Maxwell Frederick Potts 'Max' (27 May 1923 - 13 Feb 2024)

In loving memory of Maxwell Frederick Potts ‘Max’ who sadly passed away on 13th February 2024, aged 100 years.
Max was born in Faversham 27 May 1923 but spent most of his life in Gillingham. He attended Gillingham Boys Grammar where he developed a love of English and Geography. His first job was for Kent County Council at Maidstone but soon found employment as a meteorologist in Chatham Dockyard and later RAF Benson.
He was drafted into the RAF to provide weather readings to support military operation leaders in their planning, first from the ground in Cairo and later as aircrew over the North Atlantic. He went on very dangerous 10 hour flights over the Atlantic taking readings from just above the waves, returning more than once with just one of the four Halifax engines working.
In 1946 he married Joan, his childhood sweetheart and he became a teacher, training at Goldsmiths college. He taught first at Woodlands Boys’ School and was instrumental in organising the geography department in a new school, Upbury Manor, with James McVie as head in 1957. Max will also be remembered for his contributions to stage management and arts festivals as well as the Penguin club at school. Later he became a deputy and school governor.
Max had many interests including photography, hockey, gardening, music, travel and flying. When he retired he took flying lessons and gained his Private Pilots Licence at 73 and continued flying and travelling into his nineties.
Sadly, Max spent much of his retirement looking after his wife Joan who suffered from Alzheimer’s.
Max left a daughter Maxine, her husband Ron, and their children Anthony and Stephanie. He will be missed by family and friends.

Floral Tributes may be sent by 10.00 am on Wednesday 10th April, c/o John Weir Funeral Directors, 130 – 132, High Street, Rainham, Kent. ME8 8AR. Telephone. 01634 373111. If preferred, donations in memory of Max for ‘Alzheimer’s Society’ would be gratefully received, and may be made online via this page. Thank you.

The service will be live streamed and the details are as follows:-

Website: https://watch.obitus.com
Username: selo4580
Password: 986736

There will be a private gathering for family after the service. Thank you.