John Wayne Pottenger

   Our hearts are broken to announce the passing of John Wayne Pottenger, “Granddad”.   

   Granddad was called to Heaven on Saturday, November 18th at his home in Riggins at the age of 80. He was born to Bill and Eileen Pottenger on May 7th, 1943, in Council Idaho.

   After attending early elementary school in Riggins, he moved with his family to Boise and graduated from Borah High School in 1962 before attending Boise State Jr. College. In September of 1964 he married the love of his life, Caroline Flowers.

   Granddad was very honored and took great pride in serving his country when he was drafted in December of 1965. Stationed in Frankfort, Germany as an Armor Crewmen he also was asked to train the tank operators and was discharged in 1971. After being discharged he and Caroline decided to make Riggins their forever home by purchasing a house that they have lived in since and starting a family. Granddad worked as a logging company mechanic, he then went on to work at the sawmill in Riggins before hitting the mountains and “doing it all” as a logger for many years. He then went on to be a heavy machine operator before being promoted to his favorite career as Granddad and Grandma daycare providers. Granddad was a lover of everything outdoors. It was not unlikely to see him at his favorite salmon or steelhead hole every day, and he took great pleasure in passing his passion down to generations of family members. He was an avid hunter and liked nothing better than “burning a weiner” up the Salmon River with his family. Both he and Caroline were both active members of the Savage Cycles Motorcycle Club and often took their motorcycles to the mountains, strapped their kids on and rode the trails around Riggins.

   Granddad had many hobbies, but nothing made him smile more than his family. He drove thousands of miles and traveled to many states to be the first one in the bleachers to watch his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids in many different sporting events. Elementary, high school, and even college, we could count on one hand how many games or matches he missed. His smile could light up any room, he was as tough as nails, hilarious, and known for his one liners that have become family favorites. As his eldest Granddaughter I am honored to have been asked to write about our hero. Although our hearts are saddened, we take joy and have peace knowing he is with his Lord and Savior.

   Granddad was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Eileen, and his younger brother Bruce. He is survived by who he called his “beautiful bride” of 59 years, Caroline, his children Cammi (Bill), Carri (Jim), John (Tracie) and his 15 grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as his siblings Melinda (Gordy), Dianne (Dave), Rick (Jeanette), and many nieces and nephews.

   A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 2nd at 1:00 pm at the Riggins Assembly of God. Following will be a graveside service for family, immediately followed by a meal for friends and family back at the church.

   In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Riggins Emergency Medical Services.

   We love you Granddad, the banks of the Salmon River will never be the same without you.

   “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” 2 Timothy 4:7.

   Online condolences may be left at www.mccallfunerals.com

   Arrangements in care of McCall Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Wayne Pottenger, please visit our floral store.