THOMAS E. POWELL

Condolences & Memories (31 entries)

• Tom was 1st. person I met at Silver Heights as I was struggling with all my boxes. He immediately offered to help and this caring continued throughout the years. Yes, a tough exterior but so compassionate within. We often shared stories and had a lot of laughs. Saddened, my thoughts are with Tom's family. Fondly remembered, Shirley Weinstein - Posted by: Shirley Weinstein (co-worker and friend) on: Aug 17, 2013

• Tom tried to be tough but Tom was really a teddy bear with a heart of gold. He was funny, smart, thoughtful and a great employee. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. He will be truly missed. - Posted by: Alison Hunt (co-worker, St. James-Assiniboia School Division) on: Jul 17, 2013

• I attended silver heights for 4 years and Mr. Powell was the best..he would be swiping the hallways and you'd walk by and say hello and with a big smile back he say hello..he would always let you in even if the doors were locked and smile about it. With that said He was all around a wonderful man. R.I.P Mr. Powell ♡ - Posted by: amber (student) on: Jul 07, 2013

• Tommy was the one caretaker EVERYONE knew by name because of his surly bark... And to those who paid attention and took the time... Because of his kind heart that truly cared. The only caretaker who didn't give us guff when our basketball team needed the gym open early, on weekends or holidays! He happily rode his bike to work for us! RIP - Posted by: Jaime Hickson-Taggart (Student 1996-1998) on: Jul 06, 2013

• Heaven is gathering all the good ones and it sure must be a great place now-all the Brats are gathering. While here on earth we are again a little poorer. RIP, Tom. - Posted by: Susan Adkins (Parsons) (fellow Shilo Brat) on: Jul 03, 2013

• When I was heading to Silver from John Taylor in the late 80's, I was warned that Tom could be quite "crusty ". It took little time to find the good man behind that facade. Tom, Mr. Bailey, and I would open the school at seven a.m. each morning, and I often had many great talks with Tom in his inner sanctum. Precious time with a precious man. I will miss him. - Posted by: Hugh Gordon (Teacher and friend) on: Jul 03, 2013

• The first person I met at Silver Heights in 2000 was Tommy. I was trying to put up some posters in late August and was using duct tape or something. He barked at me and said I was going to rip the paint off when I took them down...then he asked me if I needed a ladder and was back three minutes later helping me put them up. That was Tom, heart of gold. RIP - Posted by: Brian Hull (Teacher) on: Jul 03, 2013

• What a treat this man was. Funny, considerate and a true professional are just some of the characteristics that describe Tommy. Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Jeff Hamilton (Student at Silver Heights) on: Jul 03, 2013

• While on a three week in-school suspension I had the pleasure to work with Tom. His life story was an inspiration. he was a good man and a favorite to many students of the former SHCI. I know you'rE at peace old friend. - Posted by: Mark Fallis (Student ) on: Jul 03, 2013

• I never worked with Tommy Powell, but many I worked with did work with him at one time or another. EVERY one of those people had nothing but kind words to say about Tommy and what a hard worker and kind man he was. Rest in peace, Tommy. - Posted by: Deb Hunter () on: Jul 03, 2013

• Loved that man... One of my favourite people at Silver, for sure. RIP Tommy. :( - Posted by: Gayle Peters (Co-worker) on: Jul 03, 2013

• Tom often wanted to appear tough to others as he grizzled about this or that. Once you got through that initial layer he was as kind and generous a soul as you could ever meet. Put in huge amounts of extra time to help others. A Silver Heights legend for sure. Tommy you will be remembered by many. - Posted by: Kirby Schepp (Co-Worker) on: Jul 03, 2013

• Tom was a great neighbor that will be sorely missed especially by my Aunt Kathleen. She could always count on Tom to help her when she needed an odd job done or just someone to talk to We will miss him at Christmas Eve when he would always share some stories and help to clean up after all the guests had left It was always comforting to my aunt to know that help was just a phone call away and comforting to me knowing Tom was there to help my aunt with the little things that are so hard to get help with when you live on your own Tom always had an opinion, especially on sports. I will miss his dry wit and his friendly smile anD wave when I am on Harmon Ave. RIP Tom. - Posted by: Wesley Hazlitt (Friend) on: Jul 03, 2013

