Edward Carville Powers

1953 - 2010

Edward "Ted" Carville Powers, 56, succumbed at his home in Oak View on July 23, 2010 after an admirable battle with cancer.

Ted was born on Dec. 4, 1953 in Beach, N.D. He graduated from St. Bonaventure High School in 1972 and then went on to Humboldt State University where he completed his bachelor's degree in geology. Ted worked as a geologist, a profession he loved, for more than 35 years. He was both a Registered Geologist ('89) and a Certified Engineering Geologist ('91). His geological travels took him to many nooks and crannies throughout California, and he spent years studying the geology of Ventura County's coastline, with a special emphasis on the La Conchita area. His observations on the subject are quoted in text books.

Ted never tired of studying or of teaching geology. In fact, there is a whole new group of "rock hounds" at the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) thanks to Ted and the passion he shared with the staff. Many who came in contact with Ted will never look at a rock in the same way again. Ted's family, friends, and colleagues will remember him as an extraordinary person, strong and tough, but also incredibly fair, kind, and generous. He was also a bit of a rascal, with a self-deprecating and bone-dry sense of humor.

He was a true and loyal friend, incredibly intelligent and well read, with an encyclopedic knowledge of geology, history, and engineering -- a major reason why he remained undefeated in Scrabble (and it wasn't close)! Ted loved the outdoors, including hiking and camping with family and friends, and going out on his boat to fish or just to explore. Fearless, sometimes to a fault, Ted loved an adventure, whether it was on a hike on some remote trail, a fishing trip on his boat at night in a sudden storm, his brief career as a hang-glider, or the time he worked as a bouncer in a country western bar in Humboldt during college.

Ted seemed to have more than his fair share of "close calls" - and he enjoyed every one of them and recounting the stories to those lucky enough to hear his tales. Through it all, he kept his sense of humor and his character. Ted will also be remembered for his faithful service as a member of the Ventura County Sheriff's Search and Rescue team for 17 years, from 1993 to 2010.

Ted received a rare honor just a few weeks ago when Sheriff Bob Brooks came to Ted's home to present him with his old Search and Rescue Sheriff's badge - the equivalent of retiring an old pro athlete's number!

Ted is survived by his mother, Yvonne; three daughters, Katy, Claire, and Janie; a grandson, Wyatt; one sister, Suzanne; three brothers, Tom, Jim, and Mike; and his best friend and companion through good times and bad, Adrienne. Ted wanted to be sure that a special "Thanks" was relayed to the skilled and extraordinarily caring doctors, nurses, and staff at the VCMC Oncology Center, Hospital, and Emergency Department.

In addition, we have all appreciated the warmth and gentle care provided by the Livingston Memorial's palliative and hospice care team. In the course of Ted's treatment and care, VCMC's Dr. Bryan Wong, Dr. Evan Slater, Dr. Javier Romero, Dr. Jeremy Schweitzer, and Livingston 's Jean Marie Tantalo, RN, became extended family members. Their collective professionalism, concern, and compassionate care made Ted's last year as fulfilling and dignified as it could possibly have been.

Ted's friends and family are forever grateful. As he wished, Ted's ashes will be scattered at sea in a private ceremony in August. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be sent to the Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation, in memory of Ted Powers, at 2323 Knoll Drive, Suite 313, Ventura, CA 93003 (Tax #95-6096141).