Dec. 11, 1943 – Nov. 18, 2024

John Paul Potoski, known to everyone as Paul, was born in Dauphin, MB, son of John and Mary Potoski. He was raised on a farm near the outskirts of town and from an early age, put in long days contributing to the success of the family farm. He excelled at scholastic pursuits, and devoted any spare time to various clubs such as: public speaking and 4-H Calf Club.

After graduation, Paul set his sights on attending the University of Manitoba to become a medical doctor like both his uncles were. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in 1964, and went on to enroll in the College of Medicine, graduating with a freshly minted Doctor of Medicine diploma in 1968. He went on to enter an internship program at St. Boniface General Hospital to become a fully licensed physician. He left SBGH not only with a completed internship but also a fiancee, a young nurse named Marilyn. The two would be married on September 6, 1969.

Paul and his wife sought out a place to make their permanent home. He practised medicine in Treherne, MB in 1971, and took extra surgical and internal medicine training at Wayne State University (Detroit, MI) in 1972. As it would turn out, he didn't much care for being away from farm and family. So, in 1973, they moved to Dauphin to start a family of their own. They were blessed with two children: Mark and Rachelle.

Originally upon returning, Dr. Paul joined the Dauphin Medical Group. However, the desire to open a solo practice was ever-present. This led to the creation of the Potoski Medical Clinic – an entity that would exist for decades at several locations. The longest and most well-known iteration stood in the heart of downtown Dauphin, at the corner of Main Street North and Third Avenue NW.

He also looked after residents at the two care homes, saw his patients in the ER, and made house calls when people needed some TLC, but weren't well enough to make it out. He was also adept at interpreting electrocardiograms, and dictated stacks of EKG reports whenever he got the opportunity.

Paul was a dedicated fan of both the Winnipeg Blue Bombers CFL franchise, and the Winnipeg Jets. Like many others, he was thrilled upon the return of NHL hockey to his home province. He stood behind his teams, whether it was a good season, or a not-so-good one. Whether it was sports, or real-world matters, once he was on your side, you were assured a staunch ally through thick and thin.

Paul was predeceased by his wife Marilyn, his parents John and Mary Potoski, and his sister Katherine (Tufford). He is survived by his son Mark, daughter Rachelle Potoski-Lavergne (Jacques Lavergne), and grandchildren: Xavier, Isabella, and Sona Lavergne of Winnipeg.

If one would like to honour the memory of Dr. Potoski, please consider helping to keep Ukrainian culture strong and vibrant in Dauphin and on the Prairies.

Visitation was held for Paul on Thursday, November 28, 2024 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm from the Sneath-Strilchuk Family Care Centre in Dauphin.  

Private interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Dauphin.