Memorial Book for Richard (Rick) Pottens
As you read these messages, may there be comfort in knowing that others are thinking of you.

The Benjamin Family



Jan Landau January 26, 2026 02:01 PM
Dear Debra, Mathew and families, I am very sorry to learn of the passing of your beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Friend. I hope the comfort of friends and family will help sustain you during this difficult time of mourning and loss. May your wonderful memories be a source of comfort to you for many years to come and may you know no more sorrow. May Rick's memory be for a blessing. BDE
Bernice Freilich Levine January 26, 2026 01:35 PM
Dear Debra and family, I am so very sorry to learn of the loss of your dear husband, father and grandfather, Rick. I was at your wedding so many years ago and enjoyed many interactions with you and your family since then. I offer my most sincere condolences. May you find comfort from good memories and may Rick''s name be for a blessing. Bernice Levine
Diane and Larry January 26, 2026 12:15 PM
Dear Deb and family, Our entire family wish to express our condolences to your family on your great loss. Larry used to look forward to catching up with Rick whenever and wherever we ran into you both. May his memory be a source of comfort to you now and always. Diane, Larry and the whole Crangle clan.
Gail and Sheldon Rajesky January 26, 2026 11:44 AM
Ronna and family, Gail and I are saddened to learn of your brothers’ passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and may his memory be for a blessing,
Leonard Molczadski January 26, 2026 11:40 AM
Dear Debra and family, My heatfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved Rick. While visiting my late mom, Rachelle, at Sagecare and after her passing this past year it was a privilege to speak with Rick. His wisdom, strength, humor and genuine hesed will remain with me for the rest of my days. The deep love you shared for each other will never die. May Rick''s memory be for a blessing and may you and your entire family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Arna and Larry Banack January 26, 2026 11:20 AM
Dear Deb. We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Your love and commitment to Rick have been awe-inspiring. Our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.
Lynne Sadowski Cipin January 26, 2026 10:56 AM
Dear Deb, Rona and family. I was heartbroken to hear of Rick’s passing. He has held a special place in my heart for fifty-four years and I will always be grateful for his warmth and mindful of his gentle soul. May his memory be a blessing.
Julie & Eric Kirsh January 26, 2026 10:46 AM
Dearest cousins Deb, Ari, Matty and family, We remember with great fondness and affection Rick’s love for his family, his wry sense of humour and wisdom. Deb and Ronna, you gave Rick such loving and good care. Take comfort knowing that he was so loved. Julie & Eric
Happy Iscove January 26, 2026 10:41 AM
Dear Debbie and Family, I am heartbroken to hear of Rick’s untimely passing. We do what we can to prepare ourselves, but it''s rarely enough. Life brings us such hard things. Even though it’s been a very long time since I’ve seen you, I often think back to the good times we had together and always remember that you are my Debra’s godparents. May you take comfort from your many memories. Wishing you strength...
Carol and Jeff Grosman January 26, 2026 10:13 AM
Dear Debbie, Ari and Matt. We are deeply saddened by the news of Rick''s passing. Your beautiful family were the best neighbors any one could ask for. We have many fond memories of our time together and many of them are of Rick kibbitzing with the kids. May his memory be a blessing.
Laura Grosman Billet January 26, 2026 09:47 AM
Dear Debbie, Ari, Matt and family, I’m so very sorry for your profound loss. Sending lots of love and big hugs. May you all be comforted amongst the mourners of Zion. BDE.
Marla &Jay Rosen January 26, 2026 09:44 AM
Dear Debra, Ari and Matt, The Rosen family is so sorry to hear of Ricks passing. We have fond memories of our early Brookshire days spending time together. Making camp decisions and just hanging out. Thinking of you during these sad times.
Bev Wexler January 26, 2026 08:42 AM
Deepest sympathy.
Faithe Sversky January 26, 2026 08:26 AM
Debra. I am so sorry for your loss. I know how devoted you were to him and that speaks volumes about you and what a wonderful person you are. I wish you no more sorrow.
Debby and Peter Steele January 25, 2026 11:11 PM
Dear Debra and family, We are so sad to hear about Rick''s passing and extend our heartfelt condolences. Thinking of you at this difficult time and sending strength and love. May his memory be a blessing.
Michael Gnat January 25, 2026 10:41 PM
Dear Pottens family I had the absolute pleasure doing business with Rick many years ago as a supplier to his new homes. I still remember his kind voice and professionalism in all our dealings. I was very sorry to read of his passing. I hope your wonderful memories help you at this very sad time. May his memory be a blessing.
