Longtime industry veteran Gary Potter passed away on March 4 after a long battle with cancer. A veteran of the boards of the National Marine Manufacturers Association and National Association of Trailer Manufacturers, Potter worked for EZ Loader Boat Trailers for 25 years. His last role was of vice president of the organization.
Last year, Potter was the recipient of the first Boat Trailer Manufacturers Association Lifetime Achievement Award for his many years of advocacy in the industry.
According to the NMMA, the award “recognizes the accomplishments of an individual who has great influence on the marine industry, specifically in improving boat trailering safety and the boat trailering industry as a whole.”
Earlier this year, Potter retired from EZ Loader. In a letter to employees president Randy Johnson wrote of his positive impact in the trailering industry.
“Through the years, Gary exhibited exceptional customer service through his travels to our EZ Loader customers while providing innovative custom designs…He earned the trust and business of our customers by delivering a high-quality, customized boat trailer to our customer’s specific needs.”
Former NMMA president remembered Thom Dammrich as a stalwart for recreational boating.
“Gary was a great advocate for recreational boating… tireless In his efforts to help trailer manufacturers and position them as an important industry segment. His support of trailer certification improved product quality and the consumer experience. My fondest memory was an evening at his home in Arkansas with a few other staff following a meeting of members he hosted for NMMA. He was ever-present at industry events. I will miss him.”
Potter came to the marine industry after serving in the National Guard and earning a degree in Special Education. As a former principal of a special needs school, he was heavily involved in the Special Olympics.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at Roller Funeral Home in Mountain Home. Gary’s full obituary and guestbook can be found here.
