Obituary of Robert E. Powless (Dr. Bob)

On Saturday, April 25th Robert Elroy Powless moved gently into the spirit world in the presence of his loving family. He is survived by his wife Linda Graham Powless, his daughter Marcia Karen Powless, his son Blair Graham Powless, and his five grandchildren Dane Malcolm Powless, Makayla Blair Powless, Key Robert Powless, Yvonne Simone Powless, and Preston Lafayette Powless. He is loved unconditionally and will be truly missed by his family.

Robert Powless served the Anishinaabe community and the larger Duluth community as an educator, mentor, and as a community leader for over forty years. He was a very social person who enjoyed being with other people: telling jokes and laughing, extending compliments to others, and taking part in important discussions. His intellectual contributions to local communities were always compassionate and were always well received.

Robert Powless was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He made a point of shaping profound loving relationships with each of his grandchildren, and was supportive and active in the lives of his two children. When asked recently what the best decision that he ever made was, he replied “Having Linda love me.” Robert Powless was an affectionate and loving man.

A memorial service will be held when circumstances allow. The family will invite the community to join them in celebrating his life at that time.

“When a person dies all his good deeds cease except for three things: a continuing charity (which the deceased did in his lifetime), knowledge from which benefit can be derived (which the deceased left behind), and righteous children who will pray for him.’ - Muhammad ibn Abdullah