David (Dave) Hinton Powell's Obituary
Dave Powell passed away peacefully at home after a brave and courageous journey through Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 71. Dave was born and grew up in Richmond, VA. He received a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Richmond where he was on the track team and also played in many rock and roll bands. After serving in the US Army from 1969 to 1972, Dave obtained a master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Richmond and then worked for a short time for Phillip Morris in Richmond.
Dave came to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida in 1975 and received his PhD in Physical Chemistry from UF in 1979. He worked for Environmental Science and Engineering (ESE) in Gainesville FL from 1980 to 1988 and was head of the Chemistry Mass Spectrometry group. At ESE he developed several analytical methods to analyze pollutants in soil, water and air. He met his wife Trish, a fellow co-worker, and made many lifelong friends while at ESE. In 1988 Dave joined the University of Florida Chemistry Department where he was Director of Spectroscopic Services until he retired in 2014.
Dave was a beloved, funny and gentle soul. He loved running and ran several marathons. He faithfully ran 6 days a week until 2017. He loved to sing with his friends and was a member of the St Augustine choir and later a member of the choir at Holy Faith Catholic Church. He loved chemistry and his work at the University of Florida and his students and co- workers. Helping students and other researchers in the Chemistry Department brought him great joy. Dave loved astronomy, cosmology, and Rumi and Mary Oliver poetry. He loved to be amazed. He loved (and was loved by) his wife Trish and his friends and family.
Dave was a Companion of the sisters of the Cenacle. He practiced Christian meditation and met weekly with a community of Christian meditators for many years. He was a member of Holy Faith Catholic Church.
Dave is survived by his wife Trish Markey, his sister Gretchen Carreras (Paul) of Bumpass, VA, six nieces and nephews (Angelo, Carmen, Juanita, Loretta, Christopher, and Gabriel) and many great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents John and Gaynell Powell of Richmond, VA.
Trish and his family want to say a heartfelt thank you to friends, co-workers and remarkable caregivers who accompanied and helped and cared for Dave and Trish through his long and unforgiving illness.
A celebration of life service will be held for Dave on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 9:00 am at Holy Faith Catholic Church. For those who wish, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.
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