Thomas Jacob Powell

Thomas Jacob Powell, longtime resident of Edmonds, WA, passed away on the evening of July 27th, 2010 in Seattle. Tom, 90, was born on June 20, 1920, to Dorothy Rigg and Dwight Ira Powell, SE of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, in the small town of Goddard. Tom's family returned to the US in 1924 and he spent his childhood in the Sunnyside/Toppenish area. Two weeks before Tom turned 14; his father's death made Tom the man of the family. In 1935 he moved to Seattle, where his mother ran a boarding house on the corner of 15th and Denny. Tom had fond memories of the farmlands of his childhood, but soon embraced the sights and sounds of the city; sharing fond memories of rides around the hills of Seattle on his transportation of choice: a Harley Davidson motorcycle. As a teen, Tom was passionate about Roller Skating and cultivated a lifetime love of Salmon fishing. He graduated from Broadway High School in 1938 and friends from his Broadway High School C.O.M.U.S. club helped Tom celebrate his 90th birthday. In 1942, Tom joined the United States Army and worked as a Signal Corpsman, stationed at the Alaska Communications Center in Seattle, WA and Adak, AK. The Army taught him how to ski. After the war, Tom graduated from the University of Washington School of Business and was a member of the Alpha Kappa Psi fraternity. Upon graduation, he obtained his Certified Public Accountant license and started his career in Seattle. In 1962, Tom opened an accounting firm in Edmonds on Second Ave. S., which grew as he added partners. He was a member of the Edmonds Rotary club for over 30 years before his retirement in the early 1990's.

Tom married the love of his life, Marie Botts Smith, on August 17th, 1954 and they created a joyous life which revolved around their large families and countless friends. Tom and Marie also hosted many foreign exchange students through the Rotary club. Tom and Marie were inseparable and enjoyed travelling and spending sunny winters in AZ. Tom's love for Marie was particularly evident in his steadfast dedication to her in her final years. His support was unwavering; despite his declining health and the challenges she faced due to Alzheimer's. When Marie passed in July 2007, they had been married nearly 53 years. Tom enjoyed playing Cribbage and loved sailing the waters of Puget Sound. He was a voracious reader of all variety of printed materials, with his favorites being Louis L'Amour and suspense novels. When he learned how to use a Kindle, he nearly wore it out. Tom was a quiet, introspective man with a wry sense of humor, known as "TP" or "TJ" to his close friends.

Tom is survived and will be missed by: son; Russ (Teri) Powell, daughter; Dolly (Dave) White, step-daughter; Maureen Smith, grandchildren; Chris and Kirsten Powell, Kelly (Pat) Brown, Keri (Gary) Grayson & Tom White. step-grandchildren; Sena Sprosky, Mariah Smith & Jared (Katie) White, great-grandchildren; Landon Brown & Jack, step great-grandchildren; Keila Saner, Liam & Eliot White and sister-in-law; Ellen Powell. Tom will also be missed by numerous nieces & nephews and countless friends. Tom was preceded in death by his wife; Marie, parents; Dorothy Rigg Powell & Dwight Ira Powell and brothers: Malcolm, Wayne, Eugene and Howard Powell and sisters: Leona Ballard and Helen Hackett.