Russell Potter

Russell Matthew Potter, 64, passed on December 17, 2021.

Born in Newark, Ohio on February 19, 1957, Russell grew up in Kansas City, Kansas and graduated from Washington High School, Class of 1975. Russell worked as a farrier for over 30 years, shoeing his first horse at 15 years old. He married his high school sweetheart Karen Jacobson in 1980, and in 1998, they followed their dreams of living near the Rocky Mountains, moving to Bennett, Colorado.

Russell had a wide range of interests and hobbies, proudly telling folks he was likely the only bud vase collecting farrier they would ever happen to meet. He loved Pavarotti and John Wayne, raising and racing Quarter Horses and buying Navajo jewelry for his wife, collecting six-shooters and tearfully snuggling his beloved childhood stuffed dog, Blackie.

He was proud to be the father of two determinedly independent womxn, Elizabeth Jewell and Emily Frances, and beyond thrilled when he acquired his two sons-in-law, Troika and Matthew. Russell always looked forward to becoming a grandpa, that dream coming true with the arrivals of Rowan Avery (4), Daniel August (2.5), and Hazel Delaney (2).

Russell is survived by his wife Karen (Bennett), children Elizabeth [Troika] Brodsky (St. Louis, MO) and Emily [Matthew] Lynch (Aurora), grandchildren Rowan, Daniel, and Hazel, parents Janice and Marvin Potter (Kansas City, KS), brother Paul Potter (Lansing, KS), and his mother- and father-in-law Billie and Dow Jacobson (Leavenworth, KS). He was Uncle Russ to Joshua, Aaron, and David Potter, as well as Nick, Stephen, Lauren, Jennifer, Michael, and Skyler. Russell also leaves behind a number of beloved in-laws, cousins, and extended family, as well as two kitty cats, Mouse and Little Sister. He was preceded in death by The Game Has Changed, his Stakes producing mare, and Catchmeby Radar, his most winningest Quarter Horse.

Memorial contributions are welcome at American Quarter Horse Foundation and Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research .

Please leave a comment as condolence on his Tribute Wall.