The following is a statement from the Powers family on the loss of Tom Power, who died in a swimming accident while on vacation in Bermuda Tuesday. – Ed.
Our Dad died yesterday while on vacation in Bermuda with our Mom. Our parents were very much looking forward to this trip. Bermuda is a place they loved and had vacationed many times over their 56 years of marriage. Their first trip to Bermuda was for their honeymoon in August 1961.
This current trip was scheduled for June 6-16, 2017 and they traveled with our Uncle Bill and Aunt Faye (Mom’s oldest brother and sister-in law). Our parents, Uncle Bill and Aunt Faye have traveled often together over the years; and have taken many wonderful and happy trips together.
This past week, while in Bermuda, they spent a day on the ocean watching the America’s Cup race. They also spent lots of time on the beach, swimming and generally enjoying everything. Daddy loved the ocean. He was often the first to dive in. He loved the waves, and frequently swam out farther than anyone else. Swimming in the ocean was his favorite form of exercise.
Since his stroke in 2014, Cathy, Tom and I frequently swam with him because we were not entirely comfortable with the distance he swam. We were always grateful when he finally made the turn back to shore. The weather in Bermuda this week has been beautiful and my dad has been swimming with our Uncle Bill out to a dive platform, some distance off the beach.
On Monday night, there was a big storm and it changed the current and water temperature. When my father swam the next morning, it’s possible that the current or colder water made it difficult for him.
Mom told us he showed good strong strokes when he arrived at the platform but when he tried to return, he got caught up in the current. She said he continued to swim with deliberate and strong strokes, and then abruptly stopped. A few hotel guests and a lifeguard swam out to help him, but it was too late.
Daddy was 81. He was swimming in the beautiful blue water of Bermuda and he was with my mother, the love of his life. He had a great life. We’re incredibly proud of both he and our Mom.
We look forward to our Mother returning home very soon. It’s been a great comfort knowing that Bill and Faye are with her at this time. We’ll soon plan a great celebration in our father’s honor. Daddy loved and adored our Mom, his family, our business and staff, and had more friends than can be counted! We will all miss him terribly.
Love and Peace,
Mary Ellen, Cathy and Tom
