging as they could be. He obtained his driver’s license at age 65 but never bothered to buy a car, instead walking everywhere in the city. The staff of Giant Tiger and Shoppers Drug Mart on Dutch Village Road, and Walmart on Mumford Road knew him well. He offered hugs and a stick of gum freely. He would boast that he hadn’t missed mass in over 50 years, and the congregation and staff at Saint Catherine’s Parish Church meant a great deal to him. He loved animals, especially his beloved cat, Scooter.

He is survived by his sister Shirley MacDonald, nieces and nephews Francine Rushton (Brian), Gloria St. Onge (Maurice), Greg Martell (Carol), David Martell (Denise), Brenda Martell; Kevin Arnold (Debbie), Barry Arnold; Randy MacDonald (Annemarie), Cyndi Swales (Scott), Craig MacDonald (Gina), Glen MacDonald (Janice) and numerous great nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by sisters Muriel Wirrell, Marie Martell, Marjorie Arnold, and nieces Bonnie Tucker (nee Arnold), and Laurel MacDonald.

Special thanks to the extraordinary nurses of the QEII Emergency department and floor 4.2, as well as Dr. Burton and Dr. Schlech.

No visitation will take place. Funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, March 12th, 11 a.m. at Saint Catherine of Siena Parish Church, Bayers Road, Halifax; reception to follow. Interment will take place at a later date. Family Flowers only. Memorial donations in Bucky’s memory may be made to the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (www.novascotiaspca.ca). Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4P 1B9 (902-679-2822).