Paul and Candice, I am embarrassed to say I just learned of John's death this evening when Daniel brought the news home about the upcoming memorial to be held at school. I hope you know that Luis and I would have both been there last June to remember John if we had known.

Unfortunately, when Daniel left the pack, our paths no longer crossed. It's incredible and sad that there are so many kids in middle school, and their paths no longer cross, either, without special effort or if they are in the same classes.

John's impact on our lives: our sons got to experience an exciting and eventful two years as Cub Scouts; if not for John, you would have been living different lives, but because of him, and because you were *awesome* parents, the Valdez family was extremely lucky to be a part of your pack.

We moved here in 2004, and were not in a position to form a new Scout group the night that you and Paul were at Carlisle. I will *always* remember your generosity in allowing my boys to join your pack. I will *always* remember the care and attention you both put into every detail of the pack's activities. I still have the wonderful pictures and awards you made of and for *my* boys, and many others, not just yours. Hawaiian Falls, going to camp in Mineral Wells - just a few of so many special events you planned - for John, and you spread the love to many other lucky Carlisle boys.

Another thing I still remember? When Candice joyfully relayed to the pack parents that she had just gotten a Coleman pancake griddle for Christmas, and was ready for camping!! I loved it, Candice! What a mom! Paul, what a dad!

Seriously, truly - you guys, and that cutie, John, are beyond description. One had to be there, and we were lucky enough to tag along for a short time. You enriched our lives beyond measure with special and precious memories.

Sincerely,
Carol Valdez
(Daniel and Gabriel's mom)

As a cubmaster for Pack 1096 and parent, I am truly saddened by this tragedy. We learned about John while at Webelos Resident Camp at Camp James Ray. I thought you would like to know that we prayed for your family as well as your troop. All of the leaders who were present felt your pain. We also thanked God for every moment that we are given with our children. Please know that you are not alone! This was simply a terrible accident.

Yours in scouting,

Maria Coplen

Dear Potanka Family,

I am so sorry to hear about losing John. I know life is hard but this is a challenge no one wants to endure. I pray that the Lord will take you in his hands and ease the pain you are feeling.

We have not seen you for quite a while but I will always remember John’s smile. He was a ray of light in the darkness of work in scouting. He was one that made all of the work worthwhile.

Dan Rogers – Retired Cubmaster Pack 18

Paul and Candace,

We were so sorry to hear about the tragic loss of your son. Our hearts and prayers are with you during your difficult time. We pray that God will give you comfort until you meet John Wesley again in heaven.

Jake and Virginia Murrah

Dear Paul and Candace,

Please accept our most sincere condolences on the loss of your precious son, John. We are a Scout family too, with Troop 747 in Plano and know that the entire Scout Family in Circle Ten is grieving with you today. Although we did not know John personally, we can easily imagine what a fine boy he was; having earned his Arrow of Light, being involved in Scouting, along with his many other accomplishments. There are no words that can begin to offer you consolation, but we I hope that the many prayers being offered up for you provide strength and solace.


God bless you both.

Regina, Allan and Michael Andres

Paul and Candace,

By chance I was volunteering at Circle 10 this evening making calls for Friends of Scouting. The cubicle I had been assigned to had a printout from the Dallas Morning News regarding your son, John. It was the first I had heard of the accident.

I am a parent - I can empathize with the love and joy that our children bring us. However, there is no way I can begin to empathize with the void that is created and loss that you feel following John's tragic accident last weekend.

You don't know who I am. Honestly, we will likely never meet. But, I want you to know this: I am praying for God's peace and grace to wrap around you and your family like a warm, familiar blanket. From our book of prayer, we pray that the peace of God passes all understanding. This means not only that we cannot begin to understand how God's plan and his peace are meant for us and for those we know, but also that we cannot begin to understand the depth of his peace and how it works in us. But we can understand and have confidence that his peace is there for us.

You mention that John had aspired to earn the rank of Eagle. I know in my heart that John is soaring with Eagles. He has earned a rank with God. Better than First Class, better than Star, greater than Life.

Once again, I pray for God's peace to be with you and your family.

