Thomas Irving Potter Jr. died Dec. 16, 2014 in Bend, Oregon. He was 98.

Born in Portland, he spent his childhood in New Jersey and New York. In 1942, he received a bachelor of science degree from the University of Oregon.

He married the former Norma Rose Evans in 1942 and worked for the Kaiser Shipbuilding Company in World War II.

He obtained his architectural license in 1947, and worked as an architect throughout the Pacific Northwest until 2003. His legacy includes the Bethel Congregational Church in Beaverton, the 1961 expansion of Tuality Community Hospital in Hillsboro, and the BSA Cascade Pacific building in Portland. His buildings are known for their clean lines, unusual angles, and expansive windows. He was active in the American Institute of Architects and taught architecture as well.

He lived aboard a sailboat, the Pamarno (named for his daughters and ex-wife), for more than 15 years, harboring in Portland, Bellingham and Winslow Wharf. Among other adventures, he took the Pamarno up the coast to Alaska in 1985. Many friends and family members learned to sail with him over the years.

Tom himself was a lifelong learner, always looking to expand his mind or try something new. After age 75, he taught himself computer programming and web design. He loved the outdoors, the ocean, and his friends and family.

He is preceded in death by his sisters Dorothy and Elizabeth; his brother Robert and half-brother James; his ex-wife Norma Evans; and his grandchildren Theresa Potter and Takuya Kosuge.

He is survived by his half-sister Frances; his children Pamela Anne Jones, Thomas Potter, Lauran Potter Torres and Alden Potter; and by six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Architecture Student Scholarship Quasi-Endowment Fund, University of Oregon Foundation, 1720 E. 13th Ave., Eugene, OR 97403.