Ryan Scott Potter

Ryan Scott Potter was a man who dreamed big and loved bigger.  Although he died on May 17, 2026, his spark for life will never fade, and he is now at peace from the struggles that haunted him.

Ryan was born April 2, 1991, in High Point, North Carolina, and moved with his family to Michigan at eight weeks old. He grew up in Battle Creek, and graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 2009. In school he took up the trombone and played in the Bearcat Marching Band, loving every minute with his band family. Those who knew him remember that Ryan was a social butterfly.

After high school, he moved with his family to Newaygo County, where he has deep family roots on both sides.  He eventually settled in Grand Rapids, where he met Catrina Eller. Together they had three amazing children: Caelyn, Simon, and Oliver. Ryan’s children were the light of his life. He was a great dad who played with them constantly, often holding “Spa Days” where they would do each other's hair, makeup, and nails, then dress‑up. There may be video evidence of Ryan in a formal gown twirling and dancing with his two oldest. Everything he did centered on his kids, and he always took the time to make them feel as loved and important as he could.

Ryan could be unapologetically blunt, which didn’t sit well with some, but most saw his kindness, compassion, love, and great sense of humor. Shortly after meeting his current partner April, he found a sick or injured sparrow and took it with him as they shopped in Walmart, where it rode on his shoulder, lap, or in the cart on top of April's purse. He proudly called himself a “Disney Princess.”  Although Ryan and April's time together was limited, their bond was powerful. Ryan lived his life fully, but it was unfortunately too short and he will be missed by all who were blessed to know and love him.

He is survived by his children Caelyn, Simon, and Oliver Potter and their mother Catrina Eller, all of Clarksville, MI; his mother Renee Potter of Fremont; brother Steven M Potter of Muskegon; his best friend and partner April Wagner and her children Eulalie, Mariel and Vada of St. Louis, MO; his maternal Grandmother Ruth L Deters of North Carolina; his maternal aunt Roxanne (Craig) Artis, and uncles Tim (Patty), Tony (Melida) and Jason (Tina) Deters; his paternal aunts Judy Konoff, Faith Potter, and Joy Bridgman, and uncles John (Bonnie) and Steven T (Karen) Potter; as well as an extended family of cousins too numerous to mention. Oh... and his faithful canine companion, Darla Jean Potter! 

Ryan lost his father Andrew E Potter when he was 6 months old.  He was also preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Robert L Deters; his paternal grandparents Lloyd and Jessie Potter; his maternal uncle Terry Deters; his paternal aunt Molly Sayers; and his adopted aunt Michelle Slone.

 A memorial service for Ryan will be held June 6, 2026 at 1pm at The Christian Life Center 539 E Pine St. Fremont, Michigan 49412, with a luncheon to follow.

The family has set up a GoFundMe to help cover end of life costs. Memorial contributions may be made there, or to a charity of ones choice in his name.