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Robert Powell Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Powell
Willie Harris
November 28, 2009
Thank you Bob for your mentoring, wisdom and advice. It is truely an honor to work at Engine 51, group-2 where your served for many years.
FLT Willie Harris, E51, Gr2
Bobby Offley
February 4, 2009
When planning my retirement dinner,Bob's name was first on the list. He meant so much to me. Bob offley L-29 ret.
Joan Harrington
December 23, 2008
Harriet and family,
I am sorry for your loss. Bob Powell will live in the hearts of everyone who loved him.
john R GRANT
December 14, 2008
Lt powell thank you for all the help you given me over the years. from John R grant sr aka ronnie grant till we meet again.
Helen Desmond-Morris
December 12, 2008
Our condolences to Harriet and family. Bobby was a wonderful person whom we had the pleasure of seeing and reminiscing with during those occasions when we saw each other at home (Sydney, NS). Take comfort in knowing he will be missed.
Helen & The Desmonds
Mike Casey
December 11, 2008
Mr. Powell,
Sir, as a fellow Marine I would just like to say thank you for your years of dedicated service and sacrifice, first for our Country when you served in the USMC, and secondly for the citizens of Boston when you served with the BFD. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Mike Casey USMC-'85-'89
Semper Fi Devil Dog!
Bob's Promotion
December 9, 2008
Bob and Nadine
December 9, 2008
Helen Greene
December 9, 2008
Hariett and Family, please accept my heart felt sympathy on your loss. I am currently in Atlanta and will contact you when I get back to Boston. Helen Watkins Greene
Emmett Reed
December 8, 2008
To the Powell family may God hold you in his arms and support you in your times of need.Thank you LT. Powell for paving the way you will surely be missed.
Charles Forbes Jr
December 8, 2008
To a great uncle, that was always there for us. Uncle Bobby blessed me and many others with his knowledge and insight about the world and its people. I have many fond memories of him and his family that I will never forget.
Darrell Higginbottom
December 7, 2008
God Bless the Powell family and thank you Bob for your influence on all of our careers as firefighters and as Boston Society of Vulcans members. Your efforts created an opportunity for us to not only become career firefighters but to also achieve rank like yourself. Thanks and God Bless.
The Dennis Family
December 6, 2008
We offer our most profound condolences and sympathies during this time of great loss. We will continue to lift your family to the Lord in prayer, that He may comfort your family now, when it is most needed.
Max Kalender
December 5, 2008
My deepest condolences to Harriett and the rest rest of the Powell family. Bobby was an exceptional man and it has been a pleasure and and honor to have know him. Bobby and the rest of the family welcomed me into the family with open arms and made me feel extremely welcome and at home each time we visited. Bobby was a proud man who loved his family, his city, his job and his country. I will miss him deeply.
Take care
Pat Desmond
December 5, 2008
The world is a sadder place without you, brother-in-law. "Big Bobby", you were the Dad that I never knew. You are my Hero. Our family will cherish your wisdom, your sense of humor, and your fight for justice. Thank you for marrying my Sister. I love you & will miss you every day. "Patsy" Desmond
Curt Holzendorf
December 5, 2008
My deepest sympathy to the Powell family. Your grief is shared by many. May the love of family and friends comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead.
Phil Wornum
December 5, 2008
Bob was a good friend, his loyalty to the Boston Society of Vulcans will sorely be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Harriett and the children.
Billy Owens
December 5, 2008
Lt. Bobby Powell, my attorney when I needed one, my source of wisdom and strength to represent when called upon and best of all my friend. Farewell and Godbless Capt. Billy Owens Eng 48
Leroy Heyward
December 5, 2008
May God comfort you in your time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
FF Leroy Heyward L21
James Williams
December 5, 2008
Thank you for the support that the Vulcan Organization has given to the Powell family during this time of loss. The pictures that have been posted on this site, the words of encouragement and your presence means more than you could ever know. Bob gave a piece of himself to this honorable profession. As I witness your camaraderie, I sometimes wonder if I should have taken Uncle Toot up on becoming a firefighter myself. Blessings
Eric Watson
December 4, 2008
Ther are not enough Words........
