Roy W. Potter, International President, 1990 -1991

One of Lambda Alpha’s most loyal members passed away last month. Roy Potter, husband of Lambda Alpha member Ruth Potter, died at age 79.

Roy was instrumental in the redevelopment of downtown San Diego. In 1971, he joined San Diegans, Inc. (the precursor of today’s Downtown San Diego Partnership). In the early 1970’s, the newly developing Mission Valley area was drawing away the retail outlets and employment base downtown and Roy was bought in to stop the outflow. Under his leadership, the seeds for developing Horton Plaza regional shopping center were sown and the turnaround that we know today got underway. He worked quietly and diligently and got the job done.

After retiring from San Diegans, Inc., he joined the International Executive Service Corps and served as a planning consultant in Jamaica, Albania, Poland and Egypt. Prior to his service with San Diegans, Inc., he was planning director for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

In Lambda Alpha, he served as president of the San Diego chapter and then in 1990 was named International President.

Our condolences to Ruth and the Potter family. Donations are suggested to Lambda Alpha International Foundation.