Karen Willer January 25, 2026 10:41 PM
Dear Debra Matt and family. So very sorry to hear about Rick. Cherish your wonderful memories. His love for his family will shine through
Lesley and Al Kroach January 25, 2026 10:33 PM
Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts during this very difficult time. We hope you can find comfort in the memories you shared together.
Peter and Lynne Raxlen January 25, 2026 10:23 PM
Debbi, Ronna and your wonderful families, We are so sorry and saddened by Rick’s passing. We always appreciated his kindness, warmth, intelligence sense of humour and sense of fun. Our thoughts and love are with you. Love, Peter and Lynne Raxlen
Helicia Glucksman January 25, 2026 10:16 PM
Deb and Ronna, I was so sorry to hear the news. Please know I am thinking about you and your families. May Rick’s memory be a blessing.
Bernice and Roger January 25, 2026 07:20 PM
Dear Debbie and family We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved Rick., husband, father and grandfather. We were lucky enough to have known him and we know there will be a huge chasm in your lives now. We send our love and hope you are comforted with the wonderful memories that you share. Fondly Bernice and Roger
Philip Black January 25, 2026 07:11 PM
I have fond memories of Rick, growing up in Peterborough and although he was much older than I (probably by 2 years!), I remember that he was a kind person and a gentle soul. I passed by his home on my way to public school and sometimes, we would walk together and have some nice chats. I wish his wife and children no more sorrow. Baruch Dayan HaEmet.
zelda pottins January 25, 2026 07:01 PM
IT WAS WITHGREAT SHOCK AND SADNESS TO HEAR OF RICKS PASSING. aLTHOUGH i am house-bound I WILL BE WITH YOU ., IN THOUGHT AND SPIRIT. m
Robert Milne January 25, 2026 06:08 PM
Dear Debbie, Matthew, Ari, and family. I am sorry for your loss. My heartfelt sympathy to the families. I remember Rick in his years of good health and remain grateful to Debbie for arranging a visit with Rick and Cousin Sue some years ago. That day stays with me—Rick’s eyes bright and fully present. I was fortunate to know Rick in his business life. He was astute and number-savvy, but when it came to family and those he loved, little mattered more. Rick had a way of setting his pen down, listening with his whole heart, sharing thoughtful guidance. He was truly a solution-based thinker and I am thankful for these moments with him.
Beverly Kupfert & Brian Heller January 25, 2026 04:37 PM
Dear Deb and family, 43 years of friendship. It’s a lifetime. Though we are presently in Australia, we send our love to your side of the planet. We are blessed to have had Rick as such a large part part of our lives and will always be grateful that we were able to visit with Rick last week and say our own goodbyes. We could write forever about how special Rick was. However, your obituary says it all. Every time we think of Rick, it is his beaming smile and deep blue eyes that come to mind. We are comforted by that memory. We love you. Bev and Brian
Michael & Samantha Feldman January 25, 2026 04:16 PM
Pottens family, I’m so sorry to hear about Rick’s passing. He was a kind man and I only have fond memories of him while growing up. I know that he’ll be missed by my parents and their friends. May his memory be a blessing.
Susan Lambert and family January 25, 2026 04:16 PM
Dearest Debbie, Ari, Matt, and families. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Growing up across from Rick and the Pottens family was a true pleasure. From his walkdrives home after my night of babysitting, to give me tips before I dog-sat for Oreo, I have only fond memories. Sending my love and condolences.
Rick and Martha Blickstead January 25, 2026 03:43 PM
Dear Deborah, Mathew and Family Unfortunately, we did not know Rick directly, but we did know of him though our friendship with Deborah and Mathew. It was clear that he loved Deborah and the family with all his heart and vice versa. His values were deeply embedded in Mathew and I suspect all who knew him. We offer our profound condolences and sympathies to Deborah, Mathew and the entire Family. We trust that after a difficult journey, Rick has found peace at the end of his paddling. Godspeed and God bless. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Fondly, Rick Blickstead and Martha Lee-Blickstead
Barbara Grossman January 25, 2026 03:32 PM
Dearest Debra and your family. I am so thankful we met through Beth Sholom Synagogue, and so sorry for your magnificent loss. Cherish your memories. Hugs Barbara
Marni Morrow January 25, 2026 03:10 PM
Dear Debra - I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Rick. Sending my sincerest condolences to you and your family and wishing you only easier times ahead. May all of your memories be held close to you heart and bring you some comfort during this most difficult time.
Erin Rothstein and Sam Posner January 25, 2026 02:13 PM
Our deepest condolences to the Pottens families and everyone who had a connection with him.
