Gordon Llewelyn Powell
Gordon Powell, beloved husband of the late Noreen (Kitchen) Powell, father of Terry, Brenda, Sandra, Rhonda and Brian, passed away peacefuly in his sleep in Strathmore, Alberta on Friday, July 22, 2022 at the age of 88.
He was born in Souris in 1934 to L.B. “Chappie” Powell and Hattie (Rose) Powell, the second of their two sons. He is predeceased by his wife Noreen, father Chappie, mother Hattie, brother Lyle and grand daughter Kristin Knodel.
Gordon was raised on the family homestead farm 5 miles north west of Souris, attended Wolflea country school and graduated from Souris High School. After high school Gordon worked for the CPR out of Souris. In 1958-59 he took teacher training at Brandon University and then taught school in Souris for 6 years. He worked as assistant secretary treasurer for Souris-Glenwood and then as secretary treasurer for the Souris Consolidated School Division. Through this time he also assisted his father Chappie on the family farm.
In 1973, he began farming full time. He was involved with raising cattle, hay and field crops on the farm originally homesteaded in 1882 by his great grandfather, Thomas Powell. Besides producing some good cattle, his farming exploits provided both entertainment and humour for friends and neighbours.
Gordon demonstrated an exceptional life long commitment to his family, community, province and country. He was keenly involved with numerous boards, committees, and organizations. In school he was president of the student council. He served as town alderman, ambulance attendant, superintendent of St. Luke’s Sunday school, Little league manager, coach and secretary treasurer, secretary of Souris Advisory Planning committee, Charter member of Hillcrest Museum, Souris River Round Table, Board of Victoria Park Lodge, Chamber of Commerce, Souris Drop In Center, member of the District Health Advisor Council, member of Royal Canadian Legion #60, to name just some of his involvements.
Throughout the years, Gordon’s focus was continually on the welfare of the people of his community and good government. He was extremely personable and interacted with many people, …. almost everyone. A trip to the post office, the corner store, Ferg’s, pharmacy, shoppers mall in Brandon usually converted into an extended social event.
He had exceptional recall of local history, local families, people and who and where people were. If someone’s Souris ancestor played for the NHL – Brooklyn Americans, he remembered. If your uncle moved to the Okanagan in 1950 after the war, he remembered what town he moved to. If you told him your farm location, he could probably tell you who homesteaded it. If you went to school in Souris, he could probably tell you the names of some of your classmates.
He followed a range of sports, hockey, curling, and baseball. In his younger years he played and really enjoyed baseball and hockey. He loved conversation; sports and politics and local lore over crib or bridge was always great. Especially with a good cup of tea.
Gordon and Noreen are survived by their five children and their families. Terry & Bev Powell of Brandon, Manitoba Brenda & Keith Knodel of Medicine Hat, Alberta Sandra & George Hamel of Sherwood Park, Alberta Rhonda & Denis Mousseau of Olds, Alberta Brian & Shannon Powell of Olds, Alberta Eleven grandchildren and their families. Loni Powell, Anna (Powell) and Brian Grant, Tom Powell, Nick Powell and Brittany Powell, Meg (Hamel) and Jeff LeGatt, Jeff Hamel, Sharla (Hamel) and Dusan Jakovljevic, Evan Mousseau, Dayle Mousseau, Samantha Powell and Statia Powell. Nine great grandchildren Rowan Powell, Liam and Brody Grant, Leevye and Lily Powell, Emery and Cohen LeGatt, Lela and Alek Jakovljevic.
And two sister in laws and their families Dolly Powell and Ruth Martin.
Dad and his family were very fortunate to be able to spend many days with family gatherings and visits over the years. He was very proud of his family and he will be missed sorely missed by all of us.
The notes that have come in since Dad has passed, paint the picture of who he was. He was personable, caring, and loved to smile. Always enjoyed a joke, a conversation, a card game, always with a cup of tea.
A memorial service and reception for Gordon was held on Friday, September 30, 2022 at St. Paul’s United Church, Souris, Manitoba.
