Alfred and Adriana Potvin Scholarship in Ocean Science
Each were born in different countries, yet fate would bring them together while working in Kamloops, BC.
Alfred Richard “Shorty” Potvin was born in Fall River, MA, USA on December 29, 1903. He immigrated to Canada with his parents when he was 10-years-old. Shorty had several occupations throughout his life. He farmed on the prairies, ran a restaurant in Terrace and built a resort in the interior of British Columbia.
Adriana Hendrika Carolina Lucretia (Nancy) Rink, was born in Raalte, The Netherlands on June 23, 1901. She also immigrated to Canada where she settled in Kamloops and then met Shorty.
The two married and later moved to Puntzi Lake, located in the Chilcotin District of the Central Interior of British Columbia, where Shorty worked as a guide/outfitter for the US Air Force at the Puntzi Lake base. They also operated the Adriana Fishing Resort.
Nancy and Shorty enjoyed their retirement years to the fullest. They loved their pets, both dogs and cats, and appreciated their beloved friends. They travelled together to many exotic and inspiring places in the world. Nature and civilization were passionate interests. They both loved life, and enjoyed seeing new things and meeting new people. The ocean was a great source of enjoyment for both as were marine and animal life.
Both Nancy and Shorty lived long, happy lives. On August 24, 1998, Shorty passed away at the age of 94 and on April 10, 2004, Nancy joined him at the age of 102.
In their passing, they left their estate to UVic, specifically to students entering the fourth year of a majors or honours program in ocean science or marine biology in the Faculty of Science. Now, through the Alfred and Adriana Potvin Scholarship in Ocean Science, the Potvin’s love of the ocean and its various life forms will be felt today and in years to come by students pursuing their educational dreams in these areas.