Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel

Richard (Rick) Pottens

Death Date: Friday, January 23, 2026

Yahrzeit Date: 5 Shevat 5786

Funeral Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Funeral Time: 2:00 PM

Funeral Place: Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel

Cemetery: Mount Sinai Memorial Park

Cemetery Section: Beth Sholom Synagogue

Shiva Address:

16 Connable Drive,Toronto, Ontario,M5R 1Z8

Shiva information: Shiva visits following the interment until 9:00 pm. Wednesday and Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, Friday from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, Saturday from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, Sunday and Monday from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Evening services at 7:30 pm. Shiva visits will conclude Monday February 2nd at 9:00 pm.

Notice:

POTTENS, Richard (Rick)

Entrepreneur, home builder, land developer, classical music lover, sailor, double black diamond skier, canoe tripper, photographer who developed his own film and a man who was the best of small town values.

Born in Peterborough, Ontario, to the late Helen and Al Pottens, Rick was a devoted son and a brother to the late Jerome. He forever shared a special relationship with his treasured sister, Ronna Stulberg (Jerry).

Rick adored and was adored by his late in-laws, Sue and Mike Feldman. He was brother-in-law to Steven Feldman and Sandi Stuart (Barnet). Rick so valued his relationship with his nieces and nephews, Beck (Mike) and Michael (Rebecca), Seth (Rosalind) and Sophie (Simone) and they extended themselves to him with love.

Rick was married to Debra for over 46 years. Ronna fixed them up and takes full credit for knowing they would be soulmates. Devoted to each other in the best and worst of times, their connection deepened over time. Rick was fiercely protective of his family. Tough and tender. He was also an overly generous doler- outer of treats for the family dog, Oreo.

Proud and roughhousing dad to Ari (Lucy) and Mathew (Emily), Rick loved his early morning jaunts with his boys: canoe rides to the local marina for candy and 3 quarters for arcade games; and, rollerblading and biking adventures to a local diner for a milkshake. Rick was famous for his 'pit screws' and 'wet willies' with his boys. He, the boys and Oreo would all crowd into the family shower for a boisterous and out-of-tune soggy rendition of "Down By The Bay". In more recent years his precious grandchildren, Jack, Theo and "baby Sadie" always brought a smile and that twinkle to "big Zaidy's" blue eyes. Family was everything to Rick.

He was a straight shooter, practical, a strong negotiator and held his ground on his convictions. Rick was a Zionist who in 1973 went to Israel during the October War to volunteer on a kibbutz near the Lebanese border.

Rick's courage and determination stood him in the best stead possible to face a brutal health diagnosis at age 60 which he lived with for close to 15 years. As Rick's illness progressed he was at times an understandably angry and frustrated fighter; and, absolutely a good and respected man to the end.

In his healthier life, any of us lucky enough to have Rick in our corner, would have been so much better for it. He will be sorely missed.

Memorial donations may be made to the Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program at Sunnybrook Foundation, 416-480-4483, https://donate.sunnybrook.ca or Magen David Adom, 416-780-0034, https://cmdai.org/en/content/22-toronto with appreciation.

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