Dr. Vance Daly Powell Jr.

1945 - 2017

Dr. Vance Daly Powell Jr. obituary, 1945-2017, Brighton, MI

BORN

1945

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Harry J Will Funeral Homes - Livonia

37000 W Six Mile Road

Livonia, Michigan

Vance Powell Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 17, 2017.

Dr. Vance Daly Powell Jr. was born in New York, New York on April 10, 1945 to Vance Daly Sr. and Josina Powell. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at his home, Botsford Hospital, Farmington Hills, Michigan on September 16, 2017 at the age of 72.

Beloved husband of the late Dawn (d. 2012). Loving dad of Vance Daly (Karen) Powell III and Shannon (Joe) Fritchley. Dear stepfather of Katie, Casey and Daylin. Dearest "Papa" of James Powell, Ethan Powell, Gideon Fritchley and Athan Fritchley. Brother of William Powell. Uncle of Matthew, Josh and Chelsea. Great uncle of Lily.

In his free time, Vance enjoyed gardening, traveling, reading history, going to the symphony, watching his beloved Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings and University of Michigan Football teams. He loved spending time with friends and golfing at his "second home" Western Golf Club in Redford Township. He had an appreciation for great music, fine wine, hot cars and of course his Arnold Palmer Iced Tea and Dr. Pepper Soda. However, Vance's passion was his family. There was nothing he enjoyed more than spending time just being "Papa"

Dr. Powell had a very successful career as a physician and educator for physicians. He was well respected by his peers as well as the students he mentored. Dr. Powell had a larger than life presence; he spoke powerful and confident while capturing the attention of every room he walked in. It all started with his undergraduate training at his beloved Virginia Military Institute, earning a B.S. in 1967. This school left such an impression on him, he still wore the school colors and could be found sporting the VMI hat or shirt every now and again. VMI was followed by Fairleigh Dickinson University where he earned his B.S. in 1971. He served in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps from 1967 to 1973, serving in Viet Nam with the 173'rd Airborne Div. 5th Special Forces. Adjutant, 3'rd Battalion, Chief Medical Services Corps Officer. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor, Combat Air Army and Viet Nam Commendation Medals.

Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, his education continued with his post graduate training at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, earning his D.O. in 1975. He served his internship as a Co-Chief Intern as well as serving his Residency-Ob/Gyn and Gyn Surgery as Chief Resident from 1975 – 1980 at Botsford Hospital. From there his career took off. Dr. Powell was a member of nine professional organizations. He also had twenty-six professional appointments with titles including: Board Member, Program Director, President and many others. He also received ten professional awards in his career. Dr. Powell's final position held was the Chair of Departments OBG, Surgery and Trauma at Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine from 2014.
Dr. Powell commanded every room he was in. However, he was more than humble and was a gentle teddy bear with his patients and loved ones. He was extremely respected in his community, his military career, and his professional career. He left a lasting impression on everyone that he met.

Dr. Vance Daly Powell Jr. will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family will receive friends for a gathering on Friday, September 22, 2017 from 4-8pm and on Saturday, September 23, 2017 from 9-10am. His life will be celebrated with a Memorial Service led by Pastor Fred Froman at 10:00am at Harry J. Will Funeral Home 37000 Six Mile (Just east of I-275 and Newburgh roads) Livonia, Michigan 48152. The pianist for the service will be Susan Froman. The service will conclude with military honors by the United States Army Funeral Honors Team followed by "Amazing Grace" played on the bag pipes by Cadet 1st Lt. Jonathan Ribbe from Virginia Military Institute.

Dr. Powell will be laid to rest with his wife Dawn privately at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.

Tribute gifts may be made to:

Southeast Alabama Medical Center Foundation's Vance Daly Powell, Jr., DO FAODME, FACOOG Endowed Scholarship Fund
(Dr. Vance Powell Scholarship)
Checks payable to: Southeast Alabama Medical Center Foundation / Dr. Vance Powell Scholarship on the memo line. and mail to:
1922 Fairview Avenue; Dothan, AL 36301.
334-673-4150
www.samcfoundation.org.

Or

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine MOCF Endowment
East Fee Hall
965 Fee Hall Road, Room A310
East Lansing MI, 48824

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November 21, 2017

Friend

Susan Lesowyk

I am so sad to learn of the passing of Dr. Powell. He was a genuinely kind and caring man. He came into the practice with Dr. Adler and delivered all four of my children. His wife Laurel was my delivery nurse with my oldest son in 1983. We had a great doctor-patient relationship and he was not only my physician but my friend. I always enjoyed catching up on life with him. We shared stories of our personal triumphs and tragedies. I valued his advice and trusted him completely and was his patient up until he retired from practice. He will be so greatly missed. May he Rest in Peace.

