William Sommerville Potter

William Sommerville "Bill" Potter, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at home August 29, 2025, at the age of 94, in Anchorage, Alaska.

Bill was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1931 and was the eldest of five brothers. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Katharine Potter, and by his brothers Tad and Tom Potter. He is survived by his younger brothers Jerry (Nikki) and Larry (Lynn).

As the oldest grandson, Bill fondly recalled watching over his younger siblings and cousins at his Grandpa Willard Rockwell's swimming pool in Pittsburgh and even saving a few swimmers! He spent time in Miami Beach with his grandparents which ignited his lifelong love of the ocean. He would row across Indian Creek to the undeveloped beaches on the ocean side.

Bill attended school in Edgewood and went to Valley Forge Military Academy and graduated from Cornell University in 1954 with a major in Industrial Design, one that he created with the mentorship of several professors from different departments. During his university years, he met the love of his life, Betsey Boshell. He courted her in his Austin Healey, much to his future father-in-law's (Edward O. Boshell) chagrin. Nonetheless, his love for Betsey triumphed, and they were married at Shadyside Presbyterian Church in 1956 in Pittsburgh. They set an example for all by sharing 69 wonderful years together.

After college, Bill served five years as a U.S. Naval aviator, flying from the USS Saratoga and earning a lifelong membership in the Tailhook Association. His harrowing stories and 8mm films of NATO exercises became treasured family memories.

Bill and Betsey welcomed their son William (1957) while living in Brigantine, New Jersey. Bill was serving on a carrier when news of his son William was born. He was assigned to an AD5N squadron in Atlantic City, New Jersey. With a growing family, Bill transitioned to the Navy Reserves and attended Columbia Business School before beginning a civilian career working for the Dansk Company which took him to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where they celebrated the births of Stephen (1959) and Kenneth (1962). His aviation background prompted him to work with Aero Commander, which moved the family to Oklahoma City. His love of the ocean caught up with him, and he had an opportunity to purchase SeaCraft in Miami in 1968. In Miami, his sons engendered their lifetime love of the sea in their first 9' boat, named "The Easter Egg".

Settling in Coral Gables, Florida, Bill expanded SeaCraft into a respected boat brand known for strong, unsinkable center consoles, which even to this day are considered the best riding, driest and strongest boats built. His later innovations included a patented fiberglass outboard bracket and additional designs such as pilot houses, which were used across the boat industry.

His journey in faith began in Pensacola, where he witnessed the fragility of life while flying dangerous missions, and he decided he should get baptized at the local church. This is where he began his relationship with Jesus. Later in life, he and Betsey found a long-term home at St. Stephen's church in Coconut Grove, where the children also attended Elementary School. It was during this time in the mid-70s that the Cursillo movement truly changed Bill's and Betsey's lives. This community further strengthened his faith and allowed him and Betsey to weather some very difficult times. Daily devotions were a routine throughout the remainder of his life. The family often joked that Dad was like Job, in that he was dealt with some very significant obstacles including advanced cancer, but despite these challenges, his faith just continued to grow stronger. He followed a spiritual journey throughout his life. He was involved in Bible Study Fellowship and Gideons International.

Family was very important. "Grandpa" became known as "Video Pa", and he documented every family event (including many random, extended panoramic views of nature!) using the latest video equipment. Bill and Betsey would leave the parents behind for a week, and take their grandchildren on fantastic trips, even Scotland. He loved time with his growing family and encouraged everyone to follow the Lord. Family also led them to leave South Florida so that they could help Steve raise Emma. They loved exploring Alaska, and they were a big part of Emma's childhood.

Of course, the world could always be better designed, and Bill's gears would always be turning, as he considered how he could improve the functionality of everything - which is why SeaCraft earned such a meaningful reputation as "Potter Built" - a phrase which is found in social media sites and whenever SeaCraft is discussed.

He is finally in a place where nothing can be improved; it is perfect.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Betsey (Boshell) Potter; his sons Dr. William Potter (Dr. Hollis), Stephen Potter (Dr. Sami), and Kenneth Potter (Stacy). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Philip (Michelle), Amy, Gillian, Timothy (Ruby), Chloe Potter Roses (Jordan) and Emma. His great-grandchildren include Otto, Vienna, Ezzy, Fiorello, Collins, and Ellie.

The family gives special thanks to Zachery Fortune for his extraordinary care of Bill. Zach provided a peace during difficult times and his faith was a blessing.

Bill will be remembered for his unwavering faith, love of his family and of the ocean, and the legacy of quality he built in all that he touched.

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We look forward to reading your memories and more!

If you would like to make a donation in memory of Bill, please give to a charity of your choice.