Terry Pott

Terrance Gene Pott, of Holland, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, April 7th, 2024, with his son and daughter by his side. He died from glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. He was 79 years old.

Terry was born on July 23rd, 1944, in Allegan County, Michigan. He spent his childhood in Holland, Michigan where he attended Holland Christian High School, before earning a bachelor’s degree from Calvin College. He went on to get his master’s degree in English at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. Terry was a teacher at Glen Rock High School in New Jersey for many years. He was also a co-owner of TNT Painting. He then moved back to Holland where he and a partner started a successful building company - Pocan Builders. He later became an adjunct English professor at Hope College. In his retirement years, he was a substitute teacher and delivery driver for AutoZone.

Terry had three children during his first marriage - Warren, Darren, and Vernon Hopper - in New Jersey. He later married Genevieve (Cannata) Baugher, and they had two children - Kristin (Pott) Bridges and Ryan Pott.

Terry lived a full life. He was a member of Hope Church in Holland, Michigan for over forty years, where he served multiple roles, including being a deacon on the church consistory and singing in the choir. Terry played the piano and loved music, from country to oldies to classical. Terry loved to golf, spending most summer weekends with his friends on the golf course. He also enjoyed reading (classic literature, but also mystery books), fishing, and spending time with his family. He loved taking family trips to Mexico, Las Vegas, Mississippi, Florida, and New Jersey. He found joy in helping others - he was a volunteer tutor for at-risk youth and also led Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for many years.

Terry will be greatly missed. His unwavering love and support extended to his family and beyond. He overcame many challenges in his life. He was a man of optimism, joy, and contentment.

Terry is survived by his children Warren Hopper, Darren (Keri) Hopper, Vernon Hopper, Kristin (Nicholas Grabemeyer) Bridges, and Ryan (Natalie Hockamier) Pott and four grandchildren whom he loved dearly - Ethan and Aaron Hopper and Ainsley and Camryn Bridges. He is also survived by his sister, Naurine (Merlin) McPheron and brother, Robert (Eunice DeWitt) Pott. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Marinus and Jean (Ten Harmsel) Pott.

Memorial services will be at Hope Church in downtown Holland. There will be a visitation from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 18th and from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, April 19th. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 19th.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Kim’s Hope: Glioblastoma Non-Profit for Patients and Families. Terry’s family thanks you for your support during this difficult time.

Arrangements are by the Dykstra Funeral Home-Downtown Chapel.