Kristina Daly
December 4, 2008
Dear Harriett and family,
It was a honor to know Bobby Sr. I always had fun talking with him and watching TV and looking at the photo albums and listening to all the family history. I'm sorry I couldn't be in Boston today. I miss you and the rest of the family. I hope that all is well. If you ever need anything from me please call. Love Kristina
Wendy Kenney
December 4, 2008
Dear Harriet and family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Please know how much you are loved and how deeply your loss is felt by us all. We will miss Bobby. With love and hugs, Wendy, Kevin and Ashley
Willie J Clark
December 4, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Pierre Imbert
December 4, 2008
My heartfelt condoleances to Harriett, the extended Powell family, the Vulcan Society and the entire Haitian community of Boston. I am deeply saddened over the loss of Bob (affectionately known as "Mr POWELL" by generations of Haitian compatriots/brother & sisters). An admirable man who stood tall in the face of injustice and steadfast in the long and complicated struggle for social justice. Mr. Powell is and will forever be this great and tireless Humanitarian who gave it all to make us a better and stronger community. As we mourn his passing it is fitting to recognize that his labor, love and legacy live on in each and everyone of us whose's life he so profoundly touched. Bonne Nuit, Mr. Powell. See you in the morning.....at the Day Care...at the Food Pantry...at the next Board Meeting...at Lantana...at 185 Columbia Road...
Scholarship Program
December 4, 2008
Bob & Eddie
December 4, 2008
IABPFF Meeting
December 4, 2008
Bob at hearing
December 4, 2008
Vulcans Crew
December 4, 2008
Bob Danny & Commissioner
December 4, 2008
Bob & Stanley's Promotion
December 4, 2008
Attending first IABPFF meeting
December 4, 2008
Fire Department Ball
December 4, 2008
Bob & Commissioner Stapleton
December 4, 2008
Bob, Danny Stanley, Walter, Ralph
December 4, 2008
BFD Ball
December 4, 2008
Kevin E. Weekes
December 4, 2008
May all of God's blessings be bestowed upon the Powell family for the loss of Bro. Powell. Be assured that his hard work was not in vain.
Margaret Reed/Lowell
December 4, 2008
The Reed family of Roxbury sends their condolences on the loss of a great friend. We grew up together and will greatly miss Toot, but his charm and wit will remain in our hearts forever.
A Proud American A Proud Marine
FF Anthony Hinds (L-21)
December 4, 2008
We send our prayers and condolences to you and the family. Sir Powell is and always will be in our hearts. May God continue to comfort you in your time of passing. Sincerely,
The Hinds Family
William Manning
December 4, 2008
To the family of Bob Powell,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Bob. Billy Manning worked with him at engine 51 some time ago. We send our sincere sympathy.
In Love and Prayers,
Ellie & Billy
ronald carroll
December 4, 2008
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
dre e49 Burcy
December 4, 2008
may god bless the powell family and shine his ever lasting light on the family and friends of a truly strong black man. how do you say thank you to someone who fights for you and gives you a chance to obtain a future in the fire service, simply by doing the same for someone else. Go rest warrior its our turn now.
F.F. ROBERT FRANKLIN
December 4, 2008
Sorry to hear of the loss of Lt. Powell
charles sheppard
December 4, 2008
Dear Harriet, Robert,Kenneth, Rosemarie and Jada. We are sorry that we can't be there but our prayers go out to you and your family. Bobby was a beautiful person who loved life and saw the good in every human being he met. We cherished the great conversations about sports, politics, everyday life and family whOM he adored so much. Though he is gone from us, he will never be forgotten. Though we will miss you Bobby we will never forget you. We will miss you Bobby. From Cape Breton with love ,Bubsy,Marie,Puggie,Frankie,David, Charles and the rest of the Desmond Family
Loring Jacks L-21
December 4, 2008
I'm very appreciative of the fight and struggle that Bro. Powell has done for myself and others as a Firefighter and fellow Marine. God bless to his family.
I will always be faithful.
"Semper Fi" Devil Dog
Dorothy Forbes-Oldroyd
December 4, 2008
I am a sister of Eddie Forbes, who passed away last April, I heard many stories about Bobby when Eddie and he were in the Marines together. I am sorry to hear of Bobby's passing. I met him at the Oak Sq. fire station years ago. Eddie always told me what a great guy Bobby was. Take care.
Eric Foreman
December 4, 2008
My family and I send our prayers and condolences to you. May God continue to strengthen and comfort you in your time of bereavement. Sincerely,
Firefighter Eric Foreman, Ladder 23, and family
ROBERT JENKINS, Sr.
December 4, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Mark Jones
December 4, 2008
To the Powell Family
May the Grace of God and the comfort of His touch be upon you in your time of mourning. I thank God for knowing Bobby Powell, he was truly a great man. He stood in the gap and opened doors for black firefighters in Boston. Bobby was a man of faith also, he was dedicated to his church. I thank him for his wisdom and knowledge that he so kindly shared about our history on the BFD. Bobby will truly be missed.
