Obituary of Edward Barrie "Ted" Potter

Edward Barrie “Ted” Potter, adored husband, father, brother, and friend, died on April 2, 2021 at age 62. Ted was one of a kind and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. He was a vibrant man who, with his open-hearted nature and vast repertoire of jokes and stories, made friends everywhere he went—in Italy, where he loved to bicycle; in diners and gas stations across the country during his epic drives; at the race track behind the wheel of one of his vintage cars; at the beach on Leetes Island where he spent his summers; and in his Ivoryton neighborhood, where he lived for over 34 years. In 1987, Ted married the love of his life, Lynn Cochrane, and for 34 years, together, they created the most wonderful of families. Ted was a devoted, hands-on father, and loved, cared for, and mentored his children, Clara and Graham, throughout their lives. He taught them how to be self-reliant, funny, and compassionate; to be able to fix motors and explore unfamiliar cities; and to become great cooks. Ted made a mean bolognese, and he never forgot to throw his tie over his shoulder while at the stove. He was unfailingly generous and always stopped to help a friend or stranger in need. Ted was born in 1958 in Summit, New Jersey, and grew up in nearby Westfield. His parents, Barrie and Gloria, started their family in England. And though Ted, the youngest of their children was the only American-born, he embraced a very English sensibility throughout his life. Ted’s beautiful tenor voice found early expression in Episcopal church choirs. At home, he could be readily located by the sound of a hymn. After graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Columbia Law School, and practicing in New York City, New Haven, and Hartford, he eventually started his own law practice, Kitchings & Potter, in Old Lyme, CT, with his long-time friend and colleague, Suzanne Kitchings, recently merging with Shipman & Goodwin, LLP, as he prepared to retire. His career was distinguished by his trusted legal acumen, and his steadfast loyalty and wise counsel to his clients. Ted was an accomplished fixer of all things and there was not a day when he didn't have a mechanical project in the works. He was an enthusiastic racer of Alfa Romeos (and loved many other vintage cars). He counted the members of the Vintage Sports Car Club Association among his favorite companions at Lime Rock Park. He had a special affinity for his friends and mechanics at Domenick European Car Repair, where he spent untold hours waxing about classic cars, race results, and eating New York deli grinders. When Ted was around, nobody went hungry. And if you had five minutes to spare, or even if you didn’t, he’d regale you with colorful jokes and amusing anecdotes, often in the accent of his parents’ homeland. He loved to read and watch movies, and could be counted on for a recommendation or a literary opinion any time you wanted one. There was no subject about which Ted could not speak; he made a superb conversationalist. In addition to his wife and children, he leaves his siblings and their spouses: Sarah Potter (Jonathan Clune), Simon Potter (Pamela), Tony Potter (Iris) and Lucy Potter (Timothy Everett), his brother-in-law, Bill Cochrane (Elif Armbruster) and sister-in-law, Anne Slater (Wayne), and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be private. The Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. To share a message of condolence or memory, please visit Ted’s memorial tribute page at www.rwwfh.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ted’s honor to BiciCo.org.