William Ashley Potter Age 89 passed away at his home in Portland Oregon July 6th 2017.William (Bill) was born on October 11, 1927 in Springbrook Oregon to Edgar and Edna Potter. The family moved to Greenleaf, Idaho where Bill spent his formative years. While attending Greenleaf Academy, he met Elnora Jane Liebnow who was from Sherwood Oregon. Bill enlisted in the Navy and was stationed at the Long Beach naval hospital. He and Nora were married May 1st, 1947 in the Newberg Friends Church. They lived in San Pedro where he completed his enlistment. While in San Pedro, Bill worked part time at a camera store. After his discharge from the navy, the couple moved back to Sherwood Oregon. Their son, Greg, was born July 31st 1949 in Portland.

Bill’s varied work experiences spanned Banking, Sales, Printing, Music and Photography. After receiving an inheritance from a relative, Bill purchased a small camera store in Southeast Portland (Citizens Photo) in the early 70’s and built it into one of Portland’s most respected Photographic Retail & Lab locations. Bill was a member of the Central Eastside Industrial Council & Portland Execs.

Bill’s love of photography spanned his entire life. The walls of his office at Citizens Photo were a window to his life and the friends he & Nora made during their many travels – from Alaska to New England, Hawaii to Arizona, Great Britain and points in between. During the last few years, Bill began posting his images on his facebook page and made many new friends with like interests in sharing images on line. He began making dedicated photo books that recorded his travels and special events with both family and friends. He had a rare talent for capturing images of people. His yearly photographic calendar with images from travel and family was a welcome gift each Christmas.

Bill & Nora were among a small group of Friends’ families who began meeting in a real estate office in downtown Tigard, Oregon that eventually became the current Tigard Community Friends Church. Bill and Nora were active members of the church serving in numerous capacities from music to fund raising, decorating, and building.

Bill is survived by: Son Gregory & his wife Karen. Grandchildren: Scott McDonald, Ryan McDonald, Michele Balfour & Janae Purcell. Great Grandchildren: Jake, Elsa, Liam, Wyatt, Graciley and Harrison McDonald and Henry & Lily Purcell.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday July 29th at 1pm at Tigard Community Friends Church 15800 SW Hall Blvd, Tigard, OR 97224.

Memorial Service

1:00 PM ,Saturday, July 29, 2017
Tigard Community Friends Church
15800 SW Hall Blvd Tigard, OR 97224