Obituary: Thomas Bert Powelson

Thomas Bert Powelson

1920 ~ 2007

Thomas Bert Powelson passed away Dec. 15, 2007, of complications from a surgery. He was born Oct. 31, 1920 to David S. Powelson and Alice Price Powelson in the small farming and ranching town of Goshen, UT. He was the youngest of five children and an energetic and happy person with a look of mischief in his bright blue eyes and a ready smile.

He attended BYU then when World War II started he joined the Navy, flying PBM's and become a Lt. Comdr. He married Betty Peterson on Oct. 4, 1941. They were best friends and soul mates for 66 years. After the war he finished his education and opened a machine shop with his brother. They were in business for 43 yrs in Salt Lake City. After he retired, he and Betty hooked up a small trailer and explored the blue highways. They ended up settling in St. George, UT. He was a leader that people trusted; a man of great integrity and a true peacemaker. He will best be remembered by his daughters Joy (Richard) Nielsen and Kay (Larry) McAllister, piloting a boat, glancing back to see if they were still holding the ski rope. His grandchildren Brian and Matt McAllister and Jennie, Chris and Teri Nielsen will remember the great fishing trips to Yellowstone and Lake Powell and all the fun times at Bear Lake. His great grandchildren, Noel, Conor, and Brynna will remember him playing Santa with lots of gingle bells and a joyful "ho ho ho."

What happy memories we all will keep forever.

His funeral will be held Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007 at 2 p.m. at the Cottonwood Mortuary, 4670 S. Highland Dr., Salt Lake City. You may visit with the family from 1-2. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Zion's Way Hospice, 192 E. 200 N., St. George, Utah 84770