Robert Lloyd Pottroff (better known as “Bob”) passed away on October 26, 2019, after sixty-five years of loving life and living well. If you ever spoke with him, then you already know that every day was “just another beautiful day” for Bob. His steadfast optimism and fun-loving nature were trademarks of his personality. He was a true friend, a devoted family man, and an unparalleled personal injury attorney. Bob was a man of many talents and interests. But his true passions were his fandom for Kansas State University, his enthusiasm for practicing law, and his deep, unwavering love for his family.
You could always find Bob in purple. He drove a purple jeep with a license plate that read, “GTBZLVN,” a constant reminder of his motto and mantra, “Get Busy Living.” Bob obtained his bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University but his love for K-State ran far deeper than his alma mater. And his mother, Mildred, was largely responsible. The two of them never missed a game. There wasn’t a stat they couldn’t quote. When Mildred could no longer climb the stadium stairs, Bob got a “game van” to escort her. That’s the kind of fan Bob was, and that’s the kind of man Bob was.
As a trial attorney, Bob’s legacy is grand, a true reflection of his dedication and fervor. He served as president of the Kansas Association for Justice and a long-time officer of the American Association for Justice Railroad Litigation Group. He fought tirelessly for the victims of railroad collisions, often serving as the only source of hope for their loved ones. But he didn’t stop there. He was instrumental in railway safety legislation as well. Bob’s mark will forever be seen on the growing number of functioning lights and gates across the country that save lives every day.
Bob is lived on by the love of his life, his wife, Viktoriya, his children, Nicole and Tanner, his, stepdaughter, Yana, step-granddaughter, Lindon, his two brothers and four sisters, and his fourteen nieces and nephews—who fondly call him “Uncle Bobby.” You could always find Bob happiest in the presence of his family. There was always a riveting story to be told, a witty one-liner to execute, and a room full of loved ones hanging on to his every word—because Bob didn’t just experience the events that brought his friends and family closer together—he created them.
There will be a Celebration of Life in Bob’s memory on Friday, November 1, 2019, from 6:00-9:00pm. It will be held at the Eastside Club Level of Bill Snyder Family Stadium. It is planned to be a time for Bob’s family and friends to come together to share food, drink, and most importantly, memories of Bob. The dress code is simple—wear purple. It doesn’t matter if it’s a suit or Hawaiian shirt, in fact Bob greatly preferred the latter. Parking will be on the Southeast side of the Stadium. Let the parking attendants know you are there for the Pottroff Service, and there will no charge for parking.
A memorial fund has been created in honor of Bob in effort to establish a non-profit in his name. The Bob Pottroff Connecting Force Against Cancer will accept donations through The Bank of the Flint Hills at 1009 Lincoln Avenue, Wamego, KS 66547 (785) 456-222. Contributions may also be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
