Potter, Donald (Donnie) Darin of Gravenhurst passed away suddenly at his residence on Wednesday April 8th, 2026, in his 60th year. Son of the late Donald Louis Potter of Barrie and Anna May McCrea. Don is survived by his mother, siblings Donna (Percy), Julianne (Phil), Scott and Keith (Rhonda), as well as many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his good neighbours, friends and clients. “The Kitchen is a little quieter now, but the stories of Don’s culinary skills, sense of humour, and spirit will be shared for years to come.”

He graduated from the Culinary Program at Georgian College at a young age. He became an international chef in the prestigious kitchens of Bermuda as well as his namesake Potter’s Fine Dining in Edinburgh Scotland. Don eventually brought his world-class talents home to Ontario, where he excelled as the Executive Chef at Taboo Resort in Gravenhurst before making his mark launching his own successful venture, Muskoka Catering.

Beyond the kitchen, Don was a man of the outdoors who found peace in the quiet tug of a fish on the line. He also loved animals, especially his beloved dogs and rescued cats. Don also spent several years as a young man travelling with his hockey team, as a defence-man for the Barrie Colts.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday May 24th, from 1:00-4:00 at Lion’s Gate Banquet Centre, 386 Blake Street, Barrie, Ontario. Expressions of sympathy may be made, with gratitude, to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.