Cliff Island and Buffalo, N.Y. - Paul Himmelsbach Potter, a longtime obstetrician and gynecologist, of Buffalo, N.Y., and Cliff Island, Maine died on March 13, 2017, at Buffalo General Hospital. He was 84.
A member of a medical family, Dr. Potter was one of three brothers who were all medical doctors and comprised the sixth consecutive generation of physicians in the family. He was a decorated Vietnam veteran, receiving the Bronze Star after serving as chief surgeon and commander of a regional hospital.
A lieutenant commander in the Navy, he was extremely popular with the Navy Seals in the quadrant where he served because he would chopper to wherever they were injured to treat them in the field.
He practiced medicine with his brother, Grove Potter, for over 40 years at offices in Buffalo and Orchard Park. His other brother, Ben Potter, is a retired physician in Kittery Point.
He was a sailor and adventurer. Among his adventures were trips over the Alps in a hot air balloon, one of which ended in a crash. He and three other travelers survived two nights on a snow-covered mountainside before being rescued.
An accomplished sailor, he sailed throughout the Caribbean with family and friends, including well-known sailing author Don Street.
In retirement, Dr. Potter lived more than half of each year on Cliff Island, where he had summered as a child. There he sailed extensively along the coast in the "Banshee," the boat he shared with his brothers.
Dr. Potter attended Phillips Academy Andover, Princeton University and McGill University Faculty of Medicine. While in private practice, he served as a clinical assistant professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and was fondly respected by the residents he trained.
He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and the Buffalo Tennis & Squash Club.
Dr. Potter was known for his generosity and kindness. He often offered meaningful support to friends and family, but preferred to remain behind the scenes and deflect credit.
In addition to his brother Ben, he is survived by his sister, Molly Potter Scheu; and 10 nieces and nephews.
Private services will be held at a later date.
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