Dear Members,

It saddens me to inform you that Gordon Potter, a former Stanwich member has passed away. Alan Gordon Potter, 89, of Milford, passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake.

Mr. Potter joined Stanwich in 1963. Al was an active golfer with a regular Saturday game made up of Long time Stanwich regulars and "patio legends.” Both Ann and Al were avid bridge players in both duplicate and Stanwich groups. Their daughter Mary Montanus and her husband, Gary have been active members since '84, as well as Al's grandson, Ted Montanus is third generation legacy member at Stanwich. Al and Ann moved from Greenwich back to their Midwestern roots to a family lake house in Iowa.

Funeral services will be held in his honor in Lake Okoboji Iowa with family and friends at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 26, 2017 at the Schuchert – Lentz Funeral Homme in Spirit Lake. Visitation will be one hour before service time on Friday at the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Lakeview Gardens Cemetery in Spirit Lake. Arrangements are under the direction of the Schuchert – Lentz Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.spiritlakefuneral.com.

Alan was born December 9, 1927, to Delbert and Helen (Schwab) Potter in Algona. Six months later the family moved to Fort Dodge where Alan attended school, graduating from Fort Dodge High in 1945. That year Alan played quarterback for the Football team, which was a state champion. He went on to study marketing at the University of Nebraska where he earned a Bachelor’s degree. This marked the beginning of his life-long following of Cornhusker football. His avid interest in sports also kept him tuned to the New York Yankees and for a time, a New York Giants season ticket holder. He had a passion for Jazz and first-love loyalty to the Big Band sound.

On February 17, 1951, Alan married Ann Crawford of Omaha, NE in her home city. Soon after that, he served his country in the US Army. Following his time in the Army Alan began work with IBM in Omaha, NE in 1952. In sales and marketing for the company, he received promotions and moved with his family to Maryland, and back to Lincoln before a transfer to the headquarters in Armonk, NY. His career work kept him in the New York area until his election to take early retirement in 1984. One of his most significant areas of work involved the development of marketing programs for the scanners that are still in use in retail, beginning in the early 70’s.

After six more years in computer related work, he retired again, only to begin work in the custom home building. He worked several more years with Better Home Builders, near home in Fairfield County CT. His lifelong interest in finish carpentry became his regular work.

In 2000 he and Ann moved back to the Midwest to a family home in Okoboji. Here he enjoyed annual visits from his children, grandchildren, and regular family visitors. He enjoyed boating and the social activity of the Okoboji Yacht Club. He continued to do woodworking and gradually became involved in several community organizations. In later years he became active in “Meals on Wheels,” where bringing ready humor and personality to this noble service especially suited his nature.

Alan is survived by his wife Ann Potter of Milford; son Stuart Potter of Saint Paul, MN; daughters Mary (Gary) Montanus of New Canaan, CT and Bonita Springs, FL, and Janet (John) Webb of Thousand Oaks, CA; and 9 grandchildren: Emily, Claire, Ellen, Edward, Lexi, Laura, Dana, Corey, and Grant. He is preceded by his parents, and brother, John.

In lieu of donations the family asks that memorials be made to “Meals on Wheels” at the location of your choice.

Sincerely,

Guy D’Ambrosio
General Manager/ COO