Eric W. Powell, 66, of Groveland and formerly of Haverhill, passed away suddenly at his home April 23. He was the husband of Patricia A. (Dion) Powell.
Born in Haverhill Nov. 30, 1950, he was the son of the late H. Lee Powell, Jr. and Virginia R. (Graffam) Powell. He graduated from Haverhill High School, class of 1969, and received his associates from Northern Essex Community College. He served on the police force in Milford, N.H., where, in addition to subduing wild boars, he mostly upheld the law for four years. He went on to a 30-year career in lumber sales, the majority of which was spent with Harvey Lumber in Haverhill. He loved teaching driver’s education for the last five years with MV Auto, where he taught young people the lessons that kept him accident free for 30 years in lumber sales, while not teaching them the sign language he used those same 30 years on the road. His hard but humorous teaching style made him well liked and often requested. He was a member of the Haverhill Lions Club for more than 30 years where he made many lifelong friends. He served in numerous roles, including club president and was recognized with the Lions Club’s highest honor as a Melvin Jones Fellow. The family camp on Big Island Pond, in Hampstead, N.H., was one of his favorite places. He spent his childhood summers there and continued the tradition with his family. He and his wife loved to travel. Most of all, he eagerly anticipated leaving his least favorite season – winter – to head to the Caribbean.
Along with his wife of 22 years, Powell is survived by his sons, Dr. Benjamin Powell and his wife Lisa of Lubbock, Texas, Samuel Powell and his wife Brianna of Haverhill; grandchildren, Raymond Powell, Kayleigh Douglas and Ethan Jost Powell; sister, Gaynelle Cohen and her husband Ronald of North Hampton, N.H.; several nieces and nephews, sister-in-law, Ann Bieber of Salem, N.H. He was the brother of the late Terrance Powell.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service Saturday, April 29, at 5 p.m. at Dole, Childs and Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main St., Haverhill. Calling hours precede the service from 1 to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Mass Lions Eye Research, Dr. James R. Roth, PDG/Treasurer, 43 Stewart Terr., Belmont, MA 02478, or Friends at Big Island Pond, P.O. Box 222, Hampstead, NH 03841.