Printing Industry Educator Passes Away
Gary Nelson Potter, 58, professor at Bridgemont Community Technical College, passed away March 21 at his home in Elkview, W. Va. A graduate of Girard College in Philadelphia, West Virginia Tech and Marshall University, he built a successful career in printing and graphic arts. A 25-year veteran of the industry, Potter never lost his commitment to education and eventually found his true calling as a professor, leading and mentoring young adults at Bridgemont Community Technical College in Montgomery, W. Va.
Potter spent many years as an advocate of flexography, supporting the growth and development of young students and operators. Along with committing time to the FTA (Flexographic Technical Association), Gary also was a strong supporter of the Phoenix Challenge Foundation in furthering education in flexography. Through his generous donation of time and materials for printing of the Phoenix Challenge bi-annual newsletter, his efforts were very instrumental in spreading the word and building awareness of the now 10-year-old high school flexo competition.
Surviving Gary are his wife, Elizabeth Potter and brother, Bruce Potter. A memorial service will be held 4 p.m., May 29 at Institute Church of Nazarene, Dunbar, W. Va.