Gilbert Francis Powell

Gilbert Francis Powell, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025, surrounded by family.

Born February 18, 1930, in Savannah, Georgia, Gil grew up in Garden City and later a farm in Rincon, where he learned the value of hard work, family, and genuine connection. He often shared stories about his mom and the people who worked on the farm and in their home; he loved and respected them dearly.

After high school, Gil joined the U.S. Navy; a decision that became the adventure and highlight of his life. He served with great dedication for a decade, volunteering for submarines (after a little convincing), and traveling from San Diego to New London, the Far East, and the Mediterranean. Gil’s time in the Navy was filled with adventure, friendship, and a fair share of mischief. Qualifying as a submariner aboard the USS Remora during the Korean War, Gil often described the thrill of surfacing in far-off ports. Later he served on the USS Aspro and USS Gatling. His Navy stories, told in vivid detail and with a twinkle in his eye, became legendary in the family, and he wore his service with immense pride.

Gil met his first wife, Doris Lorraine Contri, in San Francisco. They married in 1954 and built a family together, welcoming Sally, Dominic, Greg, and Cynthia. After Doris’s passing in 1973, Gil found love again with Shirley Graff Hunsaker, and through their marriage in 1974, he gained two more children, Kim and Ralph; creating a family of six children, 15 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.

A man of many talents, Gil could fix anything; woodworking, electrical, plumbing, you name it. He was the original “YouTube tutorial,” long before the internet existed. He was a craftsman, a puzzle master, a gardener, a lover of Western fiction, and a storyteller whose wisdom and wit were like no other. He worked for decades at the VA Hospital, eventually becoming Director of Plant Operations, and later helped open new hospitals in Utah and Florida. He eventually retired as an engineer and safety officer from Rivendale Children’s Hospital.

In his 50s, never one to shy away from a new adventure, Gil learned to fly and became a licensed pilot; proving you’re never too old to chase new hobbies. Around the same time, Shirley bought a Corvette, and together they made quite the pair. They would often “race” to Wendover. Shirley in her Corvette on the payment and Gil in his plane in the sky.

Gil had a way of making everyone feel like the most important person in the room. He was sweet, kind, present, and endlessly patient (especially with grandkids, great-grandkids, and malfunctioning appliances). He was open-minded, respectful, and thoughtful; always ready with a validating word or a gentle joke.

Gil’s love for food and a good cup of coffee—poured into the same cup for 40 years—was nearly as big as his smile and hearty laugh. His love for life was contagious and to know and love him was an honor.

He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; his children, Sally (Pete), Dominic, Greg (Audrey), Cynthia, Kim (Manuel), and Ralph; his sisters, Deloris (deceased) and Lucretia; and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who loved and adored him beyond measure. Gil leaves behind a legacy of love, grit, talent, pride, and well-told Navy stories. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you read a good book, study a map, solve a puzzle, tell someone a good story, or fix something that’s been broken for far too long; just as Gil would have done.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Gil’s life at a viewing on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A second viewing will be held on Friday, November 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by a short funeral service and graveside dedication. All services will take place at Memorial Redwood Mortuary and Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road.