Dawne Marie Potis, 1943-2011

By Larry Pynn, Vancouver Sun Dawne Potis, described as the "lifeblood" that drove the Vancouver Sun Run since its beginnings in 1984, has died of cancer at age 67. "Think of the hundreds of thousands of people she touched," Jamie Pitblado, The Sun's vice-president of promotions and community investment, said this week. "I used to call her Mother Sun Run. She really was the one person who knew everything about it and was the lifeblood of the event. "She was the face of the Sun Run, an amazing, giving person." The Kerrisdale resident retired as Sun Run manager last year to spend more time with her family. "Doesn't seem right, does it?" Pitblado said. Potis had been originally recruited by the non-profit Achilles Track Society that founded the Sun Run with corporate sponsorship from The Vancouver Sun. "The whole thing is pretty emotional," said Achilles co-founder Doug Clement. "She's been associated with the Sun Run from day one; an original organizer. She was the engine that made it work. "She was the behind-the-scenes person who really masterminded the evolution of what was 3,200 people running down Georgia to 60,000 people. She was a major part of that transition." Celebration of Life, for family and friends will be held at Ryerson United Church, 2195 W. 45th Avenue, Vancouver, BC on Friday, January 14, 2011 at 1:00 pm, with reception to follow.