To Mary Beth, Richard and family, Hello from way back; sorry but I just learned of your father's passing.   I remember him from your wedding, which seems like just a few years ago, but it's been well over 30!  He and Mom were certainly looking happy & proud that day, no doubt foreseeing the great family you were starting.  He must have needed name tags to keep up at family gatherings!  May God hold him in the palm of His hand into eternity.  Anne & I hope all remains as well as can be during this first holiday season without Dad.

With our warmest regards, (Anne &) Jim Hardwick, still out here at Tanglewood Ordinary after almost 30 years and almost 33 together

Papa was a wonderful, loving grandfather. For those who were not able to attend his funeral, below is my remembrance speech.

***

Today is a somber day for those of us gathered here. But, we are not only here to mourn the loss of our beloved Papaalso known as Grandpa, Dad, Daddy, Bruce, Buddy, and Bud. We are here to remember his life, a very rich life filled with trials, successes, and most importantly, lots of love. 

Papa always played an important role in my life. Living less than a mile away, he drove my brother, sister, and me to school every day from Kindergarten until the day I graduated high school. In those thousands of car rides, I learned much from him, and it was through those car rides that a large part of who I am today was formed. 

Papa was a great story teller, and listening to his numerous stories of growing up poor in the Great Depression, of serving in the military in Panama, of working as a police officer on the beat, of working his way up to an executive position at the bank, and of raising 7 children, taught me many lessons. An honest, upright, and humble man, Papa taught me to endure the challenges of life with audacity, uncompromising principle, and love, which he did even in his final momentsin his last words, he wanted to know his wife, Carolor Gaga, as I saywould be cared for. 

There is one memory in particular I would like to share. Eleven years ago, when I was 13 and in the 8th grade, and Papa was 76, I received a writing assignment in school to interview a person in my life whom I admire. I picked Papa. 

Papa was enthusiastic about the interview, and I remember writing out almost 20 questions to ask him. I brought my tape recorder, and like so many other times, he picked me up in his blue SUV. We drove to McDonald's, and in the parking lot, after eating our hamburgers, he told me about his life. We talked for over two hours, and in that time together, I heard in great detail the successes, challenges, and happy moments of his life. 

He told me about his childhood in Oklahoma during the Great Depression and its difficulties: 
He said, The environment was very bleak during the 30s because of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl that occurred in the Southwest. The air was thick with dust, and the rivers overran their banks. Food was scarce, and farmer's lost their farms because they could not work the land. I remember the wagon trains (made up of old model-ts) loaded to the hilt passing through on the way to California, and the hope for a better life. 

He told me about a person who inspired him to be a better:
He said, I became acquainted with the Red Cross representative in Panama, whose office was next to mine. I helped in gathering materials and games for the young service personnel who were not as fortune as I, or who were incarcerated. He taught me to appreciate the finer things in life, and to work hard to achieve my goals. As a result of this, I was always aware of the one who didn't fit, and reached out to them to offer them friendship, and help where I could. 

He told me about his moral code: 
He said, I didn't create the code, but pretty much lived by the saying Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Also, when life was difficult as a boy, my mother always preached faith in God. I think that is why I am still here.

He told me about his concerns of old age:
He said, At age 76 and being partially handicapped, my primary concern is survival, and taking care of my wife of 53 years. 

He told me how he met Gaga: 
He said, I was in the navy stationed in Norfolk. I seldom went ashore, but when I did, I went to the Navy YMCA because of the facilities. On Saturday nights, the local girls came to dance with and entertain the servicemen. There, I met my wife, and we were married about 4 months later. I think that what brought us closer together was an accident. I stayed too late one night, and the buses had stopped running. My future father in-law offered to take me to the base. I was sitting in the back seat by myself, and Carol was sitting in front. I was watching traffic, and saw the front wheels of the car coming toward us turn in our direction. I yelled, and made an attempt to grab your grandmother's hair, to keep her from being thrown into the windshield. But, I was too late, and she received a broken arm and severe cuts on the face requiring plastic surgery. I was not hurt, and her father received a very severely sprained knee and ankle. During my many visits to the hospital, we fell in love, and were married not too long afterward. 

