Thomas Frederick Powers

POWERS, Thomas Frederick - 71, Halifax, passed away Sunday August 1, 2010 in the QEII Health Science Centre. He was the son of the late Helen (Hornsby) and Lieut. Col. Thomas Powers. Tommy worked for MERIT Insurance Co. in Ontario, but came home to pursue his dream of a career in music. He started the folk group “The Scotians” in 1963, and with musician changes, it became “The New Scotians” in 1967. They worked the lounge circuit from Toronto to St. John’s and were highlighted in Montreal at Expo 67. They recorded five albums and seven singles, changing from strictly folk to pop music, calypso, country and contemporary hits of the day. During this time, Tommy opened “The Living End” a coffee house on Grafton St., where his group was featured and where he brought in acts from Toronto, Montreal, Bermuda and so on, to entertain when the New Scotians were on tour. As live entertainment in lounges started to diminish, he opened “Tom’s Place” in Gottingen Street Plaza where he was a barber-hair stylist. Upon retiring, Tommy picked up his guitar again and enjoyed jam sessions with friends and family for many years. He had a keen interest in cars and a passion for his model car collection. He was a member of the Antique Car Club. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Valie (MacKenzie); devoted daughters, Heather (Paul) Powers, Cathy (Kevin) Parker; grandchildren Destiny and Devin Parker; sister Dianne Naugler; nephews Tommy (Tara) and Deano (Julie) Naugler and their children. Visitation will be held Thursday, Aug 5, 7-9pm in JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax where a memorial celebration of Tommy’s life will take place Friday, August 6 at 2 p.m. in the chapel, Rev. Martha Martin officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia or the Canadian Diabetes Association. For on-line condolences, please visit www.jasnowfuneralhome.com