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Thomas Bradley Powers
02/26/1952 — 07/24/2002
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Billings, Montana
Thomas Bradley Powers
Tom was born February 26, 1952 in Billings, Montana. He passed away Wednesday - July 24,2002 after a brief but hard-fought battle with leukemia. Tom was raised in Billings, graduating from Billings Senior High as valedictorian in 1970. He went on to graduate from Montana State University with a BS in Chemical Engineering in 1974. While attending MSU, Tom met and fell in love with his future wife Gail Bruski. They married in 1975 after moving to Richland. Tom has been employed by various Hanford area contractors as a safety analyst for the past 28 years. Tom was incredibly active in church ministry in the area, most recently at Desert Rock Fellowship. He was a mentor for youth and young couples as well as a part of the music worship team. His talent for inspiring young people was also evident in his stint as a basketball and soccer coach for his sons' teams. He was his sons' most spirited supporter. A humble man, Tom never looked for credit or accolades. He treated everyone with respect believing that ''we are all special people.'' Tom's faith in God, his family, and his friends were strong and unwavering. He has touched many lives that will go on to do ''special'' things. Tom is survived by his wife, Gail, and sons, Jeremiah, Seth, and Christopher; sister, Kathleen Mrs. Gerald Goblirsch of Minneapolis, Minnesota; brother, Dennis Powers of Billings, Montana. He is also survived by his mother and father-in-law, Victor and Velma Bruski; his sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. His life will be celebrated at 5:00pm Monday, July 29. The service will be held at Desert Rock Fellowship, 1916 Jadwin in Richland. Memorial donations can be made in his name to the Tri-Cities Cancer Center 7350 W. Deschutes Ave. Kennewick, WA 99336.
Gail, Jerimiah, Seth, & Christopher,
It’s difficult to imagine a future without Tom. I found the Lord in this one thought… that Tom’s heart for God is going to be passed on to three great sons. You’re men now in God’s eyes and Tom’s anointing and passion for Jesus is transferable. You’ve already shown that at the funeral. I’m blessed and excited when I look at the future and see God’s three arrows heading for their mark.
We love you,
John & Sue
Tom Powers was my brother’s best friend while in junior high and high
school in Billings, Montana. Both Jim and Bill Dana wish to express
their extreme sadness in losing Tom to his illness.
Tom was my mother Lorraine’s favorite friend of of her son, Jim. Tom
was always coming over to our house with a friendly smile and hello for
everyone in the family. We all loved to see Tom. He was a smart guy
and just the perfect nice quiet and friendly personality.
About 5 years ago, Tom stopped by to say hi to Bill Dana who was working
at Hanford. Tom had worked many successful years, using his Chemical
Engineer degree obtained at Bill’s alma mater, Montana State
University. It was such a pleasure for Bill to see and talk to Tom
after all those years. Tom mentioned that he was starting up a church
in Kennewick. Bill was most impressed with Tom and it was nice to see
how he had grown professionally, spiritually, and personally since I had
last seen him in high school.
Both Jim and Bill Dana will sadly miss Tom. Since our mother, Lorraine
is now in heaven, we are sure that Tom will get the chance to again
visit with her again. I can see her laughing with Tom and giving him a
big hug.
To Gail, Jeremiah, Seth and Christopher:
We just wanted to tell you that you have been in our thoughts and prayers daily. We will continue to lift you up to our heavenly Father. May you feel his love and comfort in the days and months ahead.
Gail, Jerimiah, Seth, and Christopher. I want to give you my deepest sympathies for your loss. Tom was such a good man who will be missed very much. You are in my prayers and may God bless your family.
When Gail was getting ready to move out to Washinton from Montana, Tom was asking the single girls at Bible Way whether as women, would we prefer flowers or a dinner as a welcome. I chose a dinner, because it was a time of fellowship. Tom said that most of the rest of the girls had chosen flowers — so that was what he wanted to get her. He was so excited that Gail was coming out to Washington and was going to marry him! Tom adored you, Gail, and wanted to give you the best welcome he could. I don’t know if it turned out to be flowers or a dinner, but it was out of joy to see you.
Just a few months ago, Tom was praying that God would use him for something special for Him. After some time, Tom felt that God asked him just to get to know Him better, and that would be enough. I guess Tom, in God’s presence now, knows Him better than ever.
I sure miss him at work.
My prayers are with his family. If I can meet any need, please let me know.
