GEORGE WILLIAM POTTER Jr.

Bill Potter, of Kansas City, Missouri, died at home on July 31, 2010. He was born in St. Louis on August 5, 1930 to George William Potter, Sr., and Faye Finch Potter.  He grew up in Joplin, Missouri, until he went to The Arizona Desert School in Tucson and then Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs. He graduated with a BA in Music from Kansas City University (now UMKC), where he met Emily Louise Withers. They were married in 1956. Bill was the president of Ortiz Mines, Inc. from 1962-64, and the chairman of the board of directors from 1964-1987.  An accomplished author and artist, he penned six mystery novels under the pseudonym of E. L. Withers; The House on the Beach, 1957; The Salazar Grant, 1959; Diminishing Returns, 1960; Heir Apparent, 1961; The Birthday, 1962; and Royal Blood, 1964. His pen and ink drawings were exhibited in one-man shows at The Barn Gallery, Fountain Valley School, University of Leyden, The Netherlands, and The Barstow School.  He served on the board of directors of the Winfred and Elizabeth Post Memorial Art Reference Library in Joplin; The Kansas City Ballet, 1976-79; and was a trustee of the UMKC Conservatory of Music, 1988-2000. He received the Missouri Writers Award in 1967.  A true Renaissance man, he was an expert collector with a keen eye for quality in the areas of old master drawings, Faberge, Renaissance art, and English oak furniture and carvings, to name a few. The breadth and scope of his understanding of fine arts was unparalleled. His knowledge of, and appreciation for, fine art led him on numerous travels with his wife to points of the world far and wide. His flair for collecting was evident in the home they transformed into a work of art, itself.  Bill was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, and leaves behind a daughter and son-in-law Anne Potter Russ and Norbert Russ; two grandchildren, Diana Withers Russ and Nicholas Potter Russ; and dear friend, Vera Ford. His quick wit and intellect will be missed. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Barstow School. Private service, with a reception on Thursday, August 5, at the Kansas City Country Club at 6:30 p.m. Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left online at www.stineandmcclure.com. Arrangements by D.W. Newcomer's Sons Stine and McClure, 816-931-7777. D.W. Newcomer's Sons Funeral Homes, Cemeteries, Crematories.