Don Winspear
Dallas, Texas

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Potanka

Please accept our condolences on the loss of your son John. Our troop was saddened to hear of his loss. We are currently at Camp Pioneer in Arkansas and camped with his troop last year. We feel as one of our own brothers has past without being able to say goodbye to them. Words cannot express our sympathy and sadness for you both. Our thoughts are with you.

Boy Scout Troop 108
Mesquite, TX

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Potanka,

All of us at Frisco Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery send our deepest sympathy for your loss. Although we didn't know John well, we feel all of our patients and their families are a part of our extended family. God Bless your family and help you through this very difficult time.

With Deepest Sympathy, Robert L. Bass, MD

Dear Candace and Paul,

I know that there are no words that can fill the gaping hole in your hearts right now. I can't imagine what you are enduring right now with the loss of John Wesley.

I know there are so many unanswered questions. I like to think that God needed a very special angel to assist him with important duties up in Heaven. He most certainly found that in John Wesley. I know in my heart that Pop and Wesley are embracing him with open arms. They will look after him until the joyous reunion comes.

I pray for peace for you and your family until you are reunited with him again in Heaven.

You are all in our continued thoughts and prayers.

All our love,

Troy & Cheri Zacharias

Candy and Paul,

Know that you are loved very much and are in our prayers at this difficult time in your life. We are truly going to miss John and his mischievous, fun loving nature. He was full of love and laughter and was truly a gift from God. It breaks our hearts that we won’t have him in our lives anymore but are truly thankful for all of the wonderful memories that we have.


May God bless you and keep you and deliver you comfort.

Love you always,

Karen, Kyle and Dylan

Dear Paul and Candace,

We are so saddened to hear of your loss. John was such a special boy and was often spoken of in our household. We will always remember his wonderful smile, eyes which expressed a hint of mischief, and funny personalitiy. He was a friend to all the 6th graders at SMS. The Carlisle and SMS communities have lost a delightful boy with enormous potential. We cannot stop thinking about his untimely death but feel comforted and blessed to have known John. The Arrington family will miss him greatly. Please let us know if we can do anything to help you during this difficult time.

Jeff, Paige, Justin, Jason, and Abby Arrington

Paul and Candace,

In behalf of our family and Joe's Italian Bistro staff we offer our deepest condolences to you and your family. We are very saddened to hear the news of John and our prayers are with you and your family. We were privileged to see him grow into a wonderful vibrant, smart, funny, outgoing boy and he will be missed tremendously!!

Tony & Yvonne Ulaj

Joe's Italian Bistro

Paul and Candace,

In behalf of our family and Joe's Italian Bistro staff we offer our deepest condolences to you and your family. We are very saddened to hear the news of John and our prayers are with you and your family. We were privileged to see him grow into a wonderful vibrant, smart, funny, outgoing boy and he will be missed tremendously!!

Tony & Yvonne Ulaj

Joe's Italian Bistro

Mr. & Mrs. Potanka,

On behalf of the Friends of Scouting at EDS, please accept our sincere condolences at the loss of your son. It sounds like John was quite an enthusiastic and successful Scout. Know that all of us in the Scouting community share your grief, and support you at this difficult time.

Sincerely, Mike Barnard

I would like to let you know that we mourn your loss and pray for your family.


William P. Hemenway

Candy and Paul,

HotRod wanted me to send this poem to you. He heard it today and it has been on his heart and thought of you.

We love you, HotRod and Meryl


..... AND GOD SAID


I said, "God, I hurt."

.....and God said, "I know."


I said, "God, I cry alot."

.....and God said, "That's why I gave you tears."


I said, "God, I am so depressed."

.....and God said, "That's why I gave you sunshine."


I said, "God, life is so hard."

.....and God said, "That's why I gave you loved ones."


I said, "God, my loved one died."

.....and God said, "So did mine."


I said, "God, it is such a loss!"

.....and God said, "I saw mine nailed to a cross."


I said, "God, but your loved one lives."

.....and God said, "So does yours."


I said, "God, where are they now?"

.....and God said, "Mine is on my right and yours is in the Light."


I said, "God, it hurts."

.....and God said, "I know!"


--Selected--

Dear Candy and Paul,

I am so deeply saddened by John leaving this world so soon. I cannot begin to feel your pain. Know that you are in my prayers and I pray that God will hold you in his arms and give you love and care as you go through this extremely difficult time. John was such a loving, happy, and remarkable child and his happiness was contagious.

