Bobby Powell

Robert Charles Powell, age 62 years, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family and friends on Christmas Eve day, 2018.

Bobby was born on June 18, 1956, in Arnprior, Ontario. After moving to Thunder Bay at a young age, Bobby attended Claude Garton Elementary School and Gron Morgan High School. He started working for the Abitibi Woodlands at age 17 and worked there for 33 years as a welder, contractor, operator, truck driver, and a Union Representative. Throughout his working career he also worked at the Shipyards and for Steve Ward Contracting. Then for the last 8 years he was a Regional Mechanical Maintainer and Welder with Hydro One Remote until he became ill. Bobby loved working for Hydro and made many friends while travelling to the Northern communities. 

Bobby’s family was his greatest love and he cherished his family time. His favourite activities included making home videos, motor-cross racing, ice racing, drag racing, classic cars, camping in his Motorhome, fishing, snowmobiling, boating, entertaining for family and friends, travelling (especially to Florida with best friends Scott and Wendy), and he loved “yardsailing”. His biggest yard sale purchase was their current family home. Bob was a man of courage, positivity and great humour. He was very fond of pranking his family and friends! It is hard to put into words how truly loved Bobby was. 

Bobby is survived by his wife Karen; his children Alana (Mike), Nick (Ashleigh), Katie, Danielle (Steve) and Robbie (Sarah); grandchildren Jayda, Trenton, Blakely, Everett and Jane; dog Timber; his mother Marlene Powell, mother-in-law Marjorie Cameron Eberhardt and stepfather-in-law Alfred Eberhardt; his siblings Dwayne (Lillian) Powell, Derek (Pat) Powell, Billy Powell, and brother-in-law Billy (Karen) Cameron; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and many close friends.

Visitation will be held in the evening of Wednesday, January 2, 2019, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Harbourview Funeral Centre. A Mass in honour of Bobby will be held on Thursday, January 3, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, 211 Archibald Street South, celebrated by Rev. Msgr. P.M. Stilla, V.G. A Memorial Service will follow p¬romptly at 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Moose Hall, 434 Fort William Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to TBRHSC-Northern Cancer Fund on behalf of Robert Powell.