Steven Michael Potter, 66, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend passed away on Friday, February 19, 2016. He left this life the way he lived it--determined, never complaining, never giving up, and always looking forward with strength and composure.

Born, in 1949 in Augusta, GA, Steve grew up in the Lynnwood, WA area, graduated from Meadowdale High School and subsequently served our country in the US Air Force with a tour of duty in Viet Nam.

While attending the University of Washington, Steve met a fellow student, Deborah Larson. Steve and Deb fell in love and on July 16, 1976 they were married in Seattle, WA. After receiving his BA in Communications from the University of Washington in March 1977, Steve and Deb moved to Oak Harbor, WA where Steve began his career at the Whidbey News Times as a sports reporter. He had the privilege of working under the mentorship of Wally Funk and other esteemed colleagues. In 1984, Steve and Deb welcomed son Chris to the family.

Steve was a loving family man and took his position of sports and community everywhere he went in his daily life. He was never satisfied until he was able to provide our hometown athletes their due recognition for effort, commitment and achievement documented through his articles and photos. He left the Whidbey Press organization to found a small community publication, “The Town Crier” with co-owners Hugh and Lee Brainard and Dorothy Neil. Steve was honored to serve the Oak Harbor School District in the role of Community Relations Officer from 1993-1995.

Steve believed strongly in giving back to our Oak Harbor community and supported several organizations including North Whidbey Lions Club as President, Past President, and Secretary. He also served on the boards of United Way of Island County, the YMCA, and Whidbey Playhouse.

Steve is survived by his wife, Deborah, son Chris and daughter-in-law Maria, two beautiful grandsons Raiden and Larson, two nephews and a niece, and caregivers Mely and Juliet. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, John, Judy, David, and Susan.

The family would like to thank the Whidbey Hospital Home Health and Hospice staff for their compassionate care of Steve and family during Steve’s brave battle with Huntington’s Disease. The family suggests memorials to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America Washington State Chapter, PO Box 27765, Seattle, WA 98165, www.hdsa.org or your favorite charity.

A Celebration of Life for Steve will be held at a future date with further information to follow.

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