George Frederick Powell

George was born and raised in Port Antonio, Jamaica, a quaint seaport town on the northeast of the island, which was integral to the banana trade and tourism in the mid-1900s. His parents, Ivy Downer and Frederick Powell, preceded him in death. He, and his wife Barbara, met in high school in the 1970s, married on July 5, 1980, and were together “through thick and thin” for almost 45 years. They immigrated to the U.S. in the late 1980s and became American citizens. Since 2001, home has been Las Vegas, NV. Previously, Hyattsville and Gaithersburg, MD.

George attended Port Antonio Secondary and Titchfield High School and is among the stream of graduates who went on to pursue higher education. He graduated with a BS degree in electrical engineering from the University of the West Indies and an MS from Howard University. His growth and advancement as a professional engineer were privileged by work and interactions with colleagues at the Jamaica Bureau of Standards, the Jamaica Public Service Company, Bechtel Corporation, and the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS), for the last 25 years.

While at the NNSS, George worked on numerous national security projects and held several positions within the engineering division such as engineering manager, site engineering manager, and electrical Authority Having Jurisdiction. George worked with many organizations across the NNSS to implement the Mission Support and Test Service (MSTS) electrical safety program. He was a mentor to engineers of various disciplines and always made time to provide support to others. George was affable, considerate, and respectful of everyone. His familiar laugh and chuckle broke the ice in most conversations.

In both his professional and personal life George was authentic and loyal. He did not make promises unless he could deliver. In whatever he said and did, he was intentional and purposeful. He listened with care, responded with empathy, and acted with discernment. Yet, he could be playful and mischievous. He rarely said “no.” Instead, he said, “maybe,” and close friends and family knew not to expect anything more decisive. His smile was like the sun emerging from behind a cloud and his laughter, when he really laughed, pealed with joy and his eyes sparkled. He gave great hugs, opening wide his long arms and enfolding whoever was the focus of his attention.

George never forgot his background and he gave generously in support of programs to help others of humble origins. He loved animals and was quite sensitive to animal abuse. He loathed any mistreatment of children, having had experiences of his own.

George traveled for work and only occasionally for leisure. He was content to remain at home watching his favorite TV shows, movies, and selected sports including tennis, which he played earnestly as a young man. He enjoyed music preferring reggae in his youth but developed an appreciation for different genres such as opera-pop fusion, as he matured.

George’s sudden death astonished all who knew him. He is sorely missed by his family, colleagues, and friends.

A memorial service of thanksgiving will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 19, at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 812 Arizona Street, Boulder City, NV.

In lieu of flowers, kindly make donations to St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church Wellness Center Fund in memory of George Powell. Thank You!