CLIFFORD NELSON POTTER

February 2, 1943 – August 11, 2022

Clifford Nelson Potter, born in Rochester, NY to Gerald Potter & Martha Cosier Potter passed away peacefully at home following a six and one-half year challenge with lung cancer. His focus on continuing exercise and pushing himself to do as much as possible contributed to his longevity.

Following the death of Cliff's father and at the prospect of better health, Martha moved her three children to Phoenix, AZ in 1951. Her friend, Jim Layhee followed to become Cliff's step-dad in December of that year. Starting third grade, Tommy Hoskins soon became Cliff's best friend and they remained lifelong friends to this day. Cliff and Kathy were able to visit Tom and his family less than three years ago in Knoxville, where Tom retired.

Cliff married Carol Stephens in 1963 and was blessed with a daughter, Tammy the following year. In 1965 the family relocated to Anaheim, then soon after settled in San Diego County.  Cliff spent many years raising Tammy as a single dad.

Cliff spent twenty years working in the grocery business, as a Produce Manager, then Grocery Manager and later as a Service Representative for Certified Grocers. His second career was in Landscape/Condominium Maintenance with his friend, Cliff Bongianni, for thirty-five years. Cliff was active in the community and served as President on two HOA boards for many years in Rancho Peñasquitos.

Cliff Potter and Kathy Curtis Torres met in 1987 and were married April 20, 2002. Together they enjoyed home life and travel with family & friends to San Clemente, the Sierra's, Las Vegas, Hawaii, Alaska, the East Coast and abroad.

Cliff's favorite hobbies were Chargers football, baccarat & craps strategy classes in Las Vegas and singing with the RB Chorale from 1992 – 2019. Cliff's introduction to music started with his two older sisters, Beverly and Naomi, who took him to all the musicals of the 1950's era. The Chorale performances in Verona, Italy (2005) & Salzberg, Austria (2015) were a highlight in his musical life and a showcase of his vocal talent.

Cliff enjoyed a balanced life. He spent his days working hard, then enjoyed vacation time off. His family and friends knew him as a man with a generous spirit who loved good dinners and celebrations.

Cliff is preceded in death by his father, Gerald Potter, mother, Martha Layhee & step-father, Aaron Layhee and siblings Theta, Sonny & Naomi.

Cliff leaves behind Kathy, his wife of twenty years, daughter, Tammy Potter Marden & son-inlaw, Jay Marden, stepsons, Tony, Dan & Mike Torres & step-daughter, Michelle Torres. Also left to grieve are five grandchildren: Young adults, Benjamin & Albert Miller & Emily Marden and Youngsters, Bella & Michael Torres. In mourning as well are his sister Beverly Eversole, nephews Arnold & Steve, nieces Cynthia, Jennifer & Vicky, cousin Gordon Cosier & April, and many lifelong friends.