As you know, I was given the privilege of teaching John the year before he went to Kindergarten. He was only four but he seemed beyond his years to me. He could change one’s mood just by walking into a room. He had this glow about him that seemed to say: be happy, it is much more fun.

I can still see his smiling face in our classroom. I remember our last day of school before John went to Kindergarten; he came over to say goodbye and he was holding your hand Candy. He still had so much to tell us that day, I think that is why it has stayed with me because I didn’t want the year to be over either and it seemed to be what he was saying too…..just one more thing to say. He is one of those kids I will never forget.

I remember one specific time when we were in circle and moving forward with our day. We had shared good news but John always had more to tell us. I don’t remember what it was but he had all of us laughing when he finished. That is how I will remember John…….always happy…..and spreading his happiness. He made such a wonderful impact on all of us.

My deepest sympathies to you both and to your family and friends,

Hugs,

Diane Hess

Dear Candice and Paul Potanka,

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son, John. My deepest condolences to you and your family. I can’t even begin to imagine what you are both are going though. When I heard the news, I remembered back to our times in Cub Scouts and the activities I enjoyed with you and John. Rock climbing, Camporee, Cub Scout Day Camp, etc., I’ll always remember his laughter and smiling face. I'm truly sorry for your loss.

Gwen Greenspan

Dear Family of this precious little boy,

I don’t know you nor did I know this little boy but I have prayed for you and will continue to pray for you. It is so sad for me to read about the death of John. It really doesn’t matter how it happened, God just for some unknown reason took this precious treasure from you. John always belonged to the Lord, he was loaned to you for awhile.

I just want you to know God will get you through this.

Love,
Barbara Wolfe

Mr. and Mrs. Pontanka,
I am deeply saddened for your loss of your beloved son, John. I did not have John in my 6th grade classes at Schimelpfenig, but feel we have lost a wonderful young man, I just felt compelled to express my deepest sympathy for your tragic loss. I have two sons, and can only imagine your sorrow. My hearfelt condelences and prayers have been with you all week. I will continuue to lift you and your family up in prayer as you struggle to cope with this tragedy.
Laura Glenn

Paul and Candace,

We are still in shock over this tragic accident that took the life of one of the funniest, happiest, and friendliest boys we have known. I had the pleasure and fortune of helping John through out his years at Carlisle, and there wasn’t ever a day that he did not have that beautiful smile on his face, or a day that went by that he was not joking around and trying to make everyone else around him laugh. Yes, we also saw his serious side when it came to do his school work, but we all know him better for his sense of humor and smile. We can not even begin to imagine the magnitude of this tragedy for you or your family, the pain and sorrow you must be feeling. Nothing we say or do can take his place in your lives, and still we come here to offer you our love, help, and any kind of assistance we can give you. Anything at all, day or night.

Thank you for allowing not just me, but the rest of the staff at school, to have had the opportunity to work with John, to share his dreams, and to know him as we were able to during six years. We will never forget him – I WILL NEVER FORGET HIM.

And what better memory to have of him, than to remember him dancing at the wedding, joking around at the table, and just having a good old time. He certainly did not have a shy bone in his body and he really enjoyed every minute of the dancing. What a guy!

Our hearts go out to you and your family as you prepare to say a final goodbye to John as you send him on his final path to the Lord to live happily ever after. We can only imagine the party that awaits for him!

All our love, Bill, Liliana, Abby and Priscilla Glock

Paul,

Our deepest condolences on the loss of your most precious treasure, your son. Please accept our heart felt sympathies. We are really saddened and grieve with you during this most difficult time.

Walt & Carol Rutkowski

I am deeply saddened to hear about the death of your son, John Wesley Potanka. I can not say, " I know how difficult this must be for your family", as I have not had such a tragedy, as your family. I can only offer my prayers and ask that God will hold your family close during this difficult time. May your family have the strength and courage during this difficult time.

Wendi Hanna

Dear Paul,

I am so sorry for your loss - I can't imagine the grief you and your wife must be experiencing. I have a 7-year old and I just hugged him yesterday for a bit longer than normal. Please know that my wife & I are praying for you & your family and asking for the Great Comforter to provide you with the joy that only comes from a vision of seeing your son standing with His maker. He may even be enjoying playing in the river of life with Jesus.

