Cancer may have taken his body on Tax Day, April 15, 2015, but it could not vanquish that stubborn, determined Pottruff spirit. Mel’s Great Train Ride of life began in Burford, Ontario, Canada on December 19, 1925. His parents were Robert A. Pottruff and Cora M. (Carter) Pottruff. In between the Depots of Burford and Townsend is the clickety-clack of his ride. His family moved to Flint, Michigan. He graduated from Flint Central High School, and bought, sold, and raced cars (Chryslers) with his “adopted” brother Walt Bolen. During WW2, after being rejected by the US Air Corps because he was Canadian, but then receiving a draft notice for the US Army, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and served 4 years. He then played basketball for a Junior College in Flint, Michigan before graduating from Michigan State College (University) with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. In August 1951, he married Doris Ann Fiebernitz. They had 4 boys and he became a Naturalized US Citizen before moving to Bozeman, Montana in 1960 and temporarily living in a cabin in Hyalite Canyon. He worked for an accounting firm and then as the Comptroller For Yellowstone Park Company, living the summer in a house outside of Mammoth, across the road from the Terrace Geysers. What an experience for 4 boys age 4 to 10.
When The Park Company moved their winter headquarters to California, he wanted to “stay in Montana for his boys”. Moving to Townsend in 1963, he went to work for Townsend Lumber/ Neifert-White Company. These early Montana years were filled with many trips back to Michigan by station wagon, by plane, and of course, by Vista Dome Liner on the Great Northern-Union Pacific Railway from Bozeman to Union Station in Chicago. During one of these Michigan trips, the train collection doubled in size.
With his boys growing up, he coached Little League Baseball with and against Jack Sautter, when the Pirates and Dodgers were 1st and 2nd place for many years, and helped Jack with Pony League later. After Baseball season came Rodeo Season. Mel was one of the original members of the Broadwater Rodeo & Fair association, as well as working on the original arena with his boys. For 51 years, Mel organized the ticket sellers, tickets, and money, as well as the accounting work involved behind the association. Twice he was honored as Grand Marshall. And, once, for the Rodeo Queen Contest about 1969, he was the ambulance attendant as the family station wagon became an impromptu ambulance. Fall and winter brought Bowling season and League Secretary Duties. And, of course, all during this time he never missed one of his son’s football or basketball games or bowling tournaments. Very often in those days, the station wagon was the JV or Frosh Team transportation. Of course every Tuesday night was Rotary. He has been honored as a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, a distinguished international award. Last summer Rotary presented Mel with a 50 year service pin as well as a plaque for 35 years service as Treasurer. They also planted a tree in McCarthy Park in his honor. And then Tax Season in the spring, from the mid sixties right up until April 15, 2015.
In 1993, Doris passed away, after almost 42 years of marriage. Later Mel met Lillian Guthrie. They became companions and bowling partners for almost 20 years. Together they traveled the State, & further, in the Seniors bowling circuit. This is also the “Train Period”. He added to his collection in earnest, even setting up a Christmas Display at the Broadwater County Museum for many years including last Christmas.
From his days with Walt as a teenager, he was always a Chrysler/Dodge man. He often taught his sons about cars as they turned wrenches together in the garage, cleaning up later with a bowl of gas. Yellowstone Park always held a special place in his heart. It was rare that he didn’t make a trip to “The Park”. Mel’s Dad never hunted, but as soon as the boys were old enough, they took Hunter’s Safety and got hunting licenses. Again came the station wagon, sometimes chained up on the rear, and Mel with an old single shot 12 gauge. When asked a few years ago why, he said “because that’s what they did in Montana”.
Mel leaves behind his 4 boys and their families: Kerry and Carol and daughter Madison; Greg and Kathy and son Jordan, along with Greg’s daughter Cory (Mike) Huber; Bob and LaRae and Bob’s daughter Kendra (David) Rabenberg; and Doug and sons Josh, Dillon, and Kamron. He also leaves Lillian Guthrie, his companion of many years.
To offer a condolence to the family of to share a memory of Mel please visit below.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday April 24, 2015
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway Street`
Townsend, Montana 59644
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 25, 2015
Alliance Bible Church
110 E Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Immdediately following the service
Saturday April 25, 2015
Social Center of the Alliance Bible Church
110 E Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Approximately 1:00 p.m.
Saturday April 25, 2015
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday April 24, 2015
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway Street`
Townsend, Montana 59644
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 25, 2015
Alliance Bible Church
110 E Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Immdediately following the service
Saturday April 25, 2015
Social Center of the Alliance Bible Church
110 E Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Approximately 1:00 p.m.
Saturday April 25, 2015
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana
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Steve and Jean Sautter says
To Kerry, Greg, Bob, Doug and your families, our thoughts are with you. Please pass our sympathies and condolences to all. We wish you great solace in the coming days.
Steve and Jean
Graham Carter says
My wife Eleanor and I wish to add our sympathies to Mel’s family, friends and all those who are left behind. He will be missed not only in Townsend Montana and Flint Michigan but here in Canada with relatives on both the Carter and Pottruff sides of the family tree.
Mel was born at Woodbury Ontario, now just an off-ramp on the 403 highway between Woodstock and Brantford. His mom was raised near Burford and his dad in Bethel just outside of Paris. These communities are about 12 miles apart and you have to remember that when his parents were young it was in the days of horse and buggy. Dating was not very simple and easy then.
Mel and I shared a common interest in model trains, old cars and the open road. On his last stay at our house we spent time together searching old car wreckers looking for parts for his Chrysler cars.
