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Roy Powers Obituary
November 19, 1922 -
June 5, 2012
Roy Powers was born on November 19, 1922 in Seattle, Washington and was the last of Roy and Mayme Powers' four children. When a recruiter judged Roy as underweight by Navy standards, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard to serve his country in response to Pearl Harbor. After the war, Roy arrived in Reno in 1946 to assist in his ill father's business of selling insurance. Originally not intending to stay, Roy ultimately decided to make Reno his new home town.
Roy Powers was a unique and visionary pioneer in Reno's cultural and commercial history and through his artwork, one of its primary historians. He had an incredible run as an advertising and public relations man and a civic volunteer which led to numerous awards for his accomplishments. In time, his mission shifted from making Reno a destination city to meticulously documenting as an artist the buildings that define our Northern Nevada region.
In 1959 he was smitten by a beautiful young lady, Jackie Manoukian, at the Riverside Corner Bar. They married seven weeks later. Jackie has been by Roy's side daily since that first glance. They marked their fifty-second wedding anniversary on January 2, 2012. Their family consists of two of Roy's children from an earlier marriage, Robyn and Reed, two of their own children, Alan and Corinne, grandchildren, Taylor, Ross and Jeff, and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
Rollan Melton wrote in 2001, "When I think of Roy Powers, I am reminded of the old adage, 'You're never fully dressed without a smile'. It was Roy's contagious smile and youthful appearance that prompted friends to refer to him as the Dick Clark of Reno."
Roy passed away at the age of eighty-nine on June 5, 2012. He requested an old-fashioned Irish wake instead of a funeral service. Details for this celebration of his life will be announced at a future date. If you would like to offer a tribute to Roy's life and legacy, his family would appreciate your making a donation to the Reno Air Racing Foundation at 14501 Mt. Anderson Street, Reno, NV, 89506 with "Roy Powers Scholarship" in your correspondence or on your check.
Roy exemplified in his art and professional life an extraordinary blend of vision and creativity. He was a wonderful gentleman, who could put people at ease with the warmth of his smile.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roy Powers
Sponsored by anonymous.
Ginnie Kersey
June 7, 2020
Roy Powers left such an collection of wonderful art for our community to always enjoy. HIs talent will live forever.
Gordon and Lee Ronnow
June 3, 2019
Wish we could enjoy more of the wonderful paintings you so wonderfully created. Miss your smile and humor.
Lori Landeck (Buchanan)
June 30, 2012
Roy was an amazing man and will always hold a special place in my heart. I had the privilege of doing an internship with Roy when I was in college in 1985. He was a mentor in so many ways, and taught me in a short period of time about business and compassion. He was loved by many and his legacy will live on... Lori Landeck
Tim & Katherine Wellesley
June 15, 2012
Dearest Jackie: We were shocked and saddened to read about Roy Powers passing. He was such a marvelous person who possessed a great personality. We loved him as a neighbor and longtime friend. His contribution to Nevada was more than noteworthy as a fine artist and a great contributor to society in so many ways. God bless him………………….we are sorry for your loss.
June 13, 2012
What a wonderful man, what wonderful memories, he made our Reno a much, much better place. We all will miss him greatly.
Ginnie & Bob Kersey
Loretta and Tony Limon
June 12, 2012
Dear Jackie, Corrine, and Family,
We were saddened to hear about Roy. His was a life well lived and shared with so many. His is a legacy of beauty, in his art and in his family. We are fortunate to have known him. Our loving condolences to all of you. Loretta and Tony Limon
Jerrie (Mathewson) McIntyre
June 12, 2012
Dear Jackie and all in the Powers family,
We are fortunate to have known your dear and talented Roy and to have his art work in our home, thanks to our dad Mel who was one of the first local artists involved in designing posters for the Air Races. Recent memories of visiting Reno include the celebrations of life for our parents and examples of their creative endeavors. We were so happy to see both Roy and Jackie, along with many Reno friends, relive and enjoy our mementos of those early years -- their connection with Harolds Club, the Reno Ad Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and Sheep Dip scholarships. May these great memories of a life well lived and a family well loved comfort you in your time of loss.
June 11, 2012
Jackie,
My family and I are thinking of you and Robyn and all your family, and so sorry to hear of Roy's passing.
