Roland M. Powell, 89, formerly of Libby

Roland Milton Powell was born on Feb.13, 1923, in his grandmother’s house by Sweat House Creek near Victor, Mont., died Jan. 5, 2013.

He was the oldest of five children to Charlie and Dorothy Powell. 

Roland grew up in Libby where he graduated from high school before joining the U.S. Navy during World War II where he served on the cruiser USS Richmond in the north Pacific. He continued with his education taking college courses while in the Navy.

Roland began working at the Bremerton shipyard in 1948 and taught trade theory, math and electronics. He eventually worked on nuclear electronics on the USS Ranger and several submarines.

He met his wife, Lois, in 1949 on a blind date. They were married in 1952 and settled in East Bremerton where they bought their first home and raised four children.

Roland enjoyed his retirement in 1982, at which time he and Lois moved to Hood Canal. He loved to tinker with all sorts of gadgets and was especially interested in electronic devices and old radios. Reading was another pastime, in particular, topics of history or science.

His wife and son preceded him in death. 

He is survived by his three daughters: Julie, Janet, and Gail; nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and a sister, Charlotte of Seattle, Wash. He will be laid to rest in Victor, Mont.