Kenneth Norman Powell, 91, of Bernhards Bay, passed away Sunday, August 28, after a long illness.  He lived a long, full life and was much beloved by his family and friends.

Born August 30, 1925 in Plattsburgh, New York to Ethel and Norman Powell, Ken grew up on a farm there with his six brothers and two sisters.  He graduated from Canton Tech (now SUNY Canton) and worked for and retired from New Holland farm machinery.  In 1951 he married Jane B. Atkinson and after living and working in New England they settled in Bernhards Bay, where they raised their family and have lived for the last 53 years.

Ken was a proud Veteran who served his country in the U.S. Army in the Occupational Forces in Japan at the end of WW II.  He was a member of the American Legion and the VFW. 

Ken was very community oriented and liked helping others.  He was a 50-year plus member of the Masons and a member of the Bernhards Bay Methodist Church.

Ken was a wizard with anything mechanical and could diagnose machinery issues just by listening to them.  He was a committed outdoorsman his whole life, and loved snowmobiling, hunting, ice fishing, and was an accomplished gardener with huge, productive gardens.  Ken loved playing cards. He would always overplay his hand and was known for his jokes - he kept you laughing enough to distract you, which was all part of his winning strategy. After they retired, Jane and he traveled extensively throughout the country and Canada – they loved the open road.  Ken had a strong moral compass but he was a kindhearted gentleman who will be very missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jane A. Powell, and his children Thomas (Gail) Powell, Douglass (Cathy) Powell, James (Beth Kerttula) Powell, and Nancy (James Hutka) Powell as well as four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Calling Hours will be held on Wednesday, 11 to 1 pm, at Traub Funeral Home, 684 N. Main St., Central Square with a Funeral Service to follow; burial in Lakeside Rural Cemetery, Bernhards Bay, immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bernhards Bay Methodist Church.