Sharon, Vermont - Roland Edward Potter, 87, died peacefully, surrounded by family Tuesday afternoon, January 16, at the Gifford Medical Center in Randolph, VT. He was born September 1, 1930 at the family farm in Pomfret, VT. He was the middle child of seven, born to George and Helen (Kenyon) Potter. Roland attended school in Pomfret. After graduating from eighth grade, he worked on their family farm.

On October 14, 1950 he married the love of his life, Phyllis McDonald. They were married in Phyllis' parents' home in Sharon, a marriage that would span the next sixty-seven years. They purchased Roland's grandmothers home on Route 14 soon after marriage and have lived there ever since. Roland went to work for John Gibson at the Gibson Saw Mill, just over the hill from their home. He then worked the McDonald family farm until Interstate 89 came through their lands. Roland would butcher for his family, as well as for local farmers, relatives, friends and neighbors. Later on, Roland became the Sharon Town Road Commissioner where he served the towns people, maintaining and fixing roads for 6 years. Afterwards, Roland took his love and passion for wood work to the next level, and began his own carpentry business, building several homes, decks, cabinets, etc. His quality of work and integrity made him a very sought-after carpenter in Sharon and the surrounding areas. In addition to carpentry, he also was caretaker for Dr. Robert Seniff of Sharon, a job he retired from this past year.

Roland was what we all think of when we hear the term "Vermonter." Honest, trustworthy, hardworking, strong and independent. He was friendly with a sharp wit and a quick smile, a good dose of common sense and a helping hand. As a mater of fact, all of Roland's life was a great example of what it means to be a good neighbor. For years Roland served the Sharon community as Constable, Fence Warden, and Dog Warden. He was instrumental in forming the Sharon Volunteer Fire Department Association and the building of the first Fire House, where he has served as an honorary member to date. With the help of a few others, Roland was one of the founders of the Sharon Community Television service. During that time, regardless of the weather or time of day, it was Roland, that folks from the village would call when they had a problem with their TV reception. He was one of the founding members of the Sharon Horse Shoe League and a loyal member of the Sharon Congregational Church where his wife, Phyllis, plays the organ. Each year, during Town Meeting, Roland could be found in the gymnasium at the Sharon Elementary School, tending to the at the ballot box, where all of the votes were collected and kept secure. Whenever needed, Roland would direct traffic along Route 14, Route 132 and other local areas. He could be seen, hat tilted, police vest on and a grin from ear to ear.

He enjoyed fishing, deer and coon hunting, finding and harvesting wild Ginseng Root, or as the family knew it, "huntin' shang". Roland also had the rare talent to "Water Witch" and helped find countless wells, waterlines and sewers over the years.

Roland was predeceased by four brothers, Kenneth, Raymond, Everett and Earl as well as a sister Dorothy Hewitt. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, a sister Norma Vincent of Sharon, a daughter, Darlene Miller of Freeport, ME, three sons, David Charles, Dale Edward and Darryl George all of Sharon, VT, as well as nine grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held Friday, January 26, from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct., VT. Funeral service will be held Saturday, January 27, at 2:00pm at the Sharon Congregational Church. A Celebration of Roland's life will be held immediately following the church service at the Sharon Fire Station. Burial will be held later in the springtime at the Pine Hill Cemetery in Sharon, VT.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Volunteer Fire Department, c/o Tom Lober, P.O. Box 74, Sharon, VT 05065.

Condolences to Roland's family may be expressed in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com, or by mail at 4844 VT Route 14 Sharon, VT 05065

The Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct., VT has been entrusted with arrangements.