Dick Potochnick

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PRICE-Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and best friend Dick Johnny Potochnick, age 62, passed away on March 29, 2011.
Dick was born June 10, 1948 in East Carbon “Dragerton”, Utah to John Potochnick Jr. and Angie Fercik Potochnick. He graduated in 1966 from East Carbon High School. Dick was a state champion tennis player, adventurist and devoted friend. If you were ever driving through East Carbon in the late 1960s and a motorcycle appeared airborne over your car it was probably Dick.
He graduated from the College of Eastern Utah and earned a BA at Weber State College.
On July 20, 1973 Dick married the love of his life, best friend, and eternal partner Robin Luke Potochnick. They were blessed with three beautiful daughters Misty, Michelle, and Stephanie. Dick was a devoted husband and father that sacrificed and worked tirelessly to support his family. He loved them with all of his heart and their happiness became his own.
Dick was a successful coal miner who was loved by his crew members. They nicknamed him “Chip” and he was known as the leader and light of the group. He worked underground for 29 years and was noted for his expertise in production records and long wall mining. He held a special place in the hearts of his crew members who he treated like family.
Despite several major illnesses, Dick never complained and was always high spirited finding a way to entertain everyone. He was known for his sense of humor, love and devotion to people, and extremely kind heart. Dick was filled with resilience and inner strength that inspired his family.
Dick loved the outdoors and camping with his family. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and ATV rider. He is known in the family as the baby whisperer because kids always flocked to him. One of his greatest joys was the birth of his grandson Lincoln. He was an incredible grandpa.
Dick is survived by his loving wife of 38 years Robin Luke Potochnick; daughter Misty Potochnick (Natalie Hawks, grandson Lincoln Hawks Potochnick); Michelle Potochnick Fazio (Peter Fazio); Stephanie Rodriguez Potochnick (Wadi Rodriguez); mother Angie Potochnick; sister Irene Tolman Potochnick. Preceded in death by father John Potochnick Jr.; brother-in-law Lowell Tolman; father and mother-in-law Lloyd and Beverly Luke.
Funeral service, Monday, April 4, 2011, 11 a.m. Price Seventh LDS Ward, 995 East 700 North, Price. Family received friends Sunday evening from 5-7 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home, 233 East Main in Price and Monday one hour prior to services at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Moran Eye Center, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are welcome to share memories of Dick online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.