Sad News-Dale Powell

[Arcticracer]

I want to pass on the sad news that my Father, Dale Powell passed away unexpectedly yesterday due to heart problems. He was 78, and living near Salem, Or.

Dad was an avid boater and boat racer dating back to before I was born in 1956. He was active in "Wildcat" racing in Western Oregon before getting involved with the Oregon Speedboat Association and the APBA in Stock Outboard. He raced CU and DU. He set 5 mile competition records in both classes at Lake Lawrence, and was close to the DU kilo record. He also carried 1-US.

After his success, he parked the boats as my brother Mark and I became old enough to start racing (me in 1966, Mark in 1968) and went all out to get us going in the sport with the help of Joe Price. 1970 was the last year any of us raced, and for fun, Dad was running AU at the time.

Here's to wishing Dad smooth water and wide turns forever. He is survived by his wife, my stepmother Nancy, my older half sister Debbie in Portland, my brother Mark in Switzerland, and myself.

Dale Powell Jr.
Fairbanks, Alaska

[Mrs blueskyracer]

Dale - sorry to hear of your loss our thoughts go out to you and your family. - Mike and Teresa

[Smitty]

Sorry to hear about your dad. I was a Reg. 10 novice when he was running so well, and remember his outfit well though I didn't know him to talk to him. I'm trying to think of the CU and DU drivers he ran against: Bob Waite, Don Gano, Bob Jackson, Dave Jenkins, Don Sherwood, Tom Scheidt, Don Foti, . . . who do you remember?

[bill boyes]

Bill Boyes and Ron Hill at some Region 11 races. Nice guy.

[Hydroglobe17J]

So sorry for your lost Dale! Our prays are with your family. Earl Desiato Old 22J JU Driver

[sponsonhead]

Condolences

I'm sorry for your loss, Dale.

Rest assured, Joe probably already has a new DU on the jig for him as we speak.

R-19

[DeanFHobart]

My Condolences To You and Your Family

Dale Jr.,

I'm very sorry to hear about your dad passing. He was one of the best runabout drivers I ever saw. I still remember those races with the guys
mentioned by Smitty. Also, Billy Cox. I called and talked to him awhile back.
We had a good "The Old Days" conversation.

Come to a race sometime.... Newberg ? When you're down in the lower 48.

Sincerely,

Dean Hobart

[DeanFHobart]

I Forgot To Mention

Dale Jr.,

I forgot to mention...... besides his CU and DU career, he ran AU in 1970 and
placed 5th at the Nationals in Beloit, Wisconsin.

Dean.

[CSR4C]

Sorry to hear about Dale. When I first moved to Eugene in 1965 Dale paid me $20 to help him reposes a couple cars one afternoon for the bank he worked for. One of them we stole from a shop parking lot while the owner was in the woods working.
Darrell

[Arcticracer]

Thank you all...

Thanks Pat, great comment..... Yes I could see Dad and Joe hunched over a jig, cigarette dangling from Joe's lips.... Beer's nearby. Dad arguing with Joe about what he wanted and Joe telling him why it wouldn't work!

Dean I really want to see some races again, but with Alaska summers being precious and short, and limited vacation we have yet to make Oregon during the season. You won't be able to get rid of me when I retire though in a few years! Darn near made Lincoln City last year though. I can't remember how much over weight he was in AU, he sure had fun. Smitty mentioned some of those great drivers, I was a kid and can't remember too many more a look through the archives would help.

We will have an informal family gathering in a few weeks in Salem, get out all those old photos. His ashes will be taken to Newport just offshore.

[sponsonhead]

Thanks Pat, great comment..... Yes I could see Dad and Joe hunched over a jig, cigarette dangling from Joe's lips.... Beer's nearby. Dad arguing with Joe about what he wanted and Joe telling him why it wouldn't work!

Don't forget the sidetrack lecture about the boats he built for Darrell Perkins and Toby Montana: two racers I never heard of, but for some reason Joe never forgot them.....

R-19

[Dave M]

Sorry For your Loss

I offer my thoughts and prayers for you and the family. it is never easy, but with support, it is a little easier.

May your Dad rest in peace.

[ram95]

Dale,
So good of you to post this. Clearly, your Dad was quite a character in his own right. It's a different sort of person that takes a liking to this sport. They make their own statement in their own way. More often than not, they just quietly fade away, never having made "the big time".... whatever that might be construed to be. But, what's more important is what they DID do... and the people they unknowingly inspired, while doing it. I wish your dad well.

And I wish you the best as also,

Alex
"the Mad Russian"
12A DSH

[Redneckerson]

Sorry for your loss.

Dale,

Sorry to hear your Dad passed away. I started racing in 1970 and remember your father, your brother and you. I remember all you guys were fast.

Take care and God bless.

When I get to Alaska again I will try and look you up.

Jeff Reins

[Arcticracer]

Memorial-April 30th

There will be a Memorial at the Elks Club in Salem, Oregon Tuesday evening April 30th. I don't have the time quite yet but will post an update soon. Everyone is welcome if you are in the area.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers, the boat racing community includes some of the best folks I have met in my lifetime.