Obituary of Ken Powell

With love and sadness the family of Kenneth John Powell announce his passing on October 23, 2024. Ken was born on November 7, 1953, he was the son of Clement and Marilyn Powell.

Living his life as a young boy he spent time in Cadets and in the Key Club at school. His summers at the cottage in Grand Lake and many weekends in Petitcodiac doing family things with his parents.

When Ken was 19 he met the love of his life on July 14, 1973 and they were married May 1, 1976. Ken and Deborah have 51 years of so many memories as they have raised 3 children; Tracey, Michael, and Jaime, along with 14 wonderful grandchildren and many family celebrations.

Ken started working at Sussex Auto Supplies in 1974 gradually buying some shares then finally buying a part of the business naming it Sussex Engine Rebuilding Ltd. It was his dream come true. Building high performance engines was his specialty. He strived to keep quality and reliability a top priority. 1450 hp being his most powerful build. Keeping his personal engine recipes top secret. He certainly loved what he did and did it very well.

Wednesday night “Choir Practice”, was a highlight of his week. The choir consists of friends from Saint John to Shediac. Although there wasn’t much singing going on, there was always something in the smoker, on the grill, or pizza delivery was a sure thing, thanks to Frankie. He also enjoyed when summer came around so he could hit the road on his Harley to Laconia for bike week, or his annual trip to Bar Harbour with Stephen and Allan. His pride and joy was his Cat, “That Thing”. Hitting 130mph on the water was a proud moment. His need for speed on the water started over 31 years ago.

Ken and two friends set out on a Last Lap of the year, a chance for a little last moment of fuel to burn with great camaraderie and friendship not knowing that 31 years later the event would flourish year after year helping charities and continuing the camaraderie and friendship amongst those who attend. This year was beyond what he ever imagined as 30k was raised and donated to ALS Society of NB/NS in his honor.

He will be missed by so many friends and family. Family being everything to him, so many vacations, birthday suppers, and of course the simple times of family just being together.

He will live on in the hearts of his loving wife Deborah, his children; Tracey (Allan), Michael (Melanie), Jaime (Eric). His grandchildren; Corey (Lilly), Brittany (Luke), Rylie (Alex), Keegan (Alex), Emma, Molly, Mia, Leaf, Aden, Ella, and Izah. His great grandchildren; Ella, Meadow, and Kolt. His siblings; Dave, Larry (Mary Beth), and his favorite sister Joan (Roy); his brothers and sisters-in- law: Stephen (Wanda), Billy, Julie (Richard), Geoff (Dawn); his aunt, Marilyn Davidson; along with his nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend their thanks to extra mural and Stan Cassidy for their help and guidance.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, NB (506-433-1176) from where a visitation will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 1pm - 4pm. A Celebration of Ken’s Life will be held from the Atlantic Community Church on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 2:00pm.

Donations in memory of Ken may be made to the ALS Society NB/NS or a charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through wallacefuneralhome.com