In memory of Gordon, donations may be made to the Souris Museum.
We are so sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing…
Our condolences on the passing of your dad. I can remember times when I was very young and your dad would be at the farm and dad and I would go over to talk to your dad. You will miss him dearly but will have so many great memories of him.
Vonna and John Swaenepoel
I was Gordon’s farmland neighbour for 35+ years, so many memories. He recalled conversations with his grandfather who along with Gordon’s great uncle homesteaded the land he farmed and I farm and live on. Our community has lost a historian and with him a lot of history.
Rest In Peace my friend, save me a spot in the pasture and we can enjoy the cows together again.
Joe Goodwill
To the Powell Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Powell. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad and difficult time.
Mr. Powell was my Grade 6 teacher and a teacher that made history enjoyable.
The Powells were good neighbors with Dean’s parents.
Treasure your memories.
Sincerely,
Donna(Kelsnik) Couvier and Dean Couvier
My condolences to the Powell family on the passing of your dad. Your mom and dad were wonderful neighbors to our family when we lived in Souris.
With sincere sympathy,
Brenda Lougheed & family
Sincere Condolences to Gordon’s family.
Thinking of you all at this sad time, may your memories be comforting.
I send your family healing prayers and a comforting hugs.
R.I.P. Gordon.
Denise Smith-Bosc
Our condolences to the Powell family for your loss. Lisa and I gained a friend in Gordon,you will be in our hearts forever. Gordon’s gamesmanship,his gentleness,his flowing hair,his smile,his kindness will be missed!
31 for 2 Gordon!
Condolences to the Powell Family, your dad was so easy to talk to. Many fond memories of all us kids in our neighborhood playing tag, hide and seek.
I was sadden to hear of Mr. Powell ( Gordon) as he insisted I call him, but after having him as a Teacher at school it was hard to call him Gordon, but eventually I did. He was a truly amazing, smart and very caring man. He loved his family so much and was very proud of all they did. Rest in Peace now and you are now re-united with Noreen. Thinking of all of you, sorry for your loss of this Wonderful man.
I am sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing. He was a kind gentle man who was one of my teachers in elementary school. And his lovely wife Noreen taught me figure skating. I remember them as a wonderful couple from my childhood in Souris.
Thinking of the entire Powell family as you grieve the loss of your dad and grandpa. May all your memories help heal your broken hearts and help to make you smile a little more each day. Brock and Deb
I was so sorry to hear about Gordon’s passing. I have many fond memories living down the street from the Powell family, and remember when Gordon taught Sandra and I to drive a standard car – in the pasture where we couldn’t run into anything! My sincere condolences to all of you, he was a kind, gentle man and I know you will miss him. Ruth (Lang) Mealy
So very sorry for your loss of your dad and grandpa. Our thoughts are with his entire family. Enjoy your memories.
Sincere sympathy to all the family in the loss of your Dad. He was a lovely, kind and caring man. It was great visiting in July Terry and sharing some of these memories. May you all be strengthened and supported with good memories, family time together and the continuing grace of your parent’s deep and abiding love.
Our sincere sympathy to Gordon’s family. He was a gentle, quiet man but enjoyed his visits with everyone. Condolences to all.
Marge Edgerton and Ardelle Woods
You have written a beautiful tribute to your Dad.
He was so community-minded, possessed a wealth of knowledge, and along with with your Mom was a loyal supporter of the Souris and District Heritage Club.
I am sorry I was unable to attend the memorial service on Sept. 30, to convey my sympathy in person.
Thinking of your family, with appreciation for your Dad.
Sincerely,
Pam Whitfield
On behalf of all our family, I would like to acknowledge and thank all who reached out with condolences and your memories and kind words on Dad’s passing. Everyone that was able to attend his service warmed our hearts.
We’ve read all your comments and stories with smiles.
He was truly dedicated to all of the community.
Thank you also extended to Dexter Kowalchuk and staff for your caring and professional services.