Thomas Wayne Powers
Jan. 29, 1962 — Oct. 31, 2023
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Thomas W. Powers passed away on Oct. 31, 2023.
Although he was diagnosed with an advanced rare cancer called GIST in 2015, Tom's positivity and determination to live a full life gave us these past eight wonderful years with him.
Throughout his battles with cancer, Tom worked hard, played hard, and never stopped giving back to his community, all the while caring for friends and family, near and far.
Tom was born to Larry and Audrey Powers in Chicago Heights, Illinois in January of 1962, but he spent the majority of his formative years in California.
He was 16 years old when the family moved to Lakeport, California, and put down roots. He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1980 and went on to receive an electrical engineering degree from the University of the Pacific in Stockton California.
It was during an internship at Underwriters Laboratories in Santa Clara that Tom met his future wife, Lilia. They were married in 1987 and forged an enduring 36-year partnership, growing together and nurturing a loving family
Tom was deeply involved in the Lake County community. He began working for the family business, Lake County Electric Supply in 1994 and became the owner in 1998.
Alongside owning a small business, he served on the Lake County Unified School District (LUSD) School Board for 14 years.
He was an enthusiastic participant and patron of the Westshore Youth Sports League where he coached soccer, baseball, football and basketball during his children's tenure and beyond.
As his children grew, Tom's involvement in youth sports extended to the Clear Lake High School sports programs, particularly wrestling.
Throughout his life he grew more and more invested in his community. He was a member of Lakeport Rotary and supported both the Hospice Services of Lake County and Lake County 4-H Junior Livestock Auction. It has always been Tom's nature to look for ways to volunteer his time and resources to the people and community around him.
Tom had a wide array of hobbies and interests. He was an avid and accomplished golfer earning a spot in the pro am tournament. He was a motorcycle enthusiast, a loyal 49ers fan, a water ski racing champion and a rock climber. He loved the outdoors, and snow sports in particular. On the homefront he was a walnut farmer, cherishing the opportunity to work with his father in the family orchard.
So many people loved Tom and the amazing things they've had to say have been truly overwhelming. He was an inspiration, bringing light and positivity to everything he touched, and warming those around him with his ever-present smile. Tom's loyalty and honesty struck everyone he met. His determination and his positivity allowed him to accomplish anything he set his mind to, and inspired those around him to believe they could do the same. For all of his many joys, the one he cherished most was becoming a grandfather. His grandchildren were the light of his life.
Thomas is predeceased by his sister, Terri; brother, Timothy; and father, Larry.
He is survived by his wife, Lilia; son, Nathan; daughter, Sierra (Nolan) Williams; grandson, Julian Gitlevich; granddaughter, Ava Williams; mother, Audrey Powers; sisters, Tammy (Stephen) Carter and Trudy Powers (Kurt) Hoffman; nieces and nephews, Kimberly Carter (Geneson) Agbayani, Stephen (Heather) Carter Jr., Powers Chandler, Jahleel Agbayani, Mason Carter, Audrey Agbayani and Kaylee Carter.
We have been so moved by the response of those who knew him. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tom’s name to the Hospice Services of Lake County or the GIST Cancer Research Fund.
We love and miss you, Tom. Your light will always shine bright and you will be in our hearts forever.
A celebration of life will be held at Ceago Vinegarden 5115 East Highway 20 in Nice on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 2 p.m.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.