I lost my mom last April and since I know she truly has been set free - there's a victory we have in the Lord that will get you through. May God's peace be with you & family over the next coming weeks and months. I know that you are numb, but John is where we all want to get to one day. I know you didn't want it to be anytime soon, but know that John has been 'made whole in every way'.

God Bless.


Your colleague.

-Damon

We in the Scouting family and the greater Body of Christ are devastated to hear of your unthinkable loss. I have been praying for you and the members and leaders of Troop 999 ever since I heard of the accident. There is nothing I can say other than to offer you the hope, peace, and comfort of our Lord, Jesus Christ, at this very difficult time. Just know that we are thinking of you and holding you up for God's mercy and peace, which passes our earthly understanding. May God bless you and help you find comfort in his Word.

Kelley E. Skidmore, Troop 221, Advancement

Dear Paul and Candace,
Our hearts are heavy with sadness and we pray that God's comfort and peace surrounds you in abundance as your hearts heal. We know that John is in the arms of the Lord and his journey is one of great joy.

We will all remember John's welcoming smile and his ability to make everything fun and funny. His happy spirit was contagious and our family will greatly miss him.

Al, Greta, Christopher and Cameron Abtahi

Paul and Candy,
We can't begin to pretend to know how you feel, the only thing we can do is hurt for and with you.
Please know that even though we are physically far apart, we are right there with you in our thoughts and prayers. And know that many, many of my friends are praying for you and asking their friends to pray, as well. We pray that God will give you comfort, strength, and peace. Remember Christ's promise, "Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

We are so thankful you brought him to Seymour for my dad's birthday. We will always remember his happy face and silly jokes and the sound of his laughter. Thank you for sharing him with our Martin family so many times.

Remember, God chose you to be John's parents and know that he knew you would be the parents John needed. You did the right thing for John every day of his short life. We are praying for good godly people to surround you and keep you strong through the coming days, weeks, and months.

We love you,
George, Gaye (Martin) and Jake Reeves

Dear Paul and Candy,

We were so saddened to hear about the loss of your precious son, John. Our prayers are with you both and your families at this most difficult time. Joe, Madeline and I were at a Minchillo family wedding in San Antonio this week-end, and only heard about John by chance on the news last night. No words can truly express our heartfelt sympathy, so please just know that we are here for you now and in the days ahead.

Joe, Nancy and Madeline Minchillo

Candy,
We were all saddened to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely,

Myron Albert

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Potanka,

Our whole fifth grade team sends you our deepest sympathy. We are so very saddened by the loss of John. He came to school everyday with a smile on his face and a good morning for everyone. He loved all the special things about fifth grade and was so excited about going to SMS. While there are no words that can comfort both of you and those words inadequately express the heaviness in all of our hearts, please know that you have been and continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

Barbara Parente, Mary Sue Brown, Heather McGee, and Stacy White

Candace and Paul,
Our family prayed for you and your family all day yesterday. I am at a loss for words for your pain and cannot imagine how heavy your heart must feel. I know that John is in a wonderful place now, walking beside God, where there is no pain...only joy. And you both have a loving support system here, and as friends and family, we will help you through this emotional time.

I regret that Hudson, Joey nor I will not be able to attend either service. We are leaving for Omaha (baseball) on Wednesday morning. But know that we are with you, and will continue to pray. We will contact you when we return next week.

I am so very truly sorry,
Amenia

Candace and Paul,
Words cannot express my sympathy and sadness for you both. I am so, so sorry. I don't know what to say. John brought so much joy to this world. He was such a bright and lovable spirit. All of our family is truly saddened. He will always be remembered by our family with much fondness. Thank you for including me in your thoughts and letting me know about the funeral arrangements. You are definitely in our thoughts and prayers. I know that you probably have had a lot of offers to help you during this time. I want you to know that I sincerely would love to be there for you if you need anything at all. Please don't hesitate to ask or call me. I would be there immediately. My home number is 469-698-8855 and my cell is 214-263-5582.

