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Ronald Lee Potter, 75, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, formerly of Ann Arbor, Michigan, entered heaven on February 11, 2024 to be with his Savior and Lord. Ron’s life was guided by his faith and propelled by an intense curiosity about the world, love and empathy for others, and an unwavering sense of humor.
Ron was born on March 26, 1948 in Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of Charles Lee Potter and Elsie Geraldine (Babcock) Potter. He grew up in Bellevue, Michigan and attended Bellevue Community Schools. In his senior year of high school, he went on a blind date with Jill Van Dyke from the neighboring farming community of Olivet. They continued dating and were married on July 19, 1969 in Charlotte, Michigan.
Ron enrolled at Central Michigan University in a joint program with the University of Michigan. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Ron pursued a fascinating career that took him to different parts of the US and around the world. Along the way he built many lifelong friendships.
In the 1970s, Ron laid a foundation in project management on large engineering and construction projects. In the 1980s he founded a company specializing in project management software. He later served as CEO at a software development company. Meeting many pioneering consultants during the first two phases of his career fueled Ron’s desire to transition into the consulting industry.
From the 1990s until his retirement in 2019, Ron focused on executive teams, executive leadership and corporate culture, through his company: Team Leadership Culture, LLC (teamleadershipculture.com). In 2004, Ron and his friend Wayne Hastings co-wrote the book Trust me: develop a leadership style that people will follow. It focused on leadership principles based on the Beatitudes.
In addition to his dedication to U of M football and his passion for golf, Ron’s faith was the enduring factor in his life. Ron taught adult Sunday School classes, led small groups, sang in church choirs, and held church leadership positions in various churches. His highest honor was sharing his faith.
In 2019, Ron and Jill celebrated their fiftieth anniversary with a family gathering on Mackinac Island. Ron is survived by his wife Jill; his daughters, Amy (Andrew) Hetletvedt and Lindsay (Scott) Gustafson; four grandchildren: Judah Gustafson, Ella Gustafson, Charles Hetletvedt and Greta Hetletvedt; two sisters: Dena (James) Miller and Nancy (Jimmie) Hughes; one brother, C. Edwin Potter; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Calvary Church (Chapel Entrance C), 707 East Beltline NE, Grand Rapids, with Rev. Paul Arnold officiating. Lunch will follow the service at Calvary Church Gathering Place. Burial will be private at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue, Michigan. Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the MKD Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Dr., Belmont. There will also be an hour-long visitation at the church prior to the service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, Ron requested donations be made to InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (give.intervarsity.org) or the Jerusalem Project at Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan (calvarygr.org/next-steps/giving/).
