FORMER Baw Baw Shire CEO David Powell is being celebrated as a “thoughtful” and “gentle man” after he died last night.
Pictured: Mr Powell at a Baw Baw Shire Council meeting. Image sourced from Baw Baw Shire documents.
Mr Powell, CEO from October 2008 to December 2009, was also a member of the Salvation Army and had played the Last Post at the Warragul ANZAC Day service.
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A Baw Baw Shire Council media release described Mr Powell as “a quiet and gentle man who was very focussed on helping people” and also mentioned his passion for genealogy.
Mayor Murray Cook said news of Mr Powell’s death would affect many people.
“I knew David for almost 20 years, from the time he worked for Narracan Shire,” Cr Cook said in the media release.
“He was a thoughtful man who was always generous with his time.
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“I know that many in the shire and beyond will be greatly saddened by this news.”
Mr Powell became Director of Environment and Infrastructure at Boroondara City Council after leaving he stopped working at Baw Baw and previously worked at Bayside City Council.
Mr Powell is survived by his wife Fiona and their three children.
Thanks for your article on David, whom I knew well. It is inaccurate though and needs correcting. He never left the region in order to ‘come to the region’…when he worked at Bayside Council it was as Director of Infrastructure, a role he also held at Latrobe City Council until around 2003 or 2004, just prior to Bayside. the whole time he worked at Bayside he still resided in Warragul
This is a very sad loss. My family grew up with David’s family in Warrnambool. He was a very fine young man of the highest principles and goals. Over the years I have come across many in local government who have spoken of him in the highest regard. This is a very big loss for his family and the wider local and Australian community.
Thank you, Steve, for clarifying. And I echo Steve’s thanks to the Warragul Citizen for posting such a touching tribute to my Dad.
Hi Stephanie and Steve,
Thank you both for the clarification – I have edited the article to reflect what you have said.
My thoughts are with you and your family, Stephanie.
Best regards,
Will Kulich
Editor
Thank you for this article on David.
My family knew the Powell family well whilst living in Warrnambool in the 70’s, and I had the privilege of being junior bridesmaid in David and Fiona’s wedding.
I am very sad to know of David’s passing. I hope and pray for peace upon his family at this time.
Andrea Murray (Webb), Singapore.
David was a wonderful man, a treasured friend of ours…. Ange and I are sadden by the loss, our love go out to Fiona, Stephen, Sam and Ashe and the rest of the family and friends admired by him… Dave had a remarkable influence on our lives and played the MC at our wedding.
He will always be remembered to us as a sincere loyal man who had inspiring impact on our lives….
Thanks so much Dave, enjoy your eternity with Jesus… You’ll be greatly missed…
Phil and Ange xxoo
What a respectful article and lovely heartfelt comments honouring David’s life.
Although I grew up with and knew the Powell family well, of recent years our contact has been intermittent. Never the less Colin and I were very saddened to learn of David’s sudden and unexpected passing (or as Salvationists will express it his Promotion to Glory). We send our love and supportive prayers to Fiona and the family.
Colin and Joan Roberts (nee Maunder)
Currently travelling Gove Peninsular, NT
I am deeply saddened by David’s death. He was a man of deep principles and faith. He was a genuinely humble but hugely professionally competent person and will be deeply missed by many who knew him. He showed what it meant to live out the gospel of Jesus. Our love and prayers go out to his family and all of those who loved him.
Thank you for your fine tribute to David Powell. David and i grew up together in Warrnambool and were in each other’s weddings. Through the tyranny of distance we have not had much contact the past few years. David was a great friend in our formative years. The Powell family i know well. david will be greatly missed by his family the warragul community and his beloved Salvation Army. “Promoted to Glory”
Sincere condolences Fiona and family from the Baw Baw Shire Ratepayers and Citizens Association. We respected David as a man of integrity and good mover and shaker for Baw Baw Shire at a time it was most needed. Stephanie, I fully support your comments about the shameful performance of some members of Council at the time and consider the censoring of your comments as equally shameful – hang your head Will Kulich.
Hi Geoff,
The decision to edit/shorten the comment was made by its author. Those involved are happy with the result.
Regards,
Will
Thanks for the clarification Will. I am happy to retract my remark about what appeared to be censorship on your part.
I knew David from the time when I was Shire Engineer at the Rosedale Shire Council. Always a very nice person to work with. He will be sorely missed.
Having known David in his roles at Latrobe City, Baw Baw Shire, and personally, I have nothing but respect for him and his work. A great loss to the area and my condolences to his family.