John Potiuk passed away peacefully in Calgary, Alberta in the evening of Friday, May 29, 2026, following a brief illness.

John was born in Fox Valley, Saskatchewan on October 8, 1941, to parents Fred and Irene. He was the oldest of three boys, with two younger siblings Vernon and David. John grew up in Taber, Alberta where he was a gifted hockey player, who ended his playing days with the University of North Dakota.

After University, he moved back to Alberta and worked at the Bay, becoming a manager there. While working at the Bay in Red Deer, he met his wife Carol and they married in 1972. They moved to Calgary for a bit, before finally settling in Olds, Alberta in 1973, where John became the owner of Sim’s Furniture. For nearly 50 years, John and Carol were active in the furniture business, as well as their community. John was a hockey coach in his early years in Olds, and was also active in the Elks organization, which fit his dedication to charitable, civic, and community service.

After living in town for several years, the family moved to “the farm,” which was John’s oasis and favorite place on earth.

John loved playing golf, watching sports, watching wildlife, travelling with his wife, being with his friends, eating good food, and going to the casino. He had a bit of a sweet tooth, and loved his licorice, jube jubes, and Werther’s hard candies. Although not much of a drinker, he enjoyed a good rum and coke, or a glass of red wine. A bit of a packrat, or some would say a collector of everything, John would save and find a use for most anything.

In his later years, he and Carol moved to Calgary again, where they both lived out the last chapters of their lives at Staywell Manor, with Carol’s passing there on December 22, 2021. Despite this loss, John continued to be a joyful presence at Staywell Manor until his passing.

He was more than a father, sibling, and friend, he was a source of wisdom, unwavering support, and kindness for all who had the privilege of knowing him. John was admired and respected for his integrity, generosity, and commitment to his family, friends, work, and community. Above all, John was a people person. He was always positive and would take the time to say hello to everyone. He would offer assistance where he could and truly had a love for others. John’s legacy of compassion and friendship will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. May he rest in peace. He is lovingly remembered by his two sons Jordan and Dustin, their spouses Rhonda and Jennifer, as well as his grandchildren Eva, Jackson, and Sasha. He is also survived by his brother David, nephews Brad, and John, and niece Bonny.

We love you and will miss you dad!!

“The puck’s been dropped!”

Until we meet again!!

We would like to thank Dr. Turpin and all the Unit 72 staff at the Foothills hospital. We would also like to thank Dr. Geoghegan, and all the staff at Staywell Manor, whom John had a special fondness for.

A Public Viewing will be held at Heartland Funeral Services, 5226 – 46 Street, Olds, Alberta on Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 7:00p.m. to 9:00p.m.

A Funeral Mass will Celebrated on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Parish at 4302 57 Ave, Olds, Alberta with The Reverend Father Alex Joseph, officiating, followed by light lunch. All who knew and cared for him are invited to attend and share their memories.

The family kindly requests that donations be made to the Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children in John’s memory in lieu of flowers.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of Heartland Funeral Services (Olds), 5226 – 46 Street, Olds, Alberta 403.507.8610.

• Date : 2026-06-22
• Location : Heartland Funeral Services (Olds) www.heartlandfuneralservices.com 403.507.8610