He will always be remembered by those of us whose lives he touched.
Sincerely,
Darla Potter (and Dad Ed Folsom)
Karen Aldana
June 11, 2012
Dear Aunt Jackie and family -- Our hearts go out to you -- Uncle Roy was a very special person. I have so many wonderful memories -- So ironic that he passed two weeks after his only living sister. I sure hope Roy, Royale, Virginia and my mom are all up there looking down on us and enjoying being together again! Love you. Mario and Karen Aldana, Oceanside, CA
Al Lockett
June 11, 2012
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Gregory Chech
June 10, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Roy will always hold a special place in our hearts. Best wishes the Chech family.
michael perry
June 10, 2012
Dear Robyn, Reed and Mother...it is with extremely saddened heart and soul that i read of the transitioning of your beloved Roy...one of the kindest, most compassionate and talented men i've ever had the pleasure of knowing and working around. Roy was the first 'job interview' i ever experienced after college and i always regretted opting to tour Europe instead of working for him...yet, even when his ad rep while at the Reno Newspapers, he taught me so very much about business...and, more importantly, life. He will be missed immensely. May God bless you all. namaste.
Elizabeth Cattell
June 10, 2012
Dear Jackie and family, I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Roy and call him my friend. I believe he made everyone feel like family. My deepest condolence to you all.
Chris (Mathewson) Gould
June 10, 2012
Dear Jackie and family, My prayers are with you at this time. Roy was an extraordinary man and will always be in my memories of growing up. He brought a lot of joy to many people. We were blessed to have known him and his family.
June 9, 2012
Dear Jackie The Smith Family (Harolds Club) could not have been as Great if it was not for Roy We all LOVED HIM I'll miss him greatly. George R Smith
Dawn & Wally
June 9, 2012
Friday nights will never be the same....rest in peace.
Joanne & Rowland Oakes
June 9, 2012
We send our prayers and deepest sympathy to Jackie and family on Roy's passing. He was a delightful gentleman with a sweet smile.
June 9, 2012
Dear Corinne and family, My prayers are with you all Anita Miller, Loomis Ca.
Michelle Caruso-Dempsey
June 9, 2012
Dear Jackie and Corinne:
I'm so sorry for your loss. Think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched - for nothing loved is ever lost....
June 9, 2012
Dera Jackie and family, we are so very sorry for your loss.
George and Dixi Aiazzi
Susan Fisher
June 9, 2012
The Earth has lost a great story-teller and a gentleman. And Heaven is a more entertaining and lively place now. I am so sorry for your loss, Jackie, and that of your entire family. Roy was such a joy.
Linda Wicksten
June 9, 2012
Dear Jackie and family, I am so sorry for your loss, Roy was such a great guy. I think of him everytime I walk by his painting in my dining room and will continue to think of him every time I look at it always. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda Wicksten
June 9, 2012
To dear Jackie and family, we are so sorry for your loss. It has been a privilege to know Roy and Jackie. Rest in peace Roy! Bob and Linda Randall
June 9, 2012
Jackie and family, So sorry to hear of Roy's passing away. Our thoughts are with you on this sad occasion. Chris & Ray Bergman
Corinne Powers
June 9, 2012
I was blessed with the greatest father and role model a girl could ever wish for. The memories I have with the incredible family I've been given will stay close in my heart forever. Give Alan a big hug for me, Daddy, until I see you both again. I love you more than all the stars in the sky...
Deanna Bickford
June 9, 2012
Uncle Roy You will be missed Love you, Dede
June 9, 2012
We are so sorry to hear of Roy's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Caryl and Clayt Rabedeaux
Peoria, Az.
Philip DeManczuk
June 9, 2012
I am so very sorry to hear of Roy's passing. Not only an extremely talented artist and caring member of our community but a true gentleman and very kind human being in every sense of the word. My deepest sympathy to the entire family as well as our community.
Patti Lacey
June 9, 2012
I am sorry for your loss.
Patti Lacey
June 9, 2012
God Bless You dear friend. What a great life...
Vern and Patty Durkee
Gordon & Lee Ronnow
June 9, 2012
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you and yours are in our hearts and prayers...we believe there is now a guardian angel watching over you.
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