Marty
After attending the beautiful service for Tom, I have more of an understanding of why he always struck me as such a kind, warm, compassionate man. I knew Tom primarily through youth athletics, where he was fun, positive and supportive of ALL the boys on the team. I know my son Ben thought Mr. Powers was “awesome” and always enjoyed being around him. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Gail, Chris, Seth and Jeremiah.
Gail and boys,
Our hearts go out to you in your loss of such a wonderful man of God. While I didn’t get to spend much time with Tom, all that I did was great. I remember being struck by his quietness and strength at work especially under difficult situations. To hear more of him at the service makes me wish I had know him better. Praise the Lord for Tom. May we all continue in the faith he so carefully demonstrated for us in his love of the Lord Jesus.
I offer my sympathy to all those who loved Tom. I worked with Tom when he first came to Richland and I felt that I helped him in some ways getting started on his professional career. He was a fine, hardworking guy and I enjoyed our brief mutual work assignment. He is sorely missed.
I am saddened by Tom’s death. I recall him well from many “Bradley” family gatherings in Duluth, especially at Pike Lake. It is good to know, and like him, to make such great contributions to family and community while he was still young. My condolences to his family that I have, unfortunately, never had a chance to meet.
I am very sorry to learn of Tom’s death. I offer my deepest sympathy and best wishes to Gail, Jeremiah, Seth and Christopher, and to Kathy and Dennis.
Tom was my first cousin. Although I had not seen him since he was a teenager visiting our grandparents in Duluth, I feel a great sense of loss at his passing. He was a fine fellow, and this world is a poorer place without him. He will not be forgotten.
Gail and family,
I met Tom just once, on July 16th this year, while I was having chemotherapy at Kadlec. We visited about growing up in Montana I’m from Kalispell. He was a kind, Christian gentleman. The LORD just wanted to take him home earlier than expected. May God comfort and strengthen you all as you mourn his passing. Know that he is resting peacefully in the Lord’s loving arms.
Dear Gail, Jeremiah, Seth, and Christopher,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this bittersweet time of trial. Bitter, because we will all miss Tom, yet sweet, because we know the Truth and are free from the fear of death.
I have so many thoughts and memories of Tom since the days back at MSU, but one special moment I feel the need to share with you came during a trip to Salem. While visiting, I asked Tom why he would leave the comfort of home, subject himself to being questioned and searched, only to sit at a table in a prison visiting room. Without hesitating Tom answered, Because this is the only way we would have a chance to pray together.
Whenever I think of Tom, the final verse in the Book of James comes to mind. Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
Tom was my first cousin, as children we enjoyed our grandparents lake home in Minnesota, and have many fond memories of to childhood times.
We got reacquainted briefly a few years ago when my daughter had a soccer games in the Tri-Cities. What a wonderful person, father, and husband Tom had become.
Dear Gail and family,
I am a college friend of Tom’s and was saddened at his death, but know you are gladdened, even in sorrow, to know he now sings before the King. I visited Tom a few times in the late 70s after he moved to the tri-cities, and enjoyed his hospitality. He was nice, but was one of those over-zealous, peculiar Christians, which seemed foreign to me–until I became onemaybe because of his prayers. I continue to pray for you, and know our God is able to do immeasurably more than we can think or imagine. I thank the LORD for Tom.
Both Sandi and I feel a deep loss. Sandi has known the Powers since her and Gail were room mothers together at Sacy. I spent several years coaching our boys with Tom. Tom was absolutly one of the best persons of memory in my entire life. Our prayers are with Tom and the family.
Kevin Rowe
Dear Powers family, We knew Tom from junior high & high school. We were very sorry to hear the news of your loss. He was a wonderful person. Dennis & Diane are very good friends. Our hearts and prayers are with you all. In Jesus’ love, Steve & Jane Erickson
Our sincere condolences to Gail and the guys. May the confort of the Holy Spirit be yours during this time.
We always remember Tom’s quiet encouragement and steady walk with the Lord. I was great to have known him.
Gail, Jerimiah, Seth, & Christopher,
It’s difficult to imagine a future without Tom. I found the Lord in this one thought… that Tom’s heart for God is going to be passed on to three great sons. You’re men now in God’s eyes and Tom’s anointing and passion for Jesus is transferable. You’ve already shown that at the funeral. I’m blessed and excited when I look at the future and see God’s three arrows heading for their mark.
