Thomas Dwight Potter

Thomas Dwight Potter, “the man in black,” was reunited with his beloved wife in heaven on Feb. 9, 2015. Tom was born in Armada Township, Mich., on Nov. 20, 1937, to Paul and Thelma Potter.

His freshman year of high school, he moved to Phoenix, Ariz. Upon his graduation from Sunny Slope High School, he attended Arizona State University, earning his degree in architecture. After his graduation, he learned of a job in a “small fishing town” in Astoria, and decided to give it a try.

He started his career with the architecture firm of Brown & Brown. He started his own architectural firm, Gabriel & Potter, adding another partner making it Grider, Gabriel & Potter, and eventually on his own as Tom Potter Architect. Prior to his retirement in 2014, he was involved in several projects including the Maritime Museum, local schools, the Chamber of Commerce, the Social Security building, the old Fisher Bros. building, and many home remodels.

Tom and Ann’s first date was April Fools’ Day, they were married seven months later on Nov. 26, 1966, and enjoyed 47 years of marriage. Tom loved to travel by train, enjoyed working in his yard, remodeling his home, watching football and NASCAR races, and being involved in his grandkids’ sports and school activities.

Tom loved living in Astoria, and immersed himself in the community. He served four years on the Astoria City Council, was a chaperone for the Astoria Regatta court, volunteered his time at Star of the Sea school, Clatsop County Humane Society, Astoria youth baseball, career day at the schools, driving newlywed couples in his 1931 Model A Ford, and donating his architectural services to many fundraisers. He was a member of the Lion’s Club, Rotary Club, and Lower Columbia Classic Cars.

Tom was proceeded in death by his loving wife, Ann. He is survived by three daughters, Pauline (Polly) Riutta, her husband John, and daughter Elizabeth of Scappoose, Catherine (Cathy) Stutznegger, her husband, Norm, children Pamela, Jeffery, Ryan, and Karmen of Astoria, and Jeanine (Jeany) Potter of Astoria; his brother and sister-in-law Robert and Jean Potter of Walcott; his sister Mary Wiles of Sacramento; as well as several nieces, nephews, and friends.

A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015, at 2 p.m. at Caldwells-Luce-Layton mortuary. Contributions in Tom’s name can be made to Lower Columbia Hospice or Clatsop Care Center.