Sheila

Dearest Candy and Paul,

Please accept our deepest condolences. HotRod and I, along with our family, will continue to lift you up in prayer. I found myself wanting to pick up the phone and there have been a few times today that I had sat here at my computer, both times not really knowing what to say. I do want you to know that we mourn with you and we are saddened for your loss. We plan on being there on Thursday.

My prayer is that our presence will give you added strength. My prayer is that God will give you comfort. My prayer is that God will give you peace. My prayer is that God will give you understanding, for right now, we all are lacking this thing called "understanding." Finally, my prayer is that God will give you everything that you will need minute by minute, hour by hour, and day by day. My darlings, just know that we do love and care for you and the rest of your families.

May God wrap his loving arms around you,

Loving you,

Meryl and HotRod

I'm deeply, deeply hurt, and deeply sorry for your loss. I spent a lot of time in tutoring with John, and I can't tell you how much I cheered for him on quiz or test day. You probably hear this often, but I have to tell you, he was such a well-behaved, loving, and one of the nicest boys in the entire 6th grade (probably even the district).

Though he struggled from time to time with mathematics, I was never worried about John's success in life. His hard work ethic and great attitude would have set him up for happiness and fulfillment. You guys did great with John. My family's thoughts and prayers are with you. Once again, I'm so sorry for this loss.

I'll be at the church Wednesday and Thursday.

Jeff Butler

Dear Candace,

This morning there were some mockingbirds in my yard, very noisy and agitated. In a few moments I found a young bird, maybe old enough to be trying his wings for the first time, huddled on the ground trying to figure out how to get back to the nest. All the adult birds were quite concerned, and I reassured them I was not going to bother the little one and went inside, hoping he would somehow make it to safety. I remember thinking how parents in every species have their trials, and moms and dads - both bird and human - spend their lives filled with great hopes and great fears once they become parents. It was just a couple of hours later that Jeanine called me with your heartbreaking news.

I won't pretend that "I know how you feel", and I won't tell you that "you'll get over it". I know all too well that the pain will always be with you. All I can offer, with love and compassion and prayer, is the hope that someday there will be peace in your heart along with the memories of good times and love shared, and today's anguish will only be one of the memories, not the only image you can see when you think of John. Hang on until that day comes, my friend. Believe it is possible. Take the time you need to get to that point - it's different for every loss, for every person left behind. My thoughts and prayers will be with you in that journey.

Love,
Genny

Dear Candy and Paul,
Thank you for the email. We were all praying for survival as soon as we heard the news of the accident Saturday afternoon. Later, when we heard that John didn't make it we just couldn't hardly believe it. So our prayers now surround you both and your family and close friends. Our little church is praying for you too. Cathy shared her conversation with you to me as well last pm. I will be going to get Daddy and Momma early Thursday morning to come to you on Thursday. I am sorry that we won't be coming Wed pm but we will be there Thursday. Cathy's plans are the same.

Paul and Candy, I want you to know that yall are wonderful, amazing, exceptional, unselfish parents. You did everything right. Please do not ever listen to Satan's lies to make you think any different. With God's blessing, we will see you soon. Hold on to the words of this promise: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He saves those whose spirits have been crushed." Psalm 34:18.

your cousin,
Cindy (Martin) Foster

Candace and Paul -

Our hearts go out to your family during this difficult time. Heaven must have needed some humor, smiles and John's great personality.

In the short time that John had in Boy Scouting and life itself, he really enjoy himself and truly belonged to the troop family. His confidence grew through learning outdoor skills and meeting new friends. We will tell Erik about John's accident when he returns from Philmont and know that he too will be very saddened. Erik really liked John and often talked about his jokes and pranks. John would have made a fine Eagle Scout and leader.

We will pray for you and hope that your faith helps you during this period of grief.

The Eppig family

My name is Kyle Jones and I was in John’s exploratory classes. I am struck by the news that I have heard. Knowing how nice he was and how funny he was I just couldn’t think it was possible. I want you to know that I will be praying about John and I will always remember him.

Sincerely,
Kyle Jones

Paul, I was so sorry to hear about your loss when I arrived at work on Monday. Vivian and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family at this time.

Regards,

Neil G. Norman.

Paul, my deepest sympathy on the loss of your son. May your religious convictions comfort you and carry you through this very difficult time in your life. God bless you and your wife.


