Stephen Boshell Potter

Stephen Boshell Potter, a devoted husband, loving father, cherished son, dedicated uncle and brother, passed away on March 18, 2026, at the age of 66.

Born in 1959 to William and Betsey (Boshell) Potter in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Stephen grew up in a close-knit family that valued faith, love, and togetherness. He carried these virtues throughout his life, becoming a pillar of kindness and compassion for those around him. As he grew, his faith in God grew, and in difficult times he relied on Philippians 4:7, “the peace that surpasses all understanding.”

Stephen was the beloved husband of Sami T. Ali, MD, with whom he shared a deep, supportive, and joyful partnership. Their marriage was a source of profound love and mutual encouragement. He was the proud and adoring father of Emma Potter, who brought immense light and purpose to his world; he cherished every moment of watching her grow and thrive.

He loved everything about the ocean: boating on it, swimming in it, harvesting from it, listening to it, and mostly sharing it with others. Sami and he enjoyed time on Big Island, Hawaii, where he would often call friends and family while taking long walks along the coast. He particularly loved Kodiak Island, Alaska, where he was able to share his passion for fishing with others. In his final months, he spent hours documenting everything Emma would need to carry on their beloved fishing trips in his boat Theresa Ann. He was an avid angler whose tales were actually tall and true, some of wrangling fish, but most of being surrounded by the awe of God’s creation. Some of his fondest memories are of being on the ocean, once actually looking a whale in the eye as it swam beneath his boat.

Stephen’s legacy is one of unwavering family devotion, gentle strength, and a life lived with heart and kindness. He was a Master of Social Work (MSW) who trained in Miami, Florida, where he dedicated himself to helping AIDS mothers and their newborns in the early 1980’s AIDS epidemic. He later moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where he worked as a licensed clinical social worker at Providence Alaska Medical Center for 35 years, touching the lives of over 35,000 people through his compassionate care. While at Providence Hospital he served as Assistant Manager in Case Management for 9 years, was pivotal in creating a Psychiatric Emergency Department, and mentored many new clinicians, easing the way for patients and staff alike.

His friends and family will remember his quick wit, charming smile, and love of laughter. Although proud of his social work degrees, he was equally as proud of being a member of Costco since 2004. At work in the stressful emergency room, he was known for wearing whimsical Hawaiian shirts, bringing an extra touch of joy to those around him.

He is preceded in death by his father, William Sommerville Potter.

He will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the love he gave so generously.

Please join us to celebrate his life at the Angelus Memorial Park, 440 E Klatt Rd. Anchorage, AK 99515, Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 2:00pm. As a tribute to Steve, please wear your favorite Hawaiian shirt.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in honor of Steve to the Leukemia Research Foundation, the Blood Bank of Alaska, or Bloodworks Northwest. For those who wish to contribute in another way, please consider registering as a bone marrow donor or donating blood products to your local blood bank and give the gift of life.

Your love endures in peace, dear Stephen—beloved husband, brother, father, son, uncle and friend.