JOHN POWELL

John Gordon Caley Powell – 10/27/1944 – 2/9/2022

John, John, John.  He was a “no fuss” kind of guy when it came to personal celebrations.  He preferred them to be intimate and low-key with only those closest to him in attendance.  It wasn't outwardly apparent though because all we ever saw was this passionate love affair he had with life.  Yet, I know he felt oddly awkward with attention focused solely on himself and he did his best to disguise it with his comical humor.

So now, to honor him with his passing, I choose quiet, affectionate solitude and that of a modest smattering of words in recognition of the fine man we came to love.

He sought what felt right, not always what was easy, and did it without reservation or fear.

He saw the good in most everything and worked diligently to make a difference in the world with truthfulness as its cornerstone.  With his courageousness to change, grow and re-invent himself, he afforded us to see who he truly was, yet he remained humble.

He brought forth that the simplest things in life are the most extraordinary.  His profound love of nature, animals, music, art, friendship, and simply “putz'ing”, surrounded him daily, and provided him an ongoing abundance of joy, clearly apparent from the broad smile he shared openly and often.

On the outside, we saw John as a free-spirited, gregarious, playful, generous, and humorous individual which endeared him to many.  Yet, as family we were sometimes gifted with the unveiling of his vulnerable side; and that window into his real and authentic self, allowed us to cherish him even more.  And his children and grandchildren…a pride and love immeasurable.

John “broke the mold”.  He was an original, a masterpiece, and a whirlwind that blew into our lives which such intensity, we're paused to ask ourselves, “How can we not be imprinted, impacted and affected without his spirit coming to mind?” John's life was both his story and ours, and certainly worthy to pass along to future generations.  And what a story it will be!

John leaves behind his partner, Mary, of 45+ years, three children, Sean, Nicole and Jonathan, two grandchildren, Joshua and Opal, a brother, Tom (Al), and sister, Caley.

No service will take place, but the family asks everyone who remembers John to do an unexpected or unsolicited act of kindness for some unfortunate soul, (poor or otherwise), in his name.

Cards and letters wishing him well on his journey, and stories you'd like to share are gladly welcomed!  They can be sent to Westgor Funeral Homes, 205 W. Doty Ave., Neenah, WI, 54956, ATTN: Mary Powell.  As an alternative, you may also click the link below for “Private Condolences” and those will be printed and given to the family.

To Country Villa's Care Team:  This amazing extended family cared for and loved John for almost four years in a way most people would fail to do.  Medicines may have soothed his body, but the warmth of your care healed both his and our hearts with undying affection for you all. 

With our deepest heartfelt gratitude…The Powell Family