1950
2012
George Edward Powers, 62, passed away Sept. 21, 2012, after a valiant battle with cancer.
Born in Fairbanks on Aug. 17, 1950, George loved his life in Alaska, particularly the time he spent with his family and friends in Salcha, a place that never left his heart.
George attended Fairbanks schools, graduated from Lathrop High School then enlisted in the Army and volunteered for a tour in Vietnam.
His heart was always in Alaska, and he was happiest when fishing or camping with family and friends. We all remember our special times with him, sitting around a roaring campfire, laughing, eating great food and sharing tall tales.
George pursued a long and successful career in grocery, first working for Paul Gavora at the Tice Center in Fairbanks. He continued working for Gavora's Market Basket, both in Fairbanks and North Pole, and then later worked for five years at the Eielson Air Force Base Commissary, until the family moved to Palmer and George commuted to Anchorage where he worked at the Huffman Center.
Moving to the Kenai Peninsula in 1992, George worked for Safeway in Kenai until two years ago when he transferred to the Safeway in Soldotna. He was a loyal and dedicated employee, who always gave his best effort to his work.
In his younger years, George was known for his love of motorcycles and was a renowned dirt-track racer. He presented quite a profile, driving the course nearly horizontal to the ground on the curves, providing quite a thrill for the cheering crowds.
George was deeply dedicated to his family and would go out of his way to extend the day to include special activities with them - fishing, camping and youth sports were tops on the list, but he also was known to help his wife, Jan, work on costumes and performance routines when his children were participating in these activities and then proudly dialed up family members to announce his children's special accomplishments. He could always be counted on to be a solidly supportive parent, allowing each of his children to pursue the dreams that were individual to them.
George's deep and abiding love for his wife, Jan, was without reservation. His devotion to Jan was an inspiration to other family members and his example is a special legacy that he leaves to his children.
George is survived by his wife, Jan; children; Shannon (Chris) Johnson, Bryan, Keven, Keely and Meghan Powers; sisters, June (Bill) Rogers and Clara (Bob) Anders; brothers, Wally (Sheila Zetchi) Powers and Rudy (Jessica ) Barr; parents, Charles and Betty Barr, Edie Powers and numerous members of an extended loving family who will miss him and his special smile.
He was preceded in death by parents, Robert J. Wood and M.C. Bud Powers.
A celebration of life and potluck took place on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012, in Soldotna at Johnson Lake where family and friends gathered around a fire to share memories.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a remembrance at 2 p.m. Saturday Oct. 6, at the home of George's parents in Anchorage at 5050 Nottingham Way, 2012. Please bring a dish to share.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
We were very sorry to hear about George's passing. He was a fun person to be around.
Our thoughts and prayers to his family.
Jack and Mary Dial
Mary Dial
October 5, 2012
Jan, so sorry to hear about George. I live in Michigan now and just happened to look at the clarion online. George was a great guy and I always enjoyed visiting with him. My thoughts are with you and the kids. Kim McDonald
October 3, 2012
Jan, we are so sorry to hear of George's passing...we think back fondly of your times in Salcha...Rob and Valerie
Rob Weathers
October 2, 2012
Dear Jan and Family,
It was a beautiful day for the servie and what a great place by the lake. We are glad we got to see you all and you are in our prayers tonight. What a wonderful send off for George.
becky horton
September 30, 2012
Dear Jan & Family:
I will remember George as a caring man with a gentle soul. My sincere condolences are extended to all of you. ...may you be comforted during this time of sorrow.
Jocelyn Wells
September 28, 2012
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