• Like many have said... Appearing gruff and grumbly was only a poor cover for a great and kind, soft hearted man. He not only went out of his way to open doors but would indulge in shooting a hoop here or there... But more importantly making us laugh with a friendly dig or light hearted banter. I will always remember the day when he gave me a pat on the back, a day I was in tears. Little did he know that would stay with me the rest of my life. So, thank u Tommy Powell for being a part of my life and bringing so much laughter in the early mornings and after late practises. Rest well, you will be remembered ever so fondly. - Posted by: Lisa Henault (Student at silver heights) on: Jul 03, 2013

• Tom was always willing to lend a hand. He will be missed by many. - Posted by: Susan Ralph ((co-worker)) on: Jul 03, 2013

• Mr Powell always had a way to make me smile. I shared many great talks with a very intelligent man. You will be missed Mr Powell. - Posted by: Amrit () on: Jul 03, 2013

• Tom could have a pretty gruff exterior, but he was such a kind, gentle, and funny man. I used to see him all over the Silver Heights neighbourhood for years after High School and he always seemed to know who all the students were and wasn't shy about saying hello. It was always so nice seeing him around and I know he made more of an impact than he could ever know. - Posted by: Anon (Student) on: Jul 03, 2013

• Tom was a dedicated employee at Silver Heights Collegiate for most of his career with the St. James-Assiniboia S.D. #2. In addition to his regular duties you would find him back at the school during his vacation and weekends to check on his school to make sure everything was going to BE ready for school the next day or after the end of a school break. He also volunteered to ensure the high school reunion went off without a hitch prior to the school closing. Tom will be missed by all those who knew him. - Posted by: Richard Lyons (Former employer) on: Jul 03, 2013

• I remember meeting Mr. Powell my first year of High School, he was the friendliest person around first thing in the mornings, always had a positive comment to make. - Posted by: Jordan () on: Jul 03, 2013

• I remember Tom from Silver Heights and my time working at Deer Lodge Curling Club. I remember him always knowing who we were in the halls and he was so unique and always had a smile on his face. RIP - Posted by: Kendle Truthwaite () on: Jul 03, 2013

• I remember many days spent skipping class (regrettably), and the conversations I had with him in the hallways. Quite an interesting man, and very intelligent. RIP. - Posted by: Kara Fraser (Student) on: Jul 03, 2013

• Mr. Powell will always be remembered as the man at Silver Heights who took time to get to know the students and joke around with them. He was kind and joking, but could be stern with the people who needed it. He was the heart and soul of Silver Heights Collegiate and will always be remembered. Rest in peace old friend. - Posted by: Kathryn Schwartzman (Employee at my highschool) on: Jul 03, 2013

• Tom was an entertaining person to be around in his own unique way. He would often go out of his way to make your life easier. You will be missed Tommy P - Posted by: Jesse Peters (Friend) on: Jul 02, 2013

• Mr. Powell was the caretaker of Silver Heights while I attended it back in the early 2000's. He always projected a gruff exterior (I'll never forget the first time I heard him grumble at me for forgetting a milk carton on the Cafeteria table), but when you took a moment to talk to him, he was an intelligent and excellent conversationalist. I can't tell you how many mornings we would talk about books that we'd read, or movies we'd seen, but I can tell you that I'm deeply saddened by the news of his passing. I'm sure that somewhere, Mr. Powell is laughing heartily while other people clean up HIS messes for once. - Posted by: Colin Beatty (Source of Aggravation) on: Jul 02, 2013

• Always quick with a joke or a smile. Will always be remembered. - Posted by: Jessica McGrath (student) on: Jul 02, 2013

• No matter how surly you tried to appear on the surface, those of us who knew the kind man on the inside weren't buying it. Rest in peace, Tom. You will be missed and fondly remembered. - Posted by: Elizabeth Matyi (Co-worker and friend) on: Jul 02, 2013

• Mr. Powell helped me through a couple tough points in high school. It's a shame that more kids won't be able to benefit from knowing him. Thanks for everything Mr. P. - Posted by: James Edwards (Acquaintance ) on: Jul 02, 2013

• Under that grumble and tough exterior was a really kind heart. <3 - Posted by: Ellen Thompson (Colleague) on: Jul 02, 2013

• Tom always had a joke for everything and he taught me how to laugh and how to respect people. - Posted by: Jackie () on: Jul 02, 2013

• Tom always had a dry wit that made me laugh. I will miss him. - Posted by: Cindy Friesen (co-worker) on: Jul 02, 2013

• Tom was a good man. So very dedicated to his work. He was always ready to give me a hand no matter what it is for. Thanks Tom, you will be missed. - Posted by: Ray Desautels (Friend) on: Jul 02, 2013