Kenneth "Julian" Powers

August 23, 1926 - June 02, 2015

Kenneth "Julian" Powers Obituary (Age 88) Kenneth "Julian" Powers, 88, died peacefully Tuesday evening at his home in Spokane from complications of Parkinson's Disease. Jane Cunningham, his committed life partner and two loving caregivers were at his side. Julian was born at the farm home of Glenn Harrison Powers and Trula York Powers in Lewis County, Idaho on August 23, 1926. He attended rural and Nez Perce schools and after graduation from Nez Perce High School at age 17 Julian enlisted in the US Navy, aspiring to be a pilot having passed a qualifying test. As flight school was full, he was sent to V-12 UILE at Pocatello, Idaho to be trained for naval engineering, transferring to NRGTC at University of New Mexico at Albuquerque. When the war ended he completed his Bachelors of Science degree as a civilian. Later he earned his Masters of Science - Electrical Engineering at University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, keeping up his connection with the Naval Reserves. When the Korean War began Julian rejoined the US Navy and was posted to China Lake, California (USNOTS INYOKERU) and was assigned to guided missile research. When the war ended he remained, working for the Department of Defense as a civilian becoming section head for guidance for the sidewinder missile. At China Lake Julian met and married Lynne Latham; his family eventually grew to include three daughters and an adopted son. They enjoyed camping trips, skiing on Mammoth Mountain and an active social life. From 1962 to 1964 as liaison to NATO he took his family to Germany where his youngest daughter was born. His work entailed traveling to many European countries and may have sparked his interest in travel. Returning to China Lake he continued research work for the US Navy, Department of Defense there until 1972 then in San Diego at Loma Point until 1979. The family settled in La Joya. In 1979 Julian retired from the Navy work and after the end of his marriage, he worked briefly for Hughes Aircraft until he retired in 1981 to travel the world, biking or back packing. He moved to Spokane in late 1989 to be near his 97 year old mother. He soon met Jane Cunningham at a Unitarian Universalist event and they found a common interest in travel. They started the relationship with a three month trek to Hungary, Turkey, Kenya, Zanzibar, Zimbabwe, and Greece and in other years made trips to many countries, some through Witness For Peace, Global Volunteers, and Earth Watch. Back in Spokane Julian and Jane became dedicated activists for environmental and social justice causes. They held yard sales at their home and helped put on dinners supporting villages in Central America for 10 years; they supported political candidates they interviewed and chose for their environmental and social justice stands; they worked for smarter and sustainable city planning. Julian began by being appointed to the city's biking committee: soon he served two terms on the Spokane Regional Transportation Council; he was a member of Spokane Bike Club; he helped start and was Chair of Transportation Choices. Julian and Jane both were active in PJALS, WEnPAC, The Lands Council, the Sierra Club, the UNA, the Humanists and on the board of the Washington Environmental Council. Julian was noted for his letters to the editor, park booths and speeches on the subject of global warming for which he received an award from the Washington Department of Ecology in 2011, but he was also passionate about the Spokane River and aquifer, helping start the Friends of the Aquifer and being named a Watershed Hero in 2009 by CELP. He worked for sustainable living and consuming and spent many hours recycling for the Unitarian Universalist Church. Julian is survived by his daughters Jennifer Hassett, Newport Beach, CA;(Allen) Cheri Powers, Dulles,VA; Kiera Benidettino, Glen Ellyn, IL(Robert); granddaughters Brenna, Kaitlin, Sofia, Aisha, Sharifa; sisters Cleo Funke, Hayden, ID; Joyce Lockard, Beaverton, OR,(Ray); Dianne Wyers, Portland OR; brother Roland "Rolly" Powers, Lewiston ID, former wife Lynne Powers, Monterey, CA and numerous nephews and nieces. He is also survived by Jane Cunningham Spokane and her sons Ian Cunningham; Gavin Cunningham, Sandpoint ID, and Dylan Cunningham, Barcelona, Spain. Julian was "respected by all and beloved by many" and will be sorely missed. A Memorial in celebration of Julian's life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane, 4340 W. Fort Wright Dr. on Sunday, June 14th at 3:00 pm. Suggested contributions are to the Unitarian Universalist Church or environmental or social justice organizations of your choice.