Cyrus Edward Potts

Cyrus Edward Potts
Resident of Vail, Arizona
August 9, 1936 - August 28, 2020

Cyrus Edward Potts, “Cy”, 84, of Vail, Arizona, passed away Friday, August 28th, 2020
after a long struggle with Lewy Body Dementia. He was dedicated to so many passions
and pursuits in life, had a wonderfully dry sense of humor and an unwavering devotion to
his wife of 48 years, Betty Lee Teasley, and their three children. Cy and Betty were
united in holy matrimony on November 20th, 1971 in Springfield, Virginia.
The son of Cyrus Albert Joseph Potts and Margaret Lovett Sandke (both deceased), he
was born August 9, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois, and spent the early years of his life in
Winnetka, Illinois. Cy was the second born of four children (all of whom pre-deceased
him) - Rosemary, Dennis and Debbie. He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1954
where his aptitude for electronics took sail - attending the RCA Institute in New York and
graduating with honors. He later earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering
Technology at the Capitol Institute of Technology in Washington, DC. He served as an
Electronics Engineer primarily supporting Navy LORAN-C systems. During this time he
was affectionately nicknamed "The Shah of Loran" by his peers, managing and
maintaining what was the precursor to GPS. He was awarded three Medals of
Commendation and retired after 26 years as a Commander in 1980. Cy later went on to
earn his Master of Business Administration at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, CA.
After retiring, Cy built his own business, CyBet Computers, one of the first Apple and
IBM Computer retail stores in Walnut Creek, California. Other noteworthy
accomplishments include serving as a U.S. Delegate of the International Radio
Consultative Committee and Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers. He also served as Commissioner on the Walnut Creek, CA Transportation
Commission, and as a member for the Contra Costa County Transit Authorities Citizen’s
Advisory Committee. He volunteered for fifteen years for the Boy Scouts of America as
Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster, and Chairman of the District Eagle Review
Committee, and was presented with the District Award of Merit in 1982.
Cy was generous in helping others, especially when it came to his family and friends. He
will always be remembered for his ability to fix anything, and for his love of travel. He
was an avid golfer, a voracious reader, and loved solving crossword puzzles with Betty
over morning coffee. His life will forever be cherished in the lives of his beloved wife
Betty and children: William F. Potts (Terri) of Falls Church, VA, Craig E. Potts (Beth) of
Wardensville, WV, and Laura S. Page (Ray) of Vail, AZ.; his six grandchildren and two
great-grandchildren, as well as a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.