We love you,
John & Sue
Tom Powers was my brother’s best friend while in junior high and high
school in Billings, Montana. Both Jim and Bill Dana wish to express
their extreme sadness in losing Tom to his illness.
Tom was my mother Lorraine’s favorite friend of of her son, Jim. Tom
was always coming over to our house with a friendly smile and hello for
everyone in the family. We all loved to see Tom. He was a smart guy
and just the perfect nice quiet and friendly personality.
About 5 years ago, Tom stopped by to say hi to Bill Dana who was working
at Hanford. Tom had worked many successful years, using his Chemical
Engineer degree obtained at Bill’s alma mater, Montana State
University. It was such a pleasure for Bill to see and talk to Tom
after all those years. Tom mentioned that he was starting up a church
in Kennewick. Bill was most impressed with Tom and it was nice to see
how he had grown professionally, spiritually, and personally since I had
last seen him in high school.
Both Jim and Bill Dana will sadly miss Tom. Since our mother, Lorraine
is now in heaven, we are sure that Tom will get the chance to again
visit with her again. I can see her laughing with Tom and giving him a
big hug.
To Gail, Jeremiah, Seth and Christopher:
We just wanted to tell you that you have been in our thoughts and prayers daily. We will continue to lift you up to our heavenly Father. May you feel his love and comfort in the days and months ahead.
Gail, Jerimiah, Seth, and Christopher. I want to give you my deepest sympathies for your loss. Tom was such a good man who will be missed very much. You are in my prayers and may God bless your family.
When Gail was getting ready to move out to Washinton from Montana, Tom was asking the single girls at Bible Way whether as women, would we prefer flowers or a dinner as a welcome. I chose a dinner, because it was a time of fellowship. Tom said that most of the rest of the girls had chosen flowers — so that was what he wanted to get her. He was so excited that Gail was coming out to Washington and was going to marry him! Tom adored you, Gail, and wanted to give you the best welcome he could. I don’t know if it turned out to be flowers or a dinner, but it was out of joy to see you.
Just a few months ago, Tom was praying that God would use him for something special for Him. After some time, Tom felt that God asked him just to get to know Him better, and that would be enough. I guess Tom, in God’s presence now, knows Him better than ever.
I sure miss him at work.
My prayers are with his family. If I can meet any need, please let me know.
Marty
After attending the beautiful service for Tom, I have more of an understanding of why he always struck me as such a kind, warm, compassionate man. I knew Tom primarily through youth athletics, where he was fun, positive and supportive of ALL the boys on the team. I know my son Ben thought Mr. Powers was “awesome” and always enjoyed being around him. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Gail, Chris, Seth and Jeremiah.
Gail and boys,
Our hearts go out to you in your loss of such a wonderful man of God. While I didn’t get to spend much time with Tom, all that I did was great. I remember being struck by his quietness and strength at work especially under difficult situations. To hear more of him at the service makes me wish I had know him better. Praise the Lord for Tom. May we all continue in the faith he so carefully demonstrated for us in his love of the Lord Jesus.
I offer my sympathy to all those who loved Tom. I worked with Tom when he first came to Richland and I felt that I helped him in some ways getting started on his professional career. He was a fine, hardworking guy and I enjoyed our brief mutual work assignment. He is sorely missed.
I am saddened by Tom’s death. I recall him well from many “Bradley” family gatherings in Duluth, especially at Pike Lake. It is good to know, and like him, to make such great contributions to family and community while he was still young. My condolences to his family that I have, unfortunately, never had a chance to meet.
I am very sorry to learn of Tom’s death. I offer my deepest sympathy and best wishes to Gail, Jeremiah, Seth and Christopher, and to Kathy and Dennis.
Tom was my first cousin. Although I had not seen him since he was a teenager visiting our grandparents in Duluth, I feel a great sense of loss at his passing. He was a fine fellow, and this world is a poorer place without him. He will not be forgotten.
Gail and family,
I met Tom just once, on July 16th this year, while I was having chemotherapy at Kadlec. We visited about growing up in Montana I’m from Kalispell. He was a kind, Christian gentleman. The LORD just wanted to take him home earlier than expected. May God comfort and strengthen you all as you mourn his passing. Know that he is resting peacefully in the Lord’s loving arms.
Dear Gail, Jeremiah, Seth, and Christopher,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this bittersweet time of trial. Bitter, because we will all miss Tom, yet sweet, because we know the Truth and are free from the fear of death.