He told me what it was like to raise 7 children, and some of his favorite memories: 

He said, I remember the lean times, and the hard work on both of our parts, and the sacrifices my wife made for our children. It's not easy to raise seven children, but we had a lot of fun along the way. 

He said, I remember once after we had moved, my wife jumped out of bed in the middle of the night and ran smack into the wall. I looked down at her and asked her what she was doing on the floor, and she said that there used to be a door there. 

He said, There were many funny incidents with the children during our long marriage. One stands out in particular. We had just moved to a new neighborhood, and it was Thanksgiving. Brian, who I believe was about 8 or 9 at the time, was very active and outgoing. He had made friends and played ball until dark, and wasn't there for dinner. It was getting dark, and my wife was worried. I told her that I thought he was OK, but that she should call the police. When the policeman came, we were all gathered around him in the front hall, and my wife was trying to describe Brian. In the meantime, Brian came in the back door, and joined the gathering. Carol was not aware that he had joined us, and she told one of the children to get Brian's picture. I told the policeman when she was describing him that he looked just like this kid standing beside me. It took her a minute to catch on, but she was greatly relieved.  

Hearing these stories from Papa eleven years ago, I began to realize just how vibrant, interestingand completemy grandfather's life was.  I saw a man who has enjoyed life with resilience to its challenges, dedication to his loved ones, and a good sense of humor. I hope that in sharing his words with you today, you, too, can see just how complete, amazing, and full of love his life was. 

As we say goodbye to him today, let us remember these stories, and the moments we've shared with him, for it is in these memories, that he lives on in this world, continues to touch our hearts, and enriches our lives. 

Papa, we love you, and even though we're saying goodbye, we will never stop feeling your love. 

***

To the father I know and love, every day is a Father's Day. You will always be loved and remembered. --your daughter

The family is in my thoughts and prayers.  Special memories of times gone by.  Bud was a wonderful person and a great role model for his family.  Sending sympathy and love, Mary Anne Jackson-Trumbull

Our deepest sympathy to Carol, Laura, and the Powell family. We so enjoyed knowing him and working with him at the Bank of America. He was always a gentleman..to us, our customers, and everyone he met. Keeping all of you in our prayers. With love, Deane and Frank Mountcastle.

So very sorry.  I hope you can fill your heart with all the great memories and let that outweigh your hurt and tears.

Laura - I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.  Sending prayers to you and your family.  Kimberly Moore

Carol, Laura, Jeff and Family,  
I am sorry for your loss.  I know from personal experience how difficult loss is.
Bruce took his illness and all of life in stride.  His suffering is over and he is in God's hands. Your loving memories and thoughts of Bruce will forever be in your hearts.
Bruce was a good neighbor and I remember all of the short chats we had when walking my little Brandi, Meggie and Chelsea.  
Jean and John Dowdy

Laura and Family, 
We are truly sorry for your loss.  The pictures are representation of a lovely life lived. 
May God bless you and peace be with you,
Mary and Ben Lambert

Sending love and prayers to the family of Bruce Lowell Powell

Wendy Hawthorne

God looked around his garden
And found an empty place,
He then looked down upon the earth
And saw your tired face.

He put his arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best.

He knew that you were suffering
He knew you were in pain.
He knew that you would never
Get well on earth again.

He saw the road was getting rough
And the hills were hard to climb.
So he closed your weary eyelids
And whispered, 'Peace be Thine'.

It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn't go alone,
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
from unknown author
I am so sorry for your loss.
Blessings to the family 
Johanna Kuehnl

I will always miss you daddy! You will be in my heart forever. Laura

As President of Woody Funeral Home, I extend our deepest sympathy from all our staff for your loss. We are committed to providing the utmost care to you at this time and throughout the days to come. Our purpose is to assist and serve you in a manner that exceeds your expectations. We pledge to strive to merit the trust you have reposed in us.

OBITUARIO

Bruce Lowell Powell

13 agosto, 1928 – 11 junio, 2015

Woody Funeral Home Huguenot Chapel

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