Business Owner, U.S. State Department Worker who Traveled the World, Gregorius Johannes Pot, Passes

Johan enlisted in the Dutch Merchant Marine for 17 years during which time he sailed the seven seas, dropping anchor at ports all over the world. While an officer in the Merchant Marine, he met the love his life, Catharina (Tineke), in 1965. They were married on February 1, 1967 in Scheveningen. Johan came ashore in the early 1970s when his children were born fourteen months apart and worked in sales. Johan loved driving, counting many victories in his short career as an amateur rally driver. In 1978, Johan became a port captain in Lagos, Nigeria, moving his family from the Netherlands to West Africa. Shortly after that, he joined the U.S. State Department as a contractor, commissioned to rebuild and oversee its West Africa regional warehousing and distribution operations in Lagos. Johan’s next post was in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, where he continued his work with the U.S. State Department’s Building and Maintenance Office for four years. Known as a logistics innovator and problem solver, Johan accepted his third post at the U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal. After five years, he made his last move as a contractor, this time to Abuja, Nigeria. After serving as interim Liaison Officer for the Australian and Canadian governments, he started his own contract services company, Abuja Technical Services (ATS). There was never a task or project too challenging or complex for Johan. He approached everything with the same determination and can-do spirit, engaging people from all walks of life with his wit and big personality. In 1999, Johan and Tineke retired and immigrated to Fairmont, West Virginia, to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Johan enjoyed traveling, driving the country roads of West Virginia and sharing his life experiences with anyone who would listen to him. He loved and regularly attended church, both at Calvary Chapel in Morgantown and Viola Church in Fairmont. His wife, children and

grandchildren were the true treasures of his heart. His wife Tineke was his constant companion and they were inseparable for the past twenty-five years. She was the light of his life. He made it a priority to spend time with his children and grandchildren, driving many miles to be with them as often as he could. Johan had a great sense of fun and humor and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Johan is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Catharina Johanna van der Harst-Pot. In addition to his wife,Johan is survived by his children, Inez Hill (Robb) of Fairmont, and Johan Pot (Kelly) of Lebanon, Ohio; his brother, Leo Pot (Claire) of Tilburg, the Netherlands and his sister, Jolande Van Der Geest-Pot (Piet) of Noordwijk, the Netherlands; his grandchildren,Makenzie Falor (Tyler), Kasey Brown (Avery), Keira Hill, Kylie Pot, Kaylen Pot, and Jacob Pot, along with one great-grandson, Brycen Falor.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont, WV 26554. In accordance with Johan’s wishes, cremations services will occur. A memorial service will be held at Viola Church, 77 State Park Road, Fairmont, WV 26554, at a later date. The Family will give further notice when arrangement dates have been finalized. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.

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