Linda Collins
December 4, 2008
To the Family of Bob Powell, he was dedicated firefighter and great strength for all the minority employees of the Boston Fire Department. He was alway a great help to me and my family in my time of need, I will never forget him. God Bless Harriett and your family. Linda Collins.
Bob Recruitment Poster
Karen Miller
December 4, 2008
Dear Harriett and Family,
Thank You for sharing Bob with us as a founder, member, friend and mentor. Bob will be missed, if it were not for him there would be no Vulcan Society and all of the many changes that he influenced on the Boston fire Department and across the state of Massachusetts. It is often said "all that we are we owe" and every Black firefighter owes their job to Bob: the consent decree, recruitment drives, 1841 committee, progressive discipline code, reading list for promotional exams and more....Even after he retired he continued his work to guide us with his wisdom and history....Our prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family...and we will always be here for you when you need us....
Karen & Lawrence
Willie K. Harris, FLT, E51, BFD
December 4, 2008
LT Bob Powell has done many a great things for the minority FF's of Boston and abroad. His efforts are greatly appreciated, as well as his depth of history, knowledge, and wisdom. He was truely an inspiration. His memory will never be forgotten. Please accept my condolences from my family to yours.
Jean Semexant
December 4, 2008
Robert Powell was a man, he stood up when others ran, He fought the fight for alot of brothers who do not appreciate the sacrifice that it entails. I got to know bobbie well and respected him even more. Thank you Bob for your service. May your soul rest in peace. To the Powell family my condolences.
Edward Mables
December 3, 2008
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Ricardo Anderson
December 3, 2008
Bobby Powell will be missed. A man of unquestionable integrity. A true role model for all of us that came after him on the BFD. A life well lived and a contribution that will carry on. Well done.
Hansy Rigueur
December 3, 2008
May the Lord Bless the Powell Family and the Haitian Community.Salute Mr Powell God Bess the Family .Eau revoir mon ami.
Raymond Cheek Jr.
December 3, 2008
Bob Powell was a great man. His love and dedication to the Vulcan Society, IABPFF and all Black and minority firefighters was immediately evident to anyone who met him. He will be sorely missed. To Bob's family, my deepest condolences and know that you all will be in my prayers.
Raymond Cheek Jr, BFD Retired.
IABPFF Int'l Corresponding Secretary Rita Francis
December 3, 2008
To the Powell Family~On behalf of the International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters (IABPFF), please allow us to offer our most sincere and heartfelt condolences on the passing of Bro. Powell. Remember that your loss is shared by many friends who care, and that you're in our thoughts and hearts and in our every prayer.
EDWARD(ebbie) anderson
December 3, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Ron Mackey
December 3, 2008
To Powell family, my thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. You need to know that Bob "Tootie" Powell spirit and influence was way past just Boston. Bobby reached and touch people all across America. Whenever Bob was in another city at a regional meeting of the IABPFF he always return to the local restaurants that he had been to before and renewed old friendships that he had in those cities.
Bob "Tootie" Powell sense of history and recording it was amazing. Bob was always dedicated to the hiring of blacks as firefighters. Even after his retirement from the Boston Fire Department, Bob was still working on increasing black representation within the Boston Fire Department.
Bob was a big influence on me because believe in documenting the history of black firefighters. Bob Powell was a great ambassador for the City of Boston and it was my pleasure to know him.
Lawrence E. Quinn Sr.,Historian-International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters
December 3, 2008
To the Powell Family I offer my heartfelt Condolence in your time of grief and sorrow. Bob was a mentor to me as a member of the International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters;a generation of fire fighters before me who showed us the way,the truth and the light of a bright future. I stand upon the shoulders of all those who came before me in the fire service who stood for justice and not just us. Bob knew which side of history that he wanted to be remembered for. Many are called but few are chosen and he knew why. " Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the Lord, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken. " Amos 5:14 " But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33. Your service to the I.A.B.P.F.F. shall not be forgotten; the History Committee and the I.A.B.P.F.F.-Historian Lawrence E. Quinn Sr. will chronicle your fire life. Semper Fidelis
David Worrell
December 3, 2008
Bobby was instrumental in helping people of color become Boston Fire Fighters. He will be missed. With deepest sympathies.
Phyllis Hermillon
December 3, 2008
Dear Harriet and family,so sorry that I can't be there ,but our love and prayers are with all of you.We loved Bobby very much and will really miss him.Love Phyllis,Gerard and Family.
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