Obituary
Guest Book
Frederick Potthoff, Age 61 passed away after a long struggle with cancer at his home in Angwin, Saturday, September 3, 2011. He was born on December 12, 1949 in Berkeley California to Raymond William and Carolina Adelaide (Alvarez) Potthoff. Fred was raised in Berkeley where he attended grade school and spent his time riding skateboards up and down the Berkeley Hills. He attended early years of high school in Berkeley. The family was transferred to Alberta, Canada for a year followed by Houston, Texas, where he graduated from high school. During his time in Texas, he developed his skills and love for surfing. Then it was back to Berkley and off to Sonoma State where he attended college. Fred Relished his summers spent hiking and boating since childhood at the family cabin at Echo Lake in the Sierras. He was always the prankster and loved making those around him laugh; you could not have found a kinder soul. Fred loved his toys: cars, motorcycles, boats, etc. He had them all. Music was a huge joy for him and there wasn't an instrument he hadn't owned. Always a lover of animals, Fred often had a dog in tow. In the past 10 years, he had spent much time volunteering in Nicaragua. He came to think of the friends he met there as almost a second family. Fred was also a very active member in his AA community, having recently celebrated his 11 years sober. Fred is survived by his wife, Kathleen, daughter Andrea, son Brock, stepson, Dustin, stepdaughter Angela, and grandchild Silas, his sister Lyn (Rich) and their children Nick and Gina. In lieu of sending flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society. Services will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church on Thursday, September 22 at 11:00 AM with a reception to follow at the family home.
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6 Entries
October 23, 2011
Dear Kathy and Family,
Our heartfelt condolences to you at this time. Fred was a great man and always quick to lend a helping hand. He will be missed. Sincerely, Bryan & Christine Lilienthal
September 22, 2011
Fred, we will always remember you when building our home, and when you worked with my hubby at Christian Brothers. You brought laughter and light into our lives with your jokes and smiles. Rest in peace, Gene and Elaine Pieratt in Napa
September 21, 2011
Cheryl Meyerdirk
Kathy- When we saw you at compadres playing I told Gloria & mom I saw the sorrow in your eyes.I'm so sorry for your loss. Georgette said he was a very nice man. Hold onto all those happy moments & know that he will always be with you. The time I saw him I could see the pride & love he had for you. God Bless Cheryl
September 20, 2011
Sherill Richied
Kathy, I am so sorry to hear of Fred's passing...Sending you a big hug...my friend...May he rest in peace, amen. :) Love, Sherill
September 18, 2011
Dearest Kathy and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. My heart goes out to all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. With Love, Christy Wheelan
September 15, 2011
Roger Trinchero
Kathy and family,
I will be out of town Sept. 22 and won't be able to make Fred's memorial service. Please accept my sincere condolences. Fred was a great guy and a good friend. I am a better person from knowing him over the past 11 years. Like so many he touched, I will miss his contagious smile and love of life. I know wherever he is now he is making it a better place.
God Bless,
Roger
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