Edward Patrick Pottie

The family of Edward Patrick Pottie is saddened to announce his passing on Sunday, December 7, 2025 in Ryan Hall, Bridgewater.

Ed was brought up in Liverpool, N.S., the youngest of four brothers born to I.H.(Sid) Pottie and Margaret (Gillis). Ed was quick with a joke and a laugh, sometimes at his own foibles, frequently at the expense of his brothers. Good-natured ribbing was a hallmark of the relationships among the siblings.

Ed often said that the Liverpool he grew up in was a wonderful place to live. He graduated high school in 1964 and then pursued his post-secondary education at the University of King’s College, finishing with a BA degree.

Following university, he worked for the federal government for over 25 years, first at the Bedford Institute of Technology and, at the end of his career, with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada in Amherst. He was a recipient of the INAC Regional Award of Excellence, given in recognition of his work on the Voisey’s Bay Infrastructure purchase for the Innu and Inuit of Labrador.

When something captured his interest, Ed went all in. He wanted to build his own house so he made it happen (with some free labour from friends and family). For a long time, he was an avid sailor. When he re-discovered golf as an adult, he played as much as he could. He loved music, especially the hits from the 1960s and gospel music. He loved to drive nice cars on the open road.

Those who knew him would describe Ed as a dapper dresser. Few men could carry off a pork pie hat with such aplomb.

One of the guideposts of the last 20+ years of his life was a rediscovery of his deep belief in God. Until Alzheimer’s robbed him of his ability to read, he could often be found reading his bible and considering the word of God.

Ed was blessed to have had many long-lasting friendships, some lasting some 70 years. He found romance, too, and was married and divorced three times. Without a doubt, the love of his life was his first wife, Janet Ritcey. While the marriage didn’t go the distance, they rekindled a friendship before she died prematurely of cancer.

Ed is survived by his brother, J. David Pottie of Bridgewater, six nephews and nieces and their children and grandchildren.

Besides his parents, Ed was predeceased by his brothers Michael (Mike) and James (Jim) and his sister-in-law, Janet (Wharton) Pottie.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers Funeral Home in Liverpool. Funeral service will take place at a later date and time in Chandlers’ Funeral Chapel, Liverpool, NS. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com

The family wishes to thank the staff of Ryan Hall, including Dr. Barrington, for the care they provided to Ed during his final four years.