Longtime Labrador aviator Tony Powell is being fondly remembered by his family for the extraordinary life he led. Powell passed away at the age of 71 at his residence in Charlottetown, Newfoundland and Labrador.
His niece, Lisa Dempster, a Liberal MHA, expressed deep sadness over the loss but also gratitude for Powell’s impactful journey. Powell’s remarkable life began at 17 as a fishing guide and swiftly transitioned to a pilot career at 20, spanning around 50 years. Described as a naturally talented aviator, Powell logged over 27,000 hours on 30 different aircraft and was credited with saving numerous lives during his tenure.
Aside from conducting medical flights, Powell undertook numerous search and rescue missions over the years. His memoir titled “Against the Wind,” released in 2020, chronicles his extensive career, including surviving a crash landing in the Labrador wilderness and enduring shipwrecks during his time on boats. Despite facing cancer at the age of 49, Powell valiantly fought against the odds every day, eventually closing his airline company, Labrador Travel Air, situated in Charlottetown.
Dempster shared that Powell’s battle with cancer resurfaced in December, with doctors giving him only a month to live. Surrounded by his family, Powell peacefully passed away, having greeted visitors just hours before his departure. Fondly remembered as a true son of Labrador, Powell’s legacy in the country’s aviation history has deeply resonated with many, with individuals reaching out to share their cherished memories of him.
In the previous year, Powell ran as the Liberal candidate for Torngat Mountains in the provincial election. Labrador’s Philip Earle extended his condolences to Powell’s family, lauding him as a unique individual embodying the essence of Labrador through his aviation prowess, authorship, and unwavering community commitment. Earle emphasized Powell’s significant impact on Labrador and mourned his passing as a substantial loss to the community.
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