Vincent Powers Obituary

I met Vince on the Appalachian Trail in April 1983. It was the first time either one of us had ever hiked the AT. It was the only time I hiked the AT and I managed to go 1000 miles and stopped in Harper's Ferry. Over the years, I would hear from Vince and learned that he completed the trail several times. Vince was such a nice man. I was only 27 years old at the time and he was 52 or 54 (I can't remember) and we hiked about the same pace. I had been wondering about Vince lately and was saddened to learn that he had passed away. One of the more memorable times with Vince was when we hitchhiked to Clayton, GA. It may have been after the first 5 or 6 days on the trail when the weather turned cold and wet and the trail crossed a highway. I decided it was time to take a break and go to a town. We picked the closest town, Clayton, GA and I stuck out my thumb to hitchhike. This was a first for Vince. I don't remember the ride we got but we ended up at a funky motel in Clayton run by a large, friendly woman named Louise. The motel was being remodeled at the time so everything was in disarray but she had a roaring fire going in the fireplace and we placed our soaked boots and socks near the fire to dry. The next day, Louise drove Vince and me to the Chattooga River where the movie, Deliverance, was filmed. It was a lovely day and I'll always remember Vince as a kind, gentle soul.

Tony & Family...I was so very saddend to hear of your dad's passing....I tried to keep in touch over the years, but as we all know too well, other things always seem to be more important. At least now I can cherish the last Christmas Card I rcvd from him in 2009 telling me of your mom's passing and how he went to France. What a wonderful man...I wish I would have been able to spend more time getting to know him, but circumstances would not allow. My prayers are with you all.
Deb Shelton Powers(Michael)Richman

what a pleasure to have known this man , always a smile and kind word.it was great fun to wait on him&Lillian@ Als grill . My God rest his soul.
Claire

Dear Tony, Rose and Family,
From our family to yours...heartfelt and deepest sympathies. You were so kind when Tony passed away and your kind words were so meaningful to us; we have not forgotten. We hope you find comfort in the fond memories of the times we all shared with Vince. We are prvileged to have known him. Tony and Vince will be watching the NW games from a better place. You are in our thoughts and prayers! The Mengarelli's - Toni Lynn, Millie and Laura Lopez-Mengarelli

Dear Tony, Rose and family
Our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family at this sad time. Although we only knew him a short time, we think of him fondly and knew him to be a gentleman and kind person. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lynda and Eleanor Extract

God's Speed Marine !!!
Semper Fi,The Gunny

Dear Tony, Michael, Judy and all of Vince's family,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Vince "Chick" was so special to our dad, Dick Benson. What a kind friend your father has been through the reunion years; Dad truly appreciated Vince's recent trip all the way to Ohio to see Dad and bring him a USMC hat! Our father always respected your father immensely. Dad is deeply saddened and wishes he could express his heartfelt sympathy. Dad considered it an honor to serve with Vince in Okinawa-Semper Fi. God bless; you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Dick Benson, John Benson, and Elizabeth Colligan