The University is saddened to learn of the passing of Dr Michael Potts, former High Sheriff of Merseyside and a member of Council at the University of Liverpool over a period of 27 years.
Michael held the posts of both Treasurer and President of Council at the University, and stepped down as Pro-Chancellor for the University in 2006. He received an Honorary Degree from the University in 2007 (pictured below).
Michael had a long association with the University of Liverpool, through a previous family business, Potts of Leeds. The clock on the University’s Victoria Building was made by Mr William Potts and Sons Company, founded by Michael’s great-great-grandfather. The family’s legacy and contribution to the University continued, with Dr Potts and his wife, Ginny, being one of several who contributed to the restoration of the University’s flagship Victoria Building.
Michael was a chartered accountant who came to Merseyside in 1970 to take up an appointment as Senior Partner of the Liverpool office of Coopers and Lybrand (now known as PwC), having previously worked for the firm in London and Dublin.
Retirement in 1992 provided Michael with the time and the opportunity to contribute in ways that he was not able to as a practising accountant. In 1993 he took over as Chairman of the North West Cancer Research Fund, an independent regional charity that contributes significant amounts each year to basic research. He served in that capacity for nine years, also becoming President.
Michael served as a non-executive director for six years to the Mersey Regional Ambulance Service (NHS Trust) and as a non-executive director of the universities’ pension fund, USS, for eight years. In 2000 he became a Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Merseyside, and in 2006 was appointed High Sheriff. He was also a former President of the Liverpool Society of Chartered Accountants and Treasurer of the Merseyside Chamber of Commerce.
Michael’s leisure interests included golf, sailing, vintage motoring and horology. He was Commodore of the Dee Sailing Club in 1981/82 and Treasurer of Royal Liverpool Golf Club for four years between 1992 and 1996.
The University owes a deep debt of gratitude to Michael, his wife Ginny and his family for the huge service and unfailing support given over many years. Michael will be deeply missed and the University would like to pass on its condolences to family and friends.