Richard and Dori Schaefer January 25, 2026 02:12 PM
Dear Debra and Family, We extend our heartfelt condolences to you and the Family on the passing of your beloved Rick. May his memory be of a blessing; may the love and beautiful times you shared bring comfort and solace in this difficult time in your lives. Thinking of Rick brings a smile; what a pleasure to have known Rick and to have shared good times together. Thinking of you and sending Love and Big Hugs Dori and Rich
Jerry Zeidel January 25, 2026 02:08 PM
Dear Deb: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you and the entire family at this difficult time.
Shauna and Richard Markowitz January 25, 2026 01:43 PM
I have such fond memories of Rick from when I was younger. He was a jokester and I remember him organizing games for us to play as kids. Richard and I are sending love and condolences to the whole family.
Karen & Harvey Minden Schipper January 25, 2026 01:29 PM
Dear Deb and Family We knew Rick as a wonderful neighbour. We sometimes walked together as he fought so hard to maintain his strength and mobility. You have been incredibly devoted to giving him the best quality of life possible. We are deeply saddened by his passing, and so sorry for your loss.
Norm Albert January 25, 2026 01:26 PM
I knew Rick well when he was in Peterborough. We had some good times. So sorry to hear of his passing.
David Boloten January 25, 2026 01:24 PM
So sad to loose such a great man before his time. Heartfelt condolences from the Boloten family.
Lorne and Iris Greenspoon January 25, 2026 01:24 PM
Dear Debbie and family, We are so sad to hear of Rick''s passing. We are thinking of you and sending love. May your wonderful memories of him bring you smiles , comfort and be a blessing always . Lorne and Iris
Mina Schwarz January 25, 2026 01:20 PM
Dear Debra, My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved Rick. I remember Rick from the cottage days when Ari was just a baby, Wishing you strength & wonderful memories at this difficult time.
Nira Rittenberg January 25, 2026 01:08 PM
It was truly a pleasure to know Rick. The love and devotion , courage, and care ,you-(Deb) have provided him during his challenging journey was truly special. I wish you easier times ahead. He would want that for you and the family. May his memory be a blessing.
Ashley Steve Ethan and Ryder January 25, 2026 12:54 PM
Dear Debbie and Mat and your whole family… we are so saddened to hear this heartbreaking news. We hope Rick is now resting in peace and watching over you all. Sending love and strength during this difficult time.
Daniel and Jordana January 25, 2026 12:52 PM
My memories of Rick date back as far as I can recall, having been best buds with Matt now for over 35 years. Sleepovers in your basement, visits to the cottage, even my first taste of a real job helping out on your construction sites on the weekends in high school. That love is shared by our whole family, particularly my parents, who enjoyed decades of a special friendship with you and Deb. We will all miss you and cherish the time we had together. Love from Daniel, Jordana, Reid, and Julius.
Barry and Marna Weinstock January 25, 2026 12:51 PM
Dear Debby and family and Ronna and family, We were saddened to hear of Rick''s passing. We know you were incredibly close. We hope that your wonderful memories together will be a comfort during this heartbreak.
Enid and Eric Gossin January 25, 2026 12:47 PM
Debra and family, we are so sorry for your loss. We remember Rick as a friend and neighbour. May your memories bring you comfort and strength.
Judith Pottins January 25, 2026 12:42 PM
Dear Deb, Ronna and families; I am saddened to hear of the passing of Rick; my cousin. It''s been a long time since I''ve seen him. Time passes. Rick was a Rock Star blessed with good looks, striking blue eyes and a quiet ironic humour belied by the twinkle in his eyes. He seemed to be able to do everything well. Or, at least, he had me convinced. Like his dad, my Uncle Al, he was a Total Charmer. He had style and polish but more importantly he was a Mensch. He didn''t take it all too seriously. I hope the many memories he left behind will sustain you through this difficult time and he and Uncle Al will hit the golf course (or the slopes) together elegant and able as ever.
Cheryl & Andrew Giblon and family January 25, 2026 12:25 PM
Deb, Mathew and family, May Rick''s memory be for a blessing. We are so sorry for your loss.
Avrom Brown January 25, 2026 12:17 PM
Debra and family So very sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. I know this has been a very long and painful journey for all of you. Take comfort in knowing Rick isn’t suffering any more.
