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Thomas Powell Obituary

Thomas Richard Powell
1937 ~ 2013
Thomas Richard Powell, "Tom", passed away at his home in Garden City, ID on May 12, 2013, with his wife, Leone, by his side.
Tom was born August 8, 1937, in Denver CO and was the only child of Charles W. and Margaret Powell. He attended South High School where he was very active in Junior Achievement and represented the State of Colorado at their National Convention. He attended University of Colorado in Bolder but a family crisis caused him to leave school and begin his working career with United Airlines in the little town of Boise, ID in 1957.
He married Mary Lynn Stevens in 1957 and they began 25 years of life together, raising three children, Mark, Michelle and Sharon. As Tom had moved on to working in sales with Kimberly-Clark and then Johnson and Johnson, they moved frequently with each child born in a different State. Tom considered himself one of the original "Corporate Drop-outs" and moved back to Boise with his family and began a time of working at Bogus Basin running a chair-lift or whatever other chore they found for him.
When his hands became too cold he began Real Estate Sales with Ward Rolfe Realty. He and Mary Lynn later opened Tom Powell Realtors and it became one of the top agencies in Boise representing Lakewood Properties and Foothills East home sales.
In 1983, Tom married Leone Hermans Dolly and gained three more children to raise. Kristine 9, Karyn 7 and LeAnn age 4. Tom and Leone just celebrated their 30th Wedding anniversary. He left his decade long real estate career and spent the next 29 years in the financial services industry. He joined a small regional firm, Birr Wilson & Company and later affiliated with a large national firm for 6 years before founding the first office of Raymond James Financial Services in the Treasure Valley in 1990. Many of Tom's original clients from the 1980s continued to be served by him until his retirement in 2012. He was humbled and honored by the trust and confidence he received from all of his clients and he worked continuously to earn it.
During his life, Tom gave back to his community in many ways. Over the years he served as Board President of the Boise Family (now Treasure Valley) YMCA, as a director of FUNDSY, Director of the Learning Lab, Director and a proud member of the Rotary Club of Boise Sunrise. Tom was also a volunteer for the Boise Police Department where he and Leone spent 10 summers of Saturdays helping to patrol the Green Belt on their Bikes.
Tom loved supporting his children in a variety of extracurricular activities. He coached their soccer teams and dedicated his time as a soccer referee. Even after his children had families of their own, Tom continued to take interest in assisting the children of our community by volunteering as a mentor at William H. Taft elementary school.
Tom ran in one Marathon and never felt the need to repeat that endeavor.
Tom was preceded in death by both his parents. He is survived by his wife, Leone; his son, Mark and Jo Powell, Scottsdale AZ; daughters, Michelle and Dave Olesen, Phoenix AZ and Sharon and Mike Dunham, Portland, OR; step daughters, Kristine and Random Mitchell, Boise, ID, Karyn Dolly, Boise, ID, LeAnn Dolly-Powell, Missoula, MT, and son-in-law Mike Simpson, Boise, ID. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jon Powell, Jessica, Justin, Jared and Janelle Olesen, Abbie and Bradley Anderson, Stevie and Kai Mitchell, Lola, Mariah and Kelsey Simpson and Andy Dunham.
Memorial donations may be made to one of Tom's favorite charities; The Learning Lab, www.learninglabinc.org, The Hope House, www.ahome2come2.com or the Treasure Valley YMCA Camping program www.ymcatvidaho.org or to your own favorite charity.
A viewing will be from 4-7 pm on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at Summers Funeral Homes, 1205 W Bannock Street, Boise. Memorial services will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 15, 2013, at the Covenant Presbyterian Church, 4848 N 5 Mile Road, Boise, ID. Private family burial will be at Dry Creek Cemetery.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Tom's memorial webpage at www.summersfuneral.com.

Published by Idaho Statesman on May 15, 2013.
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5 Entries

With deepest sympathy to the family during your time of grief...God is for you a refuge and strength, A help that is there to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead...(Psalm 62:8).

Pat

May 22, 2013

LeAnn Dolly-Powell

May 21, 2013

Leone and Family,
I was saddened to hear of Tom's passing at a luncheon with several Greenbelt Patrol Volunteers today.
You and Tom were among the most faithful and productive of the Boise Police Volunteers for many years.
During the late 90's a rough element had taken over the greenbelt and parks. Three young women were assaulted.
In response to these events the Volunteer Greenbelt Patrol was formed in 2001 and for the next 10 years you and Tom patrolled at least 1 five hour shift per week on bikes and in golf carts. During this time no assaults were recorded. The greenbelt and parks became safe for families again.
May God bless you and Tom for your contributions of time and talent to help make our community a safe place to work and play. May the younger generation see you and Tom as examples of how individuals can make a difference in their community.
With Sympathy,
Don Newell (Retired)
Sgt. and Greenbelt Patrol Coordinator
Boise Police Department

Don Newell

May 15, 2013

I had the pleasure of meeting Tom on a few occasions over the past year. He was a nice man. My thoughts and prayers are with the family, may your many great memories together bring you comfort.

David Mleczko

May 15, 2013

Leone and family, My deepest condolences to all of you. Tom was a great gentleman and friend. I had the opportunity to volunteer with Tom & Leone on the greenbelt on Saturdays and was part of a great team that made difference. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless. Laurie

Laurie Brede

May 15, 2013

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