Michael John Potis, a landscaper and salesman for Akehurst Landscaping Co., died of a pulmonary embolism Friday at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. The Timonium resident was 45.

Mr. Potis was born in Chicago and moved to Reisterstown with his family in 1969. After graduating from Franklin High School in 1975, he attended what was then Towson State University and earned a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1981. He earned a certificate in turf management from Rutgers University in 1993.

Mr. Potis owned and operated Eden Landscaping Co. and worked for Outside Unlimited Inc. before joining Akehurst as a salesman last month.

A member of Grace Fellowship Church in Timonium, he was worship leader in the church's middle school ministry.

"Mike loved music, and he loved worshipping God," said Jay Davies, a fellow worship leader at the church and longtime friend. "He was always introducing me to new songs that he wanted to use for worship, and had a way of helping people to feel closer to God through singing and playing the guitar."

Mr. Potis also enjoyed working on natural landscaping projects at his home.

Services were held Wednesday.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years, the former Nancy Peacher; three daughters, Holly C. Potis, Taylor M. Potis and Hannah P. Potis, all at home in Timonium; his father, John R. Potis Sr. of Prescott, Ariz.; and two brothers, John R. Potis Jr. of Owings Mills and Stephen P. Potis of Ellicott City.