Debbie Katzman and Bob Zipursky January 25, 2026 12:17 PM
Dear Deb, We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Rick was clearly so loved, and it was always evident what an amazing wife and constant source of strength you were to him. Please know you’re in our thoughts, and we are sending you strength and comfort during this incredibly difficult. May Rick’s memory be a blessing. Debbie and Bob
Judy Singer January 25, 2026 12:14 PM
Deborah and Family, I''m so sorry for your loss. I met Rick many years ago through my late cousin Steve. He was a lovely person. My sincere condolences to you all.
Mark and Cindi and Resnick family January 25, 2026 11:58 AM
Dearest Deb, Ari, Matt, Ronna and families, Words cannot express how heartbroken we are … friends and family have captured the essence of Rick and we share that sentiment tenfold. And the picture… the twinkle in his eye! That’s our Rick. How does one sum up 50 or more years of enduring and true friendship . The early days were fun and adventurous. And imagine my joy when he married my beloved cousin… we were bonded forever! And off we went… even though we lived in different cities it didn’t stop us…a million meals together, walks and talks , family simchas , the BEST family vacations as the kids grew up - skiing at Tremblant and warm weather Christmas vacations. There are so many memories but the most enduring memory is October 7, 1973 the day after the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War…Mark and Rick were on the first flight of volunteers to leave Toronto for Israel. A memory and commitment that will never be forgotten. He was so very loved by all and he will remain in our hearts for ever and ever . Love always, Mark and Cindi and Resnick kids
Peter Godfrey January 25, 2026 11:46 AM
He was such a good guy, and will be sorely missed.
Jeff & Susan Milne & Family January 25, 2026 11:44 AM
My Dearest Cousins Deb, Ari, Matt and all the families. We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of your beloved Rick. The obituary was Rick to a “T”. To know Rick was to feel his charm. Rick was my counsellor in my last year of Camp Shalom in the oldest cabin. It was the best year of my camp years because of him. He made it special for me and me for him. My late Father Harold and I invited Rick to the building many years ago when contemplating a reno and asked him to quote and provide his input. At the end he graciously declined as he was to busy but went as far as taking the time and drawing up plans for us and how he felt it should be designed. We thanked him dearly for giving us his time and expertise and renovated the building to his specifications. That again was Rick. We loved him dearly and were always so happy to see him and spend time. Sending you all our heartfelt and sincere condolences. With Love, Jeff, Sue and family.
Frank and Deborah January 25, 2026 11:38 AM
We lost a dear friend on Friday. Geography and happenstance placed our homes together on Brookshire Circle, but years of generosity, compassion, and empathy made us close friends. Where others had fences, we had a gate. I will cherish the laughs we had on the golf course, where his 3-iron and my driver measured our ineptitude. I will miss the ski adventures and laughs on Blue Mountain, where the limitations of the escarpment drove us to après-ski early. He was by any measure an authentic Mensch a great family man and husband and a true friend.
Joy January 25, 2026 11:34 AM
Dear Family. i am so sorry that the likeable and loveable Rick endured such a long illness. i worked for Rick when he was building the townhomes downtown. He was creative, visionary,humorous and kind. He gave me a job just before my own exciting career launched and I was ever grateful. Thank you Rick. Rest in peace.
Melanie Heilbronn January 25, 2026 11:29 AM
Dear Deb My sincere condolences on the passing of Rick. I remember him as having a sparkle in his eyes. Wishing you and your family long life. May you be comforted amongst the mourners of Zion
Valerie Gruson January 25, 2026 11:17 AM
Dear Deb: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you and the entire family at this difficult time. Valerie
Irma and Morris January 25, 2026 10:56 AM
Our hearts are broken at the loss of your beloved Rick. Years of friendship and our special times together will be cherished.
Nathan Cheifetz January 25, 2026 10:39 AM
Dear Debra, Ari and Lucy, I’m sorry for the loss of your beloved Rick. I’ll always remember the second wedding ceremony we had with him-a very special and magical moment. May your sweet memories help to sustain you at this time. My condolences.
Helene and Robbie January 25, 2026 10:29 AM
Dear Deb, Ronna, Ari and Mathew and families, We were deeply saddened to hear of Rick’s passing. After such a long and difficult illness, may you find comfort knowing that this difficult journey has ended and that his soul is now at rest. Our memories and the memories of the Camp Shalom and Young Judaea family of our time with Rick live on. Please know that our thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. May cherished memories bring you strength and comfort in the days ahead. May his memory be for a blessing. With heartfelt sympathy, Helene and Robbie
Deborah Powell Wells January 25, 2026 10:18 AM
Dearest Deb, Ari and Mathew and your beautiful families. Rick was such a loving, kind, thoughtful, intelligent man, husband, father and grandfather. Rick will be missed so very much by all who knew him. Take care of your poor hearts.
