Obituary of Donald Powell

POWELL _ Donald "Don" Gordon 1939 - 2006 It is with great sadness that Don Powell's family announces his passing on Sunday, December 3, 2006 after a brief but fierce battle with cancer. He is survived by Deanna (his loving wife of 43 years), his three kids (Scott and Dana of Vancouver and Mark of Calgary) and their respective spouses as well as two grandchildren (Jimmy and Katie). He is also survived by his two big brothers (Jim of Campbell River and Bob of Duncan) and his brothers and sisters-in-law (Sharon Dibble of Coquitlam, Darlene and Lorne Martin of Westbank, Terry and Sherry Fossum of Lone Bute and Garry and Ingrid Fossum of Abbotsford). Don's life was one of great achievement, whether it be in business, on the playing field or in our hearts. He was born and raised in the City of Vancouver. An entrepreneur from the start, he moved to Penticton as a young man to own and operate the Carmi Chevron gas station. Always active in the community, Don served on Penticton's Community Recreation Commission and its Minor Hockey Association and was one of the founding members of the Skaha Rotary Club. In January of 1985, he moved to Kamloops to take over an all-but-abandoned Esso bulk fuel agency business. With the help of Deanna and some excellent staff, Don rebuilt the agency and nurtured its growth over the years to cover a large portion of central British Columbia (in addition to Kamloops, Don was the Esso sales agent for Ashcroft, Valemount, McBride, Salmon Arm, Sicamous, Merritt and Princeton). In 2000, Don was able to retire with Deanna to the life they had dreamed about when they were first married, spending time visiting family and friends, touring Canada, the United States and Europe and spending several months a year on the sunny beaches of Kaanapali in Maui. Although he was extremely successful as an entrepreneur, he was even more successful as a husband, father, grandfather and friend. Known for his big laugh and ability to bring a smile to your face, Don had a larger than life character. He was unwavering in his support of his family and friends and he liked you for you. Don was a great man and lived a good life. He will be greatly missed. A Memorial Service to celebrate Don's life will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at the Calvary Community Church, 1205 Rogers Way Kamloops, B.C. In lieu of flowers, Don's family has requested that donations be made directly to The Canadian Cancer Society in your region. Arrangements in care of FIRST MEMORIAL FUNERAL SERVICES Directors, Phone (403) 216-2222 www.firstmemorialfuneral.com