October 5, 2017

Darrell Lovins

Dr. Powell was always a voice of reason during AOA council meetings. Reason, intellect, compassion, kindness...you are and will be missed. Thank you for your service at all levels; God, country, profession, friends, and family.
Darrell E. Lovins, DO MPH FACOFP

October 5, 2017

Anthony Schwartz

I worked with Vance in Medical Ed at Botsford for over 20 years. He was a wonderful and dedicated osteopathic educator and a skilled and devoted physician. It was a privilege to have known and worked with him and I will miss him

September 30, 2017

Such a tremendous loss. I was one of Vances first patients when he came to Botsford and remained so until he left, and kept in touch while he was in AL. Throughout the years, our doctor/patient relationship turned into a friendship. We shared family stories and a love of hot cars, even talking about cars only a few weeks before he passed. He had the most powerful but soft spoken voice and I loved our chats, which were many and varied. He was more than my doctor... he was my friend and I will miss him dearly. God speed, my friend.

Laura Schmidt

September 29, 2017

Forever lit

September 26, 2017

It is in sadness that we say farewell to a beloved cousin and caring Powell family member. Vance Powell Jr affectionately known as "Butch"'
David and Julia Powell

September 24, 2017

Mark Cummings

I worked in the osteopathic profession for over 30 years and knew Vance for most of those years. He was always enthusiastic about medical education and served as a valuable resource to the profession. Vance had difficulty turning down requests for his services which resulted in him being involved in a large number of volunteer activities. He served on a number of AOA committees, those of the DME organization, and, in MI, the Statewide Campus System. Vance was always open to new ideas, balanced in his approach to problems, and mindful of the human implications of decision-making. Rarely did I see Vance other than in an optimistic mood. His legacy includes the guidance and support he provided to the scores of DOs who were interns, residents, and fellows at Botsford. His dedication and service to the profession has been match by few others. When we talk about the pantheon on DOs who have made a lasting impression on osteopathic medical education, the name of Vance Powell needs to be included in the discussion.

September 22, 2017

Dennis MacDonald

A truly great man. A renaissance man. He cared deeply for his family, his patients, his coworkers, his fellow man. He had more of a calling than a career, no one was ever more suited for what they did. Vance had some serious tradgedies in his life that he carried with him but he didn't dwell upon them. I am a better person for having known him.

September 21, 2017

Norv & Shari Schock

With deep sadness, we have lost a great person, physician, colleague, educator, and friend. Working as a Director of Medical Education at a nearby hospital, I had many opportunities to coordinate with Vance and to discuss our programs. As Fellows of the Association of Osteopathic Directors and Medical Educators we travelled with our wives throughout the U.S. attending educational meetings and often conducted workshops. Since Vance and I were known as the American Osteopathic Association's "A-Team" for internship inspections, we spent many hours inspecting and just talking while on the road. These activities brought us together at numerous times and occasions easily creating fond memories. We will miss our beloved friend and colleague. Rest in Peace, Dear Friend. Dr. Norv & Shari Schock

September 21, 2017

William Anderson

I had the privilege and pleasure of working with Dr. Vance Powell as a staff member at Botsford Hospital and as a board member of the MSU Statewide campus System. Yes, I miss him.
William G. Anderson, D.O., FACOS.

September 20, 2017

Humayun Chaudhry

Vance was an incredibly important and influential leader of the AODME and of the osteopathic medical profession. His passion as a medical educator was incomparable and he will be missed by many, many of his friends and colleagues, students, residents and fellows. Our condolences and prayers to his family and friends.

September 20, 2017

Acquaintance

Carol Mitchell

In 1983, I came to Botsford Hospital's Emergency room. I was a 34 year old single mother, working 7 days a week in a small boutique. I was doubled over in pain and Dr Powell was standing at the door. He took me immediately and told me that I was very sick, septic. It turned out that an abcess had ruptured because of an intrauterine device that I had in me for ten years. Dr Powell said I needed surgery. I told him that I had no health insurance. He said " That's not your problem, that's my problem. Your problem is to get better" He was the most caring, wonderful doctor I had ever met! I know that he saved my life! He even was able to get a fund called Hill Burton to pay my bill because of my financial situation. What a great man to be lost. I am so sorry!

September 19, 2017

Angela Ashburn

Karen and Vance your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

September 19, 2017

Vance was my guide when I joined an ACOOG committee. Thanks to him I was never lost. Botsford was fortunate to have his talents and educational insights. Thanks for everything, my friend. Condolences to his family.

Tim McGuinness, DO (Manglaralto, Ecuador)

September 19, 2017

William "Gil" Anderson, II, D.O.

