Obituary of Gary Cleveland Potter

Gary Cleveland Potter, 71, of Saco passed away on Wednesday, January 14 at Mercy Hospital due to complications from Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Gary was a loving husband and father, who is survived by his wife Judy Katzel and three adult children, Steven Potter (Carolina Velis) of Portland, OR, Greyson Potter of Saco, Sarah Potter, and two gorgeous grand-daughters, Maryjane Harman, Anabelle Harman of Shady Side, MD. He is also survived by his three siblings: Sandy Palmer of East Greenbush, NY, Janice Potter Urbanowicz (Peter) of Cohoes, NY, and Kenny Potter (Nita) of Concord, VT, along with many nieces and nephews. A 1966 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Gary served 20 years in the United States Air Force as an intelligence officer, retiring in 1986. Following his military career, he worked for a federal defense contractor in Washington DC, taught photography at the Washington School of Photography and sold photography through Gallery West in Alexandria, VA. In 1994, he and Judy moved to Maine, where Gary taught math and science in high school, adult education, workforce development and at the college level. Gary was a true Renaissance Man, who could make pie dough from scratch, design and create glass pieces, row like a member of a college crew team, and teach college mathematics. He was also a graduate of the School of Lay Ministry. Gary will be missed by the many people he touched from all walks of life-classmates at the US Air Force Academy, lay leaders and parishioners at First Lutheran Church, colleagues at Southern Maine Community College and St. Joseph's College, fellow rowing enthusiasts, and friends he made through his many diverse interests. There will be a service to remember Gary and celebrate his life on Saturday, January 17 at 4:00pm at First Lutheran Church, 132 Auburn Street in Portland. Donations in Gary Potter's name may be made to: Mainely Character, PO Box 11131, Portland, Maine 04103. This nonprofit awards college scholarships to Maine high school seniors based on integrity, courage, responsibility and concern for others.