Lance Curtis Power

Our Big Fish and Family Historian, Lance Power passed on June 24th. As always, he did it on his own stubborn terms, knowing what is best for us. He passed peacefully in his own home with the love of is Life and wife of 36 years and his cherished spoiled pups. He leaves behind his legacy and is survived by his wife and best friend, Melisa Power, his sister Terry Farnsworth, Ray Metcalf, Kelly Power, Todd Power, M ’Lee Lambson and Sister-in-law Julie Jarrett. Preceded in the eternal by his parents Ivan Power and Marcia Ellsworth, Betty Power, and sister Tracy Metcalf.

His own kiddos Tauna and (Dennis) Arnold, Bryan Power, Tara and (Tony) Martinez, Matt Power and Jason and (Misi) Power are also surviving this loss along with his 13 Grand kids, Bailey Shaw, Jessi Shaw, Taylor Arnold, Nolan Arnold, Raegan Arnold, Brianne Power, Colton Power, Pace Power, Kali Power, Mina Power, Spencer Power, Jared Power, Jaxon Power. And great grandson Ben Leon.

Some know him as Lance, others by Lanny and we all know him to have a tale, a story or fable to share that was certain to be “straight as an arrow”. When you see the twinkle in his eye and his dimple deepen you know there is a piece of him pulling your leg.

Lance Power started out on a farm, son of Ivan Power and Marcia Ellsworth. He worked the Power fields, rode horses, and perfected his baseball technique before joining the Navy and working on an aircraft carrier. Before shipping out of Hawaii he met his first wife Detha Watson and encouraged her passion for art that became her life’s calling. He had two daughters he’d prop up in his truck and take for adventures, camping and even to see Santa’s own reindeer, “a secret special just for us, cuz I have an in with Santa and know where to find them” he said.

Lance had more adventures and met Cindy (Power) who came as a package deal with son Bryan Power who he scooped up and made his own from the start. It was not long before they added to the family with the joy of bright-eyed jokester Matt Power and soon to follow, the last of his children, “stud horse” Jason Power.

Lance managed to blend the family so well and each kid has that most special place and special lecture meant just for them. He had a passion for horses and taught that passion to his sons. He always seemed to have a couple of them on the coast of Oregon where he also started a journey to becoming a master electrician and even a bartender where he could share his passion for tale spinning and perfect his talent for making a mixed drink of a “ Lance original”, often containing ice cream, because “that always makes it more better.” During this time, he hand-fashioned beautiful silver and turquoise jewelry and belt buckles to be gifted to each of his kids.

Once again Lance had a new adventure that took him to Wyoming where he laid eyes on the best “pockets” he ever saw and found they belonged to his soulmate Melisa Anderson who he worked tirelessly swooning until he got to put a ring on her finger and make her the instant mother of 5.

Now is where Lance finds his speed with Lisa by his side! They began working at Ron Nix’s Day in the West Ranch where he made himself a cowboy of legend and hero of old on weekends. As a stunt man he enjoyed doing high falls and pyrotechnics. At the ranch he perfected his tall tales and learned a bit of acting too. He encouraged Lisa to take up photography and open an Olde Tyme photo shop. They were even married at this very spot.

From there he was in both movies and commercials. One of his best-known was his starring role in What-A-Burger commercial as a testy hungry cowboy, not wanting more beans.

Lance worked at Luke Air Force Base as the General Contractor where he brought on his daughter Tara and showed her the ropes; spending evenings making sure she knew what each piece was and how they went together. She carried on that skill for years.

Later, Lance started his own company, Precise Power Corp, proudly enabling his family to work together. Lisa, Tara, Bryan, Matt, and Jason all learned a role and specialty. It was a great, close bond we all look back fondly on to this day. The company slowly closed with the aftermath of 911. Two of his sons still carry on the trade and skills they learned becoming electricians from their proud father.

When Lance retired, he found a new passion in history and genealogy. He loved working on our own family story and fitting our past together to never be forgotten. He did this not only for us, but also for family and friends. He devoted his time to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, helping others trace back their own legacies.

We all have special beloved story about Lance. Lance never let you wonder where he stood on any subject. This tale could go on and on to each grandkid he touched and person he encountered. Never stop sharing stories or tales because they honor our Big Fish.