Allan George Potter (1930-2019)

POTTER, SAMUELSON

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 6/6/2019 at 21:01:28

Obituary from Heritage Funeral & Cremation, Spokane, Washington.

Allan George Potter, 88 of Spokane, WA passed away on May 8, 2019 surrounded by family. He was born to parents Lenora and Waldean Potter on May 9, 1930 in Frankfort, Kansas. Allan graduated from Frankfort High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Kansas State University.

He went on the earn Masters and Doctorate degrees in Electrical Engineering from Iowa State University. During his career Allan conducted research in the biomedical field, specifically in the development of a hand brace for quadriplegic individuals operated by electricity generated by a person's own nervous system. Later, his interests turned to alternative energy sources; solar and wind. He was member of a number of engineering honorary societies, organizations and university committees.

Allan married Carolyn Bernice Samuelson in 1952, who survives him. In the years after their marriage, he also worked outside of academia as an engineer for Honeywell and Magnavox Companies. Allan joined the US Army ending up in the Signal Corps and worked as a wire officer, reaching the rank of First Lieutenant.

Allan had many hobbies. He was an avid archer. He hunted deer with a bow, because he felt, rather than use a gun, it was the fair thing to do. More than archery, though, was his love of fishing. Allan went on countless trips which revolved around the sport. He was an accomplished singer, a tenor. He sang in his church choir and also with a Barbershop group. He was, for 60 years an active member of St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Ames, Iowa and a board member of the Lutheran Student Center in Ames. Allan had a big heart and was charitable to others, giving where needed and volunteering when asked. He lived his faith.
After retirement, he and Carolyn traveled widely within the U.S. and overseas and enjoyed frequent visits to children and grandchildren in the Midwest and on the West Coast. Allan appreciated the adventure of a trip, but always loved returning back to his home in Ames. He and Carolyn developed deep and lasting ties to friends in their neighborhood, church and professions.

Allan is survived by his wife of 67 years, Carolyn, son Mark and wife Nancy, daughter Susan and husband Dennis, son Ted and wife Anna and brother Dean as well as 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Allan was predeceased by parents Lenora and Waldean Potter and brother Don Potter.

The memorial service will be held on Monday, May 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Riverview Retirement Community Chapel. Donations may be made to St. Andrews Lutheran Church Choir, c/o St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 209 Colorado Ave, Ames, IA 50014, or the charity of your choice.