Vance and I shared many long hours while working at Botsford and Zieger Hospitals as OB/GYN residents. His dedication and commitment to his patients, students, residents and the osteopathic medical profession will remain his endearing legacy.

Posted by William "Gil" Anderson, II, D.O.

September 19, 2017

Eileen Flandorfer

I loved working with Dr. Powell at Botsford. He had great wit and humor along with kindness and intelligence. I'm a better person for having known him.

September 19, 2017

Diane Paratore DO

I'll never forget the look on your face when I wanted to do an overseas rotation!! Then you instilled in me the honor to serve as Chief Resident. Then we served together in Guatemala. You never wavered; always steadfast. You set the bar high! May we all continue in that vein.

September 19, 2017

Shirin Clark

Dr. Powell was a great mentor to me as I took on the role of ODME at Sparrow. Thanks for your wisdom and insight and support. May you rest in peace.

September 19, 2017

Sarah Zachmann

Although I didn't know Dr. Powell, I know how much he meant to his family. Shannon spoke so fondly of him and how much he meant to her and her brother, and step siblings, as well as to his Grand Children. I am so sorry for your loss, and hope that you can cherish the loving memories of him to help you get through this tough time. Wishing you all Peace.

September 19, 2017

Niamh Condon

Dr Powell was a kind and gentle soul. He wanted nothing but the best for all of his residents, and would literally do anything for us. There is definitely a place for him in heaven.

September 19, 2017

Dr Powell taught my 3rd year medical school curriculum at ACOM. He was an excellent educator, doctor, mentor and friend. He was greatly appreciated and will be greatly missed.

September 18, 2017

Lauren O'Sullivan, D.O.

Dr. Powell, Thank you for the many years, many hours and no doubt, many headaches, you endured teaching the OB/GYN residents at Botsford. We thank you for your dedication, mentorship and , most of all, your dry sense of humor.
You will live on in our fond memories.

September 18, 2017

Cheryl Discher

Dr Powell will be sorely missed by his Botsford Family. He was a wonderful man, teacher and physician. May God Bless him on his journey home. God's love and peace to Vance's family.

September 18, 2017

Nicholas Combs

Vance was always insightful. Last time I saw him in July, he was giving me advice on how to prepare for law school and how to be a professional. Some of my earliest memories involve going to his house and spending time with him and my Aunt Dawn. He was always such a pleasure to be around and I will miss him dearly.

September 18, 2017

Stephanie Evans

Such a kind, patient and understanding physician. He was always so very kind to all the staff at Botsford Hospital. He will be missed. Prayers for the family. Stephanie

September 18, 2017

My deepest sympathy to all of you left behind. May you now R.I.P Vance.. You have earned it, You were and excellent Doctor, and friend.
Carol

September 18, 2017

Jessica Chandler

Dr. Powell was a great mentor during my time at Botsford. He helped sharpen my skills as a Maximally Invasive Surgeon :-). It was an honor to be one of Powell's Princess's each year at the golf outing. The osteopathic world lost a great person, but his legacy lives on in those he trained.

September 18, 2017

Henry Dickerson

Against all odds, Vance was able to attend our VMI Reunion in April. I had not seen Vance earlier on reunion weekend. However, on the last day, a vehicle pulled up as my wife and I were walking next to barracks. It was Vance and his family. Expecting the worst, I was surprised when Vance got out. He showed no sign of sickness. For a few minutes, we had a wonderful conversation, just like in the past. There was no sadness or talk of the future. It is my hope that these moments meant as much to him as they did to me. If you ever wondered what Grace and Courage look like, I certainly saw it personified in Vance on that day. My heartfelt condolences to family and friends. He was a great man.

September 18, 2017

Chris Dalm

He always kept me grounded when times were tough as a resident at Botsford. I will always treasure the time I spent with him and his dedication to education and as a friend.

September 18, 2017

James Preston

It is rare indeed to find a physician and educator of the caliber and depth of wisdom such as was my friend, Vance Powell. He was the summation of professionalism and dedication to his craft--the art of serving his patients with skill and compassion. The osteopathic profession has lost a Giant who served as role model and a standard of excellence for so many of us. Rest in sweet peace, my friend.
James Preston, D.O., FAODME (Sandusky, Ohio)

September 18, 2017

Irene Grias

I am saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Vance Powell. He was a big factor throughout my education and helped me to get to where I am today. During residency and after as well he had an insurmountable role in my success. He will be missed. Rest in peace.

September 18, 2017

To my dear friend " THE DANCER" eternal peace. You were my Idol . A man of honesty, loyalty, dedication, commitment, and a true professional. Vance your patients all loved you. Vance III and Shannon, your father was so special and loved you both. DANCER , I loved you as a brother.

Sam, Marianne , and Olivia Manfrey

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