Shai and Illona January 25, 2026 09:58 AM
It is with deep sadness that we heard of the passing of Rick. Sending love to the family. Rest in peace my friend.
Michael Goodman January 25, 2026 09:40 AM
Dear Debra and Mathew , I was very sorry to read about Rick’s passing. He was a very nice man that I met several times with his dad Al at Oakdale . May he rest in peace.
Susanne Alter January 25, 2026 09:20 AM
Dear Debra, Ari, Matthew and family, I was deeply saddened to hear of Rick''s passing and send my most heartfelt condolences to you. May the many precious memories you shared bring you comfort and peace, today and forever.
Elaine Gitalis January 25, 2026 08:58 AM
We are so sorry to hear of Rick''s passing. He was a true mensch! We wish you strength at this most difficult time. Elaine and Abe Gitalis
Wendi and Irwin Tobias January 25, 2026 08:39 AM
Dear Deb, Ronna and the whole family, we were so sorry to hear about Rick''s passing. Please know that our thoughts are with you. Rick was a sweetie and we have fond memories of the times we were all together at simchas. Sending our love .
David and Elissa January 25, 2026 08:28 AM
Dear Debbie, We are saddened by Rick’s passing. I have so many fond memories of Rick from our days at Camp Shalom. He was a gentleman, soft spoken, a wonderful husband, father, Zaida and a friend to so many. May his memory be a blessing. Thinking of all of you. Love David & Elissa❤️
Terry and Issie January 25, 2026 08:17 AM
Dear Debbie and family, We were deeply saddened to hear of Rick''s passing. Sending lots of love and prayers. What a profound loss!
Joyce and Murray Arlin January 25, 2026 06:41 AM
Dear Debbie, Ari, Matt and families…we are so sorry to hear this news. We have fond memories of our times together that go back so many years, all began with our boysies becoming friends in kindergarten (and still are). Fun times at the cottage we will never forget. We hope the many memories you have will help comfort you.
Leslie Traill January 25, 2026 06:14 AM
Dear Ronna and family . Donny and I send you our love and wish that your wonderful and cherished memories of Rick can heal your broken hearts . All our Love Leslie and Donny
Irma and Morris January 25, 2026 04:51 AM
Our hearts are broken at the loss of your beloved Rick. Years of friendship and our special times together will be cherished always. Our love and thoughts are with you, Matt and Ari and their families.
Sam & Roz Chaim January 25, 2026 12:35 AM
Dear Debra and family, Rick will be remembered just like this picture. He was calm, sweet, funny and soft spoken. We had great years together over many years and phases of life. He was a great friend and will stay in our hearts forever. May your memories sustain you and be a blessing for you all. ❤️
Terry and Melanie Bloch January 25, 2026 12:19 AM
Dear Deb and Family, It was with shock and sadness that we heard of dear Rick''s passing. Our heartfelt condolences to you all at this difficult time. May dear Rick rest in peace, may his neshama rise to the highest level and may his memory always be a blessing.
Cathie and Glenn January 24, 2026 10:45 PM
Dear Debra, We are so sad to have heard about Rick’s passing. We are sending all our love and prayers to you and the entire family. With much love. Cathie and Glenn.
Revie & Paul Walman January 24, 2026 10:13 PM
Deb and family Our deepest condolences on the passing of Rick. May Rick''s memory always be a blessing to you and family.
January 24, 2026 09:31 PM
Dear Deb Ari Mathew and families, It is with sadness that we heard about the sad loss of your husband father and our good friend Rick. The warm memories I have of Rick goes back to our teenage years at camp Israel mairragr raising children and more. I have wonderful memories of our friendship. May his memory be a blessing for your entire family. With love to you all Allon and Pnina❤️❤️❤️
Deborah and Frank January 24, 2026 07:34 PM
Dear Ronna and families, our deepest condolences on the loss of your dear brother and uncle Rick z”l. We wish you all long life and with many wonderful memories to share. Deborah and Frank
Allen and Tzini Manly January 24, 2026 06:56 PM
Tzini and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved husband and father RickZ.l.May the lifetime of memories you have shared help you through these very sad and difficult days ahead. May you know no more sorrow. May Hashem give you strength to carry on. BDE Tzini and Allen Manly
Deborah and frank January 24, 2026 06:55 PM
Dear Deb, Ari, Matthew and families. Our deepest condolences on the loss of our special friend Rick. We became good friends 43 years ago and we share many wonderful memories. We lost a dear friend and a very special guy.