Richard Powell Built and Owned the Bayberry Inn

Richard Carl (Dick) Powell of Rigby, Idaho, died at home Friday, March 24, after an extended illness. He was 74.

He was born at Pomeroy, Garfield County, Wash., June 13, 1931. He was the second of three sons born to Robert Carl Powell and Edna Louise Light Powell. He was graduated from Eugene High School in Oregon in 1949. After graduation he worked with his father in the grocery business at LaPine, Oregon.

Dick joined the U.S. Navy in August 1950 and proudly served in the Korean War. He trained in San Diego, Calif., and was squad leader as they went to Memphis, Tenn., where he finished his training in electronics. While stationed at Quonset Point NAS, R.I., he flew with the Naval Air Force as an aviation ordinance third class.

While on leave he met his first wife, Rosalie Humphreys, on Martha's Vineyard. They married in April 1953, and he returned to Korea to fly night patrols. His plane was ditched in the Philly Sea in October 1953. All were rescued except the co-pilot. After his honorary discharge from the service he attended Bryant and Stratton Business School and worked at State Street Bank in Boston.

He later lived on the Island and worked in the family bakery, the Martha's Vineyard Shipyard, and for the West Tisbury police department. For 12 years, Dick worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance. He helped found the first congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was a good father to his two sons, Ted and Jim, and enjoyed taking them hunting and fishing. Dick worked hard building a nice home for his family in West Tisbury, which later became the Bayberry Inn. He also enjoyed antiquing with Rosalie.

Dick always loved the ocean and saltwater fishing. He felt that one of the greatest compliments he received from Vineyarders was that he was a "fair to midlin" fisherman. In the early days of the Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby, he and Oscar Flanders received awards for the largest striped bass caught.

In 1976 he moved to Idaho. He was divorced in January 1978 and later met Rosa Eileen Kauer. They were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on Oct. 20, 1978. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, holding the office of high priest. He served as Cub Scout leader, gospel doctrine teacher, ward executive secretary, Sunday School teacher, and ward and stake employment specialist. From 2000 through 2005 he served with his wife as a service missionary at the Idaho Falls Family History Center.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rosa K. Powell of Rigby, Idaho; two sons, Theodore Richard Powell and his wife, Susan, of Canton, and James Richard Powell of West Tisbury; two grandchildren, Shannon Elizabeth Powell of West Tisbury and Kevin H. Powell, serving in the military in Korea and his wife, Sarah, and a great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Sue Powell; two brothers, Robert H. Powell and his wife, Nan, of Renton, Wash.; David L. Powell and his wife, Gloria, of Darlington, Idaho; numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert Carl and Edna Louise Powell.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 28, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Rigby, Idaho, with Bishop William Follett presiding. Interment was at the Annis Little Butte Cemetery with military rites performed by the Rigby Veterans of Foreign Wars. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the LDS Missionary or Humanitarian Aid Funds, 15 East South Temple, Second Floor East, Salt Lake City, UT 84150.