John Osborne Powell was born in Toronto to Ernest Osborne Powell and Catherine Marion Powell (Burkholder) on February 17, 1939, and passed away peacefully in Kelowna on September 13, 2021 surrounded by family. In 1976, John and Dawn were married in Kelowna, and they have two children: Daphne (Adam) and Scott (Carey). He is survived by his immediate family, his brother Gordon (Gwen) in Halifax, NS, and many in-laws, nieces, and nephews. He was a proud and loving grandad to three granddaughters (Ayden, Lila, and Clara). He is deeply missed and loved by his family and many friends. John lived a BIG life. He didn’t need things to be overly planned; if he believed in the cause, then he was committed. He threw himself into projects and made things happen, and always with the best of intentions, curiosity, compassion, and love at the heart of it.
Here are some highlights from his life:
Japanophile: Before it was trendy, John taught English in Japan (1964) and visited many times in
his retirement.
Student: John was a proud UBC grad (BA in 1966), and participant with Society for Learning in
Retirement.
Teacher: He was a devoted high school teacher for 33 years.
He led and participated in countless domestic and international field trips.
He taught French, Geography, and Social Studies.
Aspiring Politician: John ran three times for the federal NDP and twice for the Kelowna City
Council.
Performer: John participated in several operas and theatre performances at the Kelowna
Community Theatre.
Francophile: A year-long sabbatical to France in the 80s had a tremendous influence on his life
and career.
Wine Connoisseur: Touring wineries and drinking wine was a big love. There is always wine in
the Powell house, and a full glass ready for you.
Aspiring Minister: John led the Christmas Day service at First United Church for many years.
Volunteer Extraordinaire: BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) delegate, NDP delegate, founding
volunteer with Inn from the Cold, community outreach programs (sandwich maker!), refugee
sponsor, homestay family, devoted book seller/fundraiser for the church, and so much more.
Event Planner: Chair of the Okanagan Choral Society and organizer of the Cascade of Choirs.
John brought in choirs from all over western Canada and the U.S. He also threw a good party
(mostly thanks to his wife Dawn!).
Photographer: John was obsessed with taking photos of everything he did and of his family.
They weren’t good photos, but they were plentiful.
Sailor: John discovered the pleasures of Caribbean sailing in retirement.
World Traveller: John and Dawn spent many happy years together sailing, cruising, visiting
resorts in in Mexico, and exploring the world during his retirement years. Making many new friends, and deepening friendships along the way.
Through it all, music and singing remained a passion. From a start with the French horn and church choirs as a youth in Toronto, to signing with the AURA Chamber Choir and the First United Church Choir. John LOVED choral music. This beautiful, busy, and varied life brought many people in contact with John, and that’s just the way he liked it. He loved to have former students stop him in the streets with a “Hi, Mr. Powell”, he loved meeting new people, and catching up with acquaintances. He was a communicator and loved to be connected to his friends and family. He loved his home in the Okanagan, and was always pleased to be the tour guide and share his knowledge of the area.
John, we are sad to see you go, but we are grateful for all that you taught us about friendship, leadership, citizenship, and love along the way.
You can share your stories with the family at [email protected]. A memorial service
will be held at a later date. (Contact the family for more information).
Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299
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