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Jay Powers Obituary
After a short battle with cancer, Jay Powers, age 82, passed away at his home on December 13, 2004, with family at his side.
Jay was born July 27, 1922, in Los Angeles to Frank and Margaret Powers. He spent his youth in Lake Chelan, Washington. Jay served in the US Army during WWII as an Amphibian Tank Commander in the Western Pacific and Southern Philippines. He received the Purple Heart for injuries received on Saipan and the Bronze Star for bravery. In addition, he received the Asiatic Pacific Campaign medal with bronze arrowhead.
After the war, Jay located in Humboldt County. He married the love of his life, Mary Lou Leishman, and they spent 58 years together. They raised three sons; Cap, Mike, and Frank. During this time, Jay became an accomplished single engine pilot.
Jay retired from the Operating Engineers in 1984, after more than 30 years of operating heavy equipment throughout the Northwest. He was employed by Foster Drayage and Selvage Construction as a crane operator. Retirement brought many good years of fishing the rivers of Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, particularly the Mad River. A favorite spot is referred to as “Powers Hole”.
Prior to falling ill, Jay along with his fishing buddies Gene and Steve (The Little Pond Boys) fished the ocean sport season. Jay caught the last fish, a 30 pound salmon!
Jay is survived by his wife, Mary Lou; brother, Frank Powers; sons, Cap and his wife Marguerite, Frank and his wife Sandra; daughter-in-law, Judy Powers; grandchildren, Annie Brooks, Cody Powers, Katie Powers; and many special nieces and nephews.
His son, Michael, preceded Jay in death.
At Jay’s request, there will be no services.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Humboldt, or other charity of choice.
Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com, click on obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jay Powers
Karen Hutton
December 15, 2020
Missing you partner! Fishing has never been the same.
Gene&Joan Sheets
March 18, 2005
Marylou and Family,
Jay was a great friend & Buddy.We had a lot of good times fishing and just hanging around together.We love you all,and your Family will always be in our thoughts.
Gene&Joan Sheets
Justin Williams
January 1, 2005
Dear Mary Lou, Aunt Mag, and Uncle Cap,
I'll defenitely miss Jay, he's meant alot to me over the years. I have fond memories of going to the river in Jay's jeep. You are always in my prayers.
Justin Williams
Reily Smith
December 25, 2004
Mary Lou & Family,
Karen and I were fortunate enough to live down a few houses on Little Pond for awhile in 2002. I was blessed to get acquainted with Jay and Mary Lou. I often wished I could have know both of you over the years instead of only a short while – I know I would have had the opportunity to share many fun, interesting and educational times with your entire family. As it was, I was able to share the fellowship of Jay and his fishing partners Gene & Steve on a few fishing trips. I used to look forward to Gene or Steve being busy and Jay asking me if I had time to go fishing. Fortunately, I was usually able to make time to go with him and fill in for one of “The Little Pond Boys.” Jay was a big man in all ways! His strong character, love of life and love for his family was always evident. Whenever Jay’s name came up in talking to others, it was always obvious that Jay was highly respected and loved in the community.
God’s peace be with you my friends,
"Any time now...any time"
December 22, 2004
"Now Thats a Fish!"
December 22, 2004
Jay and Cece at Powers Hole
Karen Hutton
December 22, 2004
"Now Thats a Fish!" So many times did I hear that quote come from Jay, I was lucky enough to be his fishing partner.He taught me the ways of the river. Id have to say he was my "Fishing Mentor" Not only was he a Great Fisherman, He was a was a Great Man. I will cherish my memories of all those fish we caught and lost. This is a sad day, to hear this news, My heart goes out to Mary Lou and the Family.Though "Powers Hole" is no longer,Im sure the River will hold a special place for him,and his memory will never be forgotten.
Lyle & Colleen Egan
December 22, 2004
I don't know if Jay and MaryLou were really ready to meet the "Conlin Family" but they had no choice when Cap married Marguerite. After that, Jay became known as "Perky" for his marvelous waitressing skills when hosting the "Conlin" girls parties and he laughed easily when we told jokes. However, we also know that what Jay was truly famous for was he love of the outdoors, fishing and outings with "Jack" and that is where my husband was able to buddy up with Jay. Kelly remembers Jay as a wonderful Grandpa who treated her like one of his own. We will miss Jay, Perky and Jack but we will live on tell and retell many tall tales with Jay as the instigator. Our love and sympathy to all of the Powers...we love you, Lyle, Colleen and Kelly Egan
Fred & Linda Bott
December 21, 2004
Our thougth's and prayer's with you and your family Fred & Linda
Rich Parker
December 20, 2004
Mary Lou, Cap, Frank & Families, I know the loss you feel, but take heart in knowing you had a quite a guy for a lifetime & will have great memories forever.
Shanan & Brian Miller
December 19, 2004
Dear Powers Family,
We are very sorry for your loss.I was not able to meet Mr. Powers, but as Brian's wife I have heard many wonderful things about him. He will be truly missed. God Bless!
tom monson
December 19, 2004
i had the pleasure of knowing jay through his sons mike and frank, he was a very a fun loving guy who really loved his kids . We all got to fish mad river alot one year i got to know jay pretty well from then on and his sidekick CC. most of the times i went fishing i would always see jay and fish along side him because i knew if he was there the odds were pretty good the fish were there too . I had a lot of good times with mike frank jay and CC and sometimes the bottle of yukon jack lol.what happened on the river stays on the river.we all also went on an out of state hunting trip to nevada, was my first time out of state and had a great time . Jay was great guy and it shows through his family .Jay loved the outdoors and raised his sons that way also and thats the way got to know him and will always remember him and be richer for it .I know he was loved by all and will be missed .
I know i will miss him but never forget him .
Andy, Debbi, Nicole, Natalie DeLeon
December 19, 2004
Mary Lou and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the love of your family carry you through the coming days. Jay will be remembered fondly. Love, Debbi and Family
jerry & tammi branson
December 19, 2004
We are thinking of you and were sorry to hear of your loss.
Wishing you kindness and love in this difficult time.
Jim Conlin
December 19, 2004
I had the opportunity to go fishing with Jay years ago, at which time Jay took me to all the secret fishing holes along with the appropriate fishing gear and of course "Jack" for support. We drove along the river in the Red Jeep until we came upon an area that looked good. Jay showed me where my gear was and mentioned that we were going to be wading out in the river to fish. Not wanting to look the part of an amateur fisherman I began to put on the waders and prepare for fishing. Jay of course was suited up and fishing within minutes. After 15 to 20 minutes Jay came back to the jeep to inquire if I was going to fish. Jay stood there for several minutes and in a very calm and non judgemental tone he stated that the waders may go on easier if I took off my boots first. Needless to say I took his advise and was out fishing within minutes. It took some time for the red in my face to go away but the fishing experience was a success. I enjoyed the time I spent with Jay and found him to be a great guy, He will truly be missed.
Jim
Jason Selvage
December 19, 2004
Dear Powers Family,
I'm sorry for your loss. I used to work with Jay and Mike as a young employee of Selvage Construction years ago. I enjoyed the stories Jay would tell during lunch breaks. He always displayed patience, kindness and treated me with respect. Grandpa Ed always spoke highly of Jay and Jay's sons. I will miss those days working with Jay, Mike, Jerry and Grandpa but I will never forget. It was a very special time in my life. I will always remember Jay.
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