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Woodlawn Funeral Home Obituaries

Philip Anthony Powell , Age: 77
April 25, 1944 - January 24, 2022

Philip Anthony Powell, age 77, of Olympia, WA, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2022 with his wife, Charlotte (Cox) Powell by his side.  He was born on April 25, 1944 in Chehalis, WA and raised in Onalaska, WA.  He was the son of the late Keith L. Powell and Nancy E. (Tullis) Powell-Steele.  He was one of ten siblings.  On February 24, 1968 he married Charlotte, where they went on to raise their two sons, Doug Powell (wife, Rachel Elizalde-Powell) and Greg Powell (wife, Jessi Powell; grandson, Wesley Powell) in Olympia, WA.

 

Before retiring, Phil spent nearly 53 years enjoying his career in the timber industry and was owner/operator of his logging truck where he hauled logs throughout the Pacific Northwest for a living.  He was an honest, hard-working man, a committed, loving husband, and an honorable role model to his family and friends. He loved the outdoors and gladly accepted the opportunity to move dirt, chop trees or brush, or change the terrain to use his heavy equipment.  Although he was never a farmer, he loved admiring even larger pieces of heavy machinery and spent countless hours trying to convince his wife that they should absolutely own some, just on principle alone. A John Deere tractor dealership was his idea of an amusement park.

 

He passed his love of all things cars to his sons, some of their friends and his grandson.  He spent hours polishing any piece or part of chrome that he found on a given vehicle living in his shop.  Garage time with Phil was mentorship from a great man.  Staying in the theme of cars, he detested a dirty car and lucky for him, his two daughter-in-laws gave him ample opportunity to roll his eyes, provide comment but secretly know that it was special time to share with them to help clean out the vehicles.

 

He fought valiantly for 16 years with Parkinson’s and dementia.  Even as his mobility and independence changed, he looked forward to time spent with friends and family. Trips to the coast, a cruise through the Panama Canal, or just quiet moments at home.  Some of his greatest moments were filled with watching his grandson develop and grow.

 

It’s hard to sum up the character of a man that made a solid impression on so many lives.  He listened more than he spoke, but when he spoke, you had better listen.  His character was strong and he led by example. He was the king of “one-liners”.  He carried snacks on walks as if he was going on a seven year journey.  His family will remember his full and sturdy hugs with hopes of them never ending.  His scent of aftershave would stick around long after a visit was over.

 

He will be missed by so many, but to be missed means there was great love, and Philip Anthony Powell was deeply loved.

 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Keith and Nancy and brother, Jon.  

 

He is survived by his siblings, Dean, Diane, Mike, Alan, Jaci, Pam, Bruce, and Jeff.

 

A celebration of life will be scheduled and communicated at a later time.

Condolences

Trudy Dolson February 11, 2022

Enter your relationship with Philip Anthony Powell Red Bluff , California

Cindy & Bob Washburn February 11, 2022

Friend of Charlotte Olympia , Washington

Jeff Haukom February 15, 2022

Logging acquaintance Lacey , Washington

Remy and Shellene Cano February 11, 2022

Family friend Snohomish , Washington

Leslie Keesee February 11, 2022

Landlord/friends Olympia , Washington

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