Tom Potocki, Mission Viejo Councilman, Dies of Cancer
Mission Viejo City Council member Tom Potocki died late Tuesday, two months after having been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He was 53.
Colleagues remembered Potocki Wednesday for his intelligence, compassion, humor and deep commitment to the people of Mission Viejo.
Mayor Sherri M. Butterfield said: “Losing a man of Tom’s caliber from the realm of public service is a loss for the people of Mission Viejo, and losing a friend is a personal loss to me.”
Potocki, a sales account executive for a photo digital-imaging company, was appointed to the city’s Planning Commission in 1995 and was elected to the City Council a year later. He served as mayor pro tem this year. Potocki also was a past president of the Aegean Hills Homeowners Assn. and the Mission Viejo Kiwanis Club.
He is survived by his wife, Kay, and two grown children, Mike Ruyle and Derry Ruyle.
A memorial service is set for 5 p.m. today at St. Kilian Catholic Church, 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo.
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