I have many fomd memories of Mel like the time as a teenager he tried to harness a horse to a toy wagon to get sand for a sand box and ran into a cedar tree, but a vivid memory is of his thoughtfulness.
In the days before our family had a radio (or probably hydro) Mel and some friends stopped in at our farm on the way from Flint to Toronto. He had with him a battery operated portable radio, a novelty in those days. After he left he realized that he could leave it and pick it up on the way home. Having that radio for a few days meant a great deal to my parents.
I know Greg, Bob, Doug and Kerry and families as well as Lillian will miss him tremendously. He will be missed here too.
God bless.
Jim Foster says
Dear Kerry, Greg, Bob and Doug,
We loved your mom and dad, and growing up with the Pottruff family. We are all “Pirates” thanks to your dad, our dedicated coach. We won some championships and if it weren’t for Jack and those Dodgers, we would have won them all! I fondly remember picnics in your backyard after games, your dad cooking hot dogs on the grill, and your mother scurrying around making sure all her ball players had plenty.
You have our deep condolences, thoughts and prayers. We love your dad. He made a positive difference in many young men’s lives, including us three. He was a good man. May God bless and comfort you and all your family members as we celebrate his beautiful life.
Your fellow Pirates,
Joe, Mike and Jim Foster
Elsie Kirkpatrick says
Mel was my first cousin. His father was my mother’s brother and his mother was my dad’s sister.Since I lived in Paris, Ontario and Mel lived most of his life in the States we never saw much of each other when we were younger.
I am sorry that I never had a chance to know him better.
We did exchange Christmas cards and notes.
I wondered if he was ill when we did not receive his card at Christmas this year. I should have called him.
We send our sympathy to to Kerry, Greg, Bob and Doug and families. And also to Lillian.
We are sending a donation to a children’s charity in memory of Mel.
Ross & Elsie Kirkpatrick
Art Graham says
A “Pirate” with catcher’s mask and Yogi Berra Signature Mitt before your dad moved to Townsend, I nevertheless hold very fond memories of your dad and Grandfather. He was supportive of all kids’ programs and town events. I remember him well at Legion Lanes where I worked and bowled as a teen, at the ball fields which Mel helped to build, and at the rodeo where he wore his carpenter apron taking tickets early in the Townsend Rodeo years before I went to the U.S. Navy. My memories include always enjoying Mel’s wisdom and encouragement as a teen and young man. So it is I send my condolences to you Potruff ” Boys” and wish you well as you share the memories of your devoted father. May he RIP.
Denise Moudree says
To all you boys; I know I don’t need to tell you how special your dad was, but it’s my pleasure to say it! What a grand person he was. Always a smile, always busy, always doing and giving. The whole community has him to thank for making an incredible difference in so many different areas. We were so very blessed to have him and he will be missed. I like to think he and my dad are on the other side chatting and telling stories. I can’t make it to the services, but I will be thinking of you and wishing I could give you all a hug.
Pam Clark says
I’m so sorry to hear about your father. I do remember him from when I lived in Toston and went to school in Townsend. I lost my dad Ken Clark in 1989 and still miss him to this day. My prayers are with you and your family and friends
Clayton & Sheryl McElravy says
Dear Kerry, Greg, Bob & Doug,
Your dad will be missed in our community but he has helped in so many ways to make it a better place to live. Clayton talks about having your dad for his little league coach and learning from him. I remember going with your parents to many basketball games and them being willing to make room in the station wagon for the extra kids that wanted to go and needed a ride. He always greeted us with a big smile when we’d see him and will certainly miss him. Our prayers are with all of you and your families.
Suzanne Williams says
My thoughts and prayers are with Bob, Doug, Kerry and Greg, and families, especially today as you celebrate your father’s life and recall so many fond memories of special times together with him. The Pottruff, Carter and Howell families are related and have long been connected through wonderful friendships and annual picnic reunions. My mother grew up with Mel in Flint, Michigan. Their parents were cousins, yet they were as close as siblings in their childhood. Mel was named after my Great Uncle Mel Howell. Mel was in my parents’ wedding party and Mel and Doris were my Godparents. I chuckle thinking of a fun summer visiting in Yellowstone Park and Mel dyeing my mother’s hair an interesting shade of blonde!*&? We always looked forward to your visits to the farm in Ontario. As a child, I always thought Mel was the tallest man in the world! My sincere sympathies to all of you.
Gene (Carter) Robertson says
Mel spent a part of many summers at the Carter farm as well as with his grandparents in Bethel. He had many stories of these holidays. Great times.
When Mel and his buddy, Walter, were in the service, they dropped by the farm . Well, my girlfriends and I, being 5 years younger, were in awe of these 2 very handsome men in uniform. They often asked about him.
After Doris passed away and I was on my own, Mel spent a couple of holidays with me in Florida. Yes, we visited many model train stores and had a great time exploring Florida.
Kerry, Greg, Bob and Doug you had a wonderful dad. He adored his grandchildren.
Lillian you were a blessing in his life.
Lovee to all.
Gene (Carter) Robertson says
Mel spent a part of many summers at the Carter farm as well as with his grandparents in Bethel. He had many stories to tell of these holidays.
When Mel and his buddy, Walter, dropped by the farm, my girlfriends and I, being 5 years younger, were in awe of these two very handsome men in uniform. My girlfriends often asked about him.
When Doris had passed away and I was on my own, Mel spent a couple of holidays in Florida with me. Yes, we visited many model train stores, but also had a great time exploring Florida,
Kerry, Grey, Bob and Doug and your families will miss him as will his adored grandchildren. Prayers are with all.
Lillian, you were a blessing in his life.
Love to all