Thanks, Pat Maddux

Dearest Candace,
I think our Angel John must have been linking us together at the exact same moment. I just sent Kristine Farrell an e-mail asking her to call me. I told her that I wanted to call you, but I did not want to be intrusive. At the exact moment I pressed the send button, your name showed up at the bottom of my screen, showing your e-mail. My first thought was that John wanted me to see the e-mail tonight, so he kept me on the computer just long enough to see it.

I appreciate you contacting me so very much. It means the world to me, as I know it will to Mr. Butler and Mr. Deaton also. I hope you know that John was and always will be one of my absolute favorite students. He made me laugh every single day. He always had the biggest and brightest smile and always had something funny to say or share. He was the happiest guy I know, and I will never forget his smile or his funny sayings; the latest being, "Oh, Snap!" He had the whole class do it at the same time, and it was the funniest thing we ever did together. He loved life, and he loved to make people laugh. Please know that John was one of the most well-loved young men in the school. There was not one person that met him that didn't absolutely fall in love with him. He was so excited to go to the lake, to go boating, and to go tubing. He talked about it all the time. So I know he left this world doing something he loved. Hopefully those thoughts will comfort you during this time of sorrow.

I am totally devastated beyond belief, and I cannot even begin to imagine what you and your family must be going through. Please let me know if there is anything at all that I can possibly do for you or your family. I will do anything! I am off work, so I can do absolutely anything you need. Just let me know what it is, or you can have Kristine or someone else e-mail or call me if needed. You can call anytime, day or night, if you just need to talk or anything. I will bring food, run errands, sit with you, clean, or whatever needs to be done. Please just let me know what it is. I do not mind, and I can do just about anything. I am offering, and I will have the phone with me at all times. You can also e-mail me back at this e-mail, or I have an e-mail address that goes straight to my cell phone. Please do not hesitate to contact me. I am here for you no matter what it is.

If I don't hear from you, I will definitely see you at the visitation and the funeral. I would also love to bring food or something to your house if you'll let me know where to bring it. Or I can find out from Kristine or another student or parent if you are too busy to get back with me.

Thanks again for the heartfelt words. I will never forget them. I hope to hear from you soon. Warmest Regards, Paige

Paige Lasiter
Schimelpfenig Middle School
6th Grade Language Arts
Paige.Lasiter@pisd.edu
469-752-6425

Mrs Potanka,

It is just heartbreaking to hear this terrible news about John. I do not have the words that can say how very sorry I am. John has been a highlight of my day this year in sixth grade. The way he would laugh and shake his head, watching him work together with Duncan on classwork, just listening to him talk, and kidding with him in the hallway with Miss Lasiter. I just dont know what to say. I am so very very sorry.

From the very bottom of my heart, I would like to thank you for the kind and gracious words in your email. Thank you for trusting us with John these last 10 months. It is always a joy and a pleasure to have a good kid in class, and you know John worked hard to do well on his work, have fun and be a good boy. Angel John.

God bless you all, and please know that the Deaton Family has you and Mr Potanka in our thoughts and prayers.

David Deaton

Oh, my goodness, Candace and Paul. I just can't express the shock and sadness of what I have just read about John. I had heard about the accident but did not know the name of the boy. John was one of the most loving and wonderful boys I have ever met, from Little Dragons to being such an amazing popcorn seller. You were so lucky to have had such a precious son. Is there anything I can do to help you...bring you meals, come over and be with you, etc. I don't know your address of anything but please let me do whatever you need. Do you want anything mentioned to the scout group about what happened? I know that this is so hard...there is a group at my church for families that have lost a child and I can put you in touch with them.

I cannot even say any more words right now. Just please know that he is with the Lord and will be watched over well.

Love,

Jeanine

972-442-6963

Candace & Paul,

I want you to know that I found out about John on Saturday night and that I am so sorry this has happened to your family. I tried to call you on Sunday, to leave a message but, your machine wasn't on.

I can't begin to imagine the grief you are experiencing. I have not stopped crying since Saturday and I know your sorrow is tenfold. I love you so much and I'm am so grief-stricken that your beautiful child was called home so early in his life. I lift you up in prayer and hope that you will call on me to help you in any manner possible.

I love you guys and I love & will miss John too.

Tisha