DAVID ALVAH POTTER

David Alvah Potter, 61, was born in Beverly, Massachusetts on April 2, 1954 to Alvah Luis and Dorothy Bell Potter. He died at home on December 4, 2015. David is survived by his wife, Lesley Ellen; sister, Ann Reid; sons, Christopher David and fiancée Haley Madison, Douglas Andrew; and grandson Hegan Alvah. Born “Baby Boy Potter”, David grew up in Danvers, Massachusetts graduating from Danvers High School in 1972. He attended the University of Rhode Island on a full football scholarship. He played four years while earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education. After college David had an NFL opportunity, but ultimately chose education over football and received a Masters Degree in Adapted Physical Education from the University of Southern Florida. David was active and adventurous. He especially enjoyed the outdoors and traveling. In 1979, he packed his BMW2002 and drove to California, pursuing a better life. He worked at Stanford Children’s Hospital where he found his passion and started his career of helping others. Continuing his career in Special Education, he applied for a Nevada County Superintendent of Schools position and received the job! David loved a good time and met his wife Lesley Ellen at the Penn Valley Rodeo. They fell in love and were engaged 6 weeks later. Within 5 months they married on February 10, 1984. They started their family in 1986 with the birth of Christopher, followed by Douglas in 1987. David loved watching his sons compete, and his booming voice could be heard at every Little League Baseball, Football, and Snowboarding event. David uniquely connected to people, being the life of the party, center of attention, and bringing everyone together through laughter. He was well known around town for his extravagant Halloween costumes. Loud, opinionated, and paired with his gentle giant personality, David put people at ease making them feel important, connected, and the sense of being best friends. He was on your side during good and bad times. He discounted no one and encouraged everyone to achieve their best potential in every circumstance. Potter didn’t curb his personality to fit in. Potter was Potter, true to everyone. He proved money doesn’t buy happiness through making the best of what he had. David found happiness in any situation, including a Grocery Outlet bag full of batteries, cheap flashlights, duct tape, fishing line, silly putty, and stale cookies. David had a daily outlook some pray to have just one day. He woke excited to the days unfolding and the difference he could make. He fought for people and causes he loved; seeing the best in both. David spent time tinkering. He fine tuned his boat fleet, maximizing their speed and beauty. The boats went to new and old fishing spots where he routinely limited out in any condition. He enjoyed boating on Bullards Bar, parading his newest floating pride ride. In winter he boasted about finding the best deals on Tahoe ski passes and took advantage of them, even eating 10 McDonald’s fish sandwiches to save $12.00. David would want everyone to find his same self strength and instill it into your daily life. Above all, love people, put them first, lend a hand, and give the benefit of the doubt, not knowing people’s battles. Daily live a purposeful life with smiles and laughter, leaving people and things better than you found them. Service is in the Albert Ali gymnasium at Nevada Union High School on Sunday, Dec. 13th at 1 p.m. Potluck follows at Nevada City Elks. Please don’t wear black. David disliked black service attire. Let’s fill the place with love, joy, and happiness. In lieu of flowers, send donations to NCADD- Special Education Services. 400 Hoover Lane Nevada City, CA. 95959 C/O Debra Simmons.

DAVID ALVAH POTTER

April 2, 1954 - December 5, 2015