Obituary of Thomas Michael Potvin

THOMAS MICHAEL POTVIN October 1, 1954 - January 30, 2013 Hillsborough, NC Tom Potvin, a long time Hillsborough resident, was surrounded by family and friends when he walked into the arms of our Lord on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 after a 20 year valiant battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Tom was 58. Tom was born on October 1, 1954 in Elmhurst, IL to the late William J. and Joan M. (Wach) Potvin. Tom acquired a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Illinois. Prior to being robbed of his abilities by MS, he made his living as a Master Auto Mechanic, and loved to tinker and engineer all sorts of things. When he was blessed with his beloved son, he modified his Jazzy scooter to safely hold a baby seat so he could show the boy off. He built and installed every wheel chair ramp and railing to make his home handicap accessible before he was no longer able to swing a hammer or twist a wrench. He was so proud of his son and his home on Lake Orange. Tom is survived by his son, Nathan Leif Potvin of Hillsborough; his brothers: William T. Potvin and wife, Louisa Vorosmarty of Armonk, New York, Brian C. Potvin and wife, Kathleen of Elmhurst, Illinois; his sisters: Kathryn A. Craven and husband, Allan of Bloomingburg, New York, Susan E. Colby and husband, Dale of Morton, Illinois, and Lisa M. Boecker and husband, Ben of Madrid, Iowa; his aunts and uncle, Collette Shull and Mary and Paul Moser; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Also left to cherish his memory are dear friends, Bob and Ann Lee; his long time caretaker and best friend in the world, Tami Ward and her parents, James C. and Nancy Keesee. A family statement reads: "We might have thought Tom was dealt a bad hand until we realized how much he was loved by the Hillsborough and Lake Orange communities at large. Everyone who encountered Tom reached out with acts of kindness, compassion and friendship. He became a conduit for the goodness of these communities, which gave his life tremendous purpose. Tom also had and extraordinary network of doctors and healthcare professionals who treated him with the utmost compassion and dignity and we will be forever grateful." A wake will be held from 2 to 5 & 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, February 3rd at Walker's Funeral Home, 204 North Churton St., Hillsborough, NC. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 4th at 10 a.m. at Holy Family R.C. Church, 216 Governor Burke Rd., in Hillsborough with Father Thomas Tully as celebrant. Interment will be at St. Matthew's Cemetery, 1001 Mason Rd., Durham, NC 27712. In lieu of flowers, we suggest donations to the National MS Loan Closet Greater Carolinas Chapter, 3101 Industrial Dr. Suite 210, Raleigh, NC 27609, or to a charity of one's choice. Any acts of kindness in Tom's memory would also be fitting. Arrangements were entrusted to Mr. Jasper Dixon of Walker's Funeral Home, Hillsborough, NC, 919-32-2121, www.walkersfuneralservice.com.