Born in Edmonton, Jeff was the only son of Ron and Lucy Powell. He grew up with four sisters and various foster children and eventually became a caregiver and foster parent himself.
Jeff spent most of his early years in Royston and then Cumberland where he was known by many for his various fast cars and his impeccable driving record. He met his wife Wendy soon after and the two began their family with the birth of their daughter Sheryl. Soon after, Jeff began a job working in the engine room of the Powell River ferry. Jeff spoke about this job and had many stories to share about his time working with his buddies Al York and Billy Barber. Jeff and Wendy wed in November of 1983 and eventually welcomed their second daughter Amy in 1984. Jeff loved being a dad and although he had hoped for a son, Amy was a good substitute when she was a kid often accompanying him 4x4ing, riding dirt bikes, and being her dad's side kick. This continued when Jeff and his family relocated to Whitehorse for a new adventure in 1989. Jeff thrived in the Yukon, enjoying the cold weather and the skidooing opportunities that accompanied it. While there he worked at various group homes and landed a job at the Young Offenders Jail. In 1994 Jeff and family returned to the valley so he could spend time with his parents during their final years. At this time "big Jeff" formalized his love of crazy driving by building a stock car and racing at Saratoga Speedway in the #63 bomber car. Jeff had a generous and humorous nature and despite having anxiety, was very social. He had many friends and would often converse for what felt like ages with someone before walking away and saying, "no idea who that was but they obviously knew me". Jeffs religion was "common sense" and he tried to instill this in his children, grandchildren and anyone else who would listen. Jeff's most prized possession was his Chevy 1500 and driving in it with his dogs Denzel and Scrappy or heading to Chance's casino.
Jeff is predeceased by both of his parents, his father-in-law Don, and many friends. He is survived by his wife of 40 years Wendy, daughters Sheryl and Amy, his son-in-law/his boy, Andrew Tebbutt, Shane Bone, grandkids Jeffrey, Isabelle, Brooklyn, and Josh (Tonya), Alexandra (Charlie), siblings Lynn (Jim), Marilyn (Mark), Jackie (Dale), and Michelle, mother in law Kitty Egan, numerous nieces, nephews, foster kids and too many friends to list.
Please join us to
Celebration the Life of Jeffrey Powell
On Friday, November 17th
From 1:00 PM to 3:00PM
At the Cumberland Legion
Located at 2770 Dunsmuir Avenue Cumberland BC
Brief Service & Slideshow, Memory Sharing Followed by Refreshments
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