Dean Simmons Powell, 67, died peacefully at his home in Lake Worth, FL on May 26, 2018. He was born May 18, 1951 in Portsmouth, VA to the late Ray R. and Gladys Dowe Powell. Mr. Powell is survived by brothers Rayburn and Rick Powell (partner Christine Zachai), sister Laurie O’Leary (Joe) and by nieces and nephews: Kirsten Metheny, Natalie Powell, Dean O’Leary, and Bobby Powell. Dean considered several long-time buddies his brothers. He was a devoted son, brother, uncle, neighbor, colleague, and friend to many. He is dearly missed by his canine companion, Coconut.
Dean spent his early childhood in Texas and California, then Norfolk, VA, where he graduated from Norview High School. He completed his B.S. degree at Virginia Tech in 1973 and later earned a Master’s degree in Oceanography from Old Dominion University. He loved exploring the VA mountains and fishing offshore at the Outer Banks of NC. But Dean was drawn farther south by opportunities to work in the unique South FL aquatic ecosystem. Starting with the Department of Environmental Regulation in 1986, he shortly moved over to the South FL Water Management District as a Sr. Engineer. He soon began moving up through management ranks, retiring in 2016 as Director of the Water Supply Department. Over his 30-year career with the District, he played a key role in many restoration projects and programs supporting the Everglades, Kissimmee River, Florida Bay, and Biscayne Bay. Dean Powell was the consummate professional who made a tangible and enduring difference in the health and preservation of South Florida’s water systems.
He lived a full and adventurous life. Dean loved the outdoors— was an avid boater, diver, fisherman, and horticulturalist. He loved science, his yard, travel, really LOUD music, VA Tech football, cooking, and a good martini. Dean had a passion for quality in all he did and enjoyed. He was generous with his time and energy, helping anyone who asked. He was on the verge of relocating to Islamorada to begin his long-planned retirement in paradise. Dean will be missed dearly but not forgotten by those who knew and loved him.
Rest in peace, Skipper.
On Saturday, July 28th at 10AM, family and friends are invited to gather informally at Dean’s Lake Worth home to share memories and say farewell. (For specifics, leave contact information here in your remembrance.) On Sunday the 29th the immediate family will take his ashes to the Keys for distribution at some of his favorite fishing holes and island-hopping spots.
Memorial donations may be made to
The Nature Conservancy or to Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control.
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