Hello, in memory of Wayne Potrafka's lifelong committment to the arts and public education, please consider a donation to support the art department at Churchland High School in Portsmouth, VA. All funds will go directly to the department to help with materials, tools, and educational opportunities.

In Loving Memory of Wayne Lester Potrafka

Wayne was born November 1, 1948 in Petosky, Michigan, and died at home in Portsmouth, Virginia, on June 10, 2023. His boundless curiosity and outgoing nature led him to pursue a wide array of opportunities throughout his life, including acting, social work, gifted education, fundraising, and ceramic art. Although a lifelong pacifist, Wayne was drafted and served honorably as a Chaplain’s Assistant during the Vietnam War. He touched the lives of thousands of families and students from around the world in his role as a Foreign Exchange Student coordinator. Wayne was a fixture of the local art scene in Portsmouth, where he owned several fine art galleries and represented hundreds of artists, many of whom became his most cherished friends. He was a fierce and outspoken advocate for progressive human rights, social justice, and public education. His children were the most important thing in the world for him, and his unconditional support and encouragement for them will be his most lasting legacy. He is survived by his loving partner, Diana Davenport, his children, Charissa, Cory, Cheyne, and Zepher, and his grandchildren, Nicole and Benjamin.