I have so many thoughts and memories of Tom since the days back at MSU, but one special moment I feel the need to share with you came during a trip to Salem. While visiting, I asked Tom why he would leave the comfort of home, subject himself to being questioned and searched, only to sit at a table in a prison visiting room. Without hesitating Tom answered, Because this is the only way we would have a chance to pray together.
Whenever I think of Tom, the final verse in the Book of James comes to mind. Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
Tom was my first cousin, as children we enjoyed our grandparents lake home in Minnesota, and have many fond memories of to childhood times.
We got reacquainted briefly a few years ago when my daughter had a soccer games in the Tri-Cities. What a wonderful person, father, and husband Tom had become.
Dear Gail and family,
I am a college friend of Tom’s and was saddened at his death, but know you are gladdened, even in sorrow, to know he now sings before the King. I visited Tom a few times in the late 70s after he moved to the tri-cities, and enjoyed his hospitality. He was nice, but was one of those over-zealous, peculiar Christians, which seemed foreign to me–until I became onemaybe because of his prayers. I continue to pray for you, and know our God is able to do immeasurably more than we can think or imagine. I thank the LORD for Tom.
Both Sandi and I feel a deep loss. Sandi has known the Powers since her and Gail were room mothers together at Sacy. I spent several years coaching our boys with Tom. Tom was absolutly one of the best persons of memory in my entire life. Our prayers are with Tom and the family.
Kevin Rowe
Dear Powers family, We knew Tom from junior high & high school. We were very sorry to hear the news of your loss. He was a wonderful person. Dennis & Diane are very good friends. Our hearts and prayers are with you all. In Jesus’ love, Steve & Jane Erickson
Our sincere condolences to Gail and the guys. May the confort of the Holy Spirit be yours during this time.
We always remember Tom’s quiet encouragement and steady walk with the Lord. I was great to have known him.
Tom was a great guy. He was my soccer coach for 4 years. I was always at the Power’s house throughout my whole child hood. Tom was one of the funniest and nicest people I knew. He was a good coach and a great friend
Tom did so much to make music and worship special…I remember often thinking he had chosen just the right drum and combinations of rhythm to bring out the beauty of a song…I have never been much of a drum connaisseur, but I did love his playing…it brought a lot of joy. His humility and sweet spirit and tender heart have had an impact in ways I can’t express. He will be greatly missed and you all will be in our prayers.
We pray that the peace that passes understanding be present in this time of sadness.
Tom was one of the kindest, nicest persons that we have had the pleasure to know.
However, our sadness is only that we will not be able to see Tom again in this life. Christ’s promise is everlasting life.
–Milt, Barb, and Abbi
Gail,
Tom is one of the finest people I ever knew. Although we had little contact in the last few years, he will be missed. The early years and experiences we shared at Bible Way are precious and will be with me forever. The Lord is with you. Love ya…Harley
Tom was a dear friend and a sweet and gentle soul. When we worked on the Tank Farms SAR years ago, we had Bible Study and prayer each Wed. at lunch in his office. His quiet gentle soul and the way he lived his life was a great inspiration to me. I know without a doubt, that when Tom crossed over, the Lord was waiting with open arms and said, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Tom spoke often of his love for his family and how much his sons were a blessing in his live. May the Lord surround you with his comfort and love at this.
Please know that we loved him too and will miss him greatly.
Gail,Jeremiah, Seth, and Christopher,
You are in my heart and prayers during this time. Tom was very special. His show of kindness and patience will not be forgotten.
Sincere sympathy to you all.
Nurse Connie
My heart goes out to you and your family. May God bless and keep you all in his heart.
Dear Gail,
I just heard about your loss of Tom. My heart goes out to you. Even though I didn’t visit with either of you much over the last few years, I could tell you were one of the “lucky” one who found a true man of God for your husband. I’m so very sorry and I’m sure the Lord will help you with this. Love,
Susan Trask Davis, A former classmate 1971
Gail, Jeremiah, Seth, and Christopher,
“And whoever lives and believes in me shall never die” John 11:26. Tom has touched so many lives with his gentle and kind ways. We have all enjoyed working with him. He will always be with us.
Sorry to hear that you are not here. We will miss you.
Our families’ thoughts and prayers are with your family. Jesus said” I am the light of the world; he that follows me shall have the light of life.Jn8:12* Tom had a special light of life that our family shall never forget. With Sincere Sympathy- The entire Bob Petty family.
Guestbook for
Thomas Bradley Powers