Jeffrey Wilbert (Clarke) Powers (1961 - 2023)

Born 9 Dec 1961 in Norwich, New London, Connecticut, United States

Ancestors

Died 19 Sep 2023 at age 61 in Skowhegan, Somerset, Maine, United States

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Biography

Jeffrey Wilbert "Jeff" Powers was born at Norwich, Connecticut, 9 Dec 1961, the son of Kenneth Wilbert Clarke and Janet Edna Somerville. He and his two brothers, Jonathan and Matthew, were later adopted by his mother's second husband, Elton David "Mickey" Powers, and took the Powers surname. ^[1] He died suddenly of natural causes at his home in Skowhegan, Maine, 19 Sep 2023. ^[1]

He married at Notre Dame de Lourdes Church in Skowhegan, 13 Aug 1983, Pamela Irene James. ^[2]

Obituary: ^[1]

Jeffrey W. Powers

SKOWHEGAN – A Visionary Brewer and Beloved Community Member Passes Away

Jeffrey W. Powers, the passionate owner of Bigelow Brewing Company in Skowhegan and a champion of his community, sadly passed away of natural causes on Sept, 19, 2023. Born in Norwich, Conn. on Dec. 9, 1961, Jeff was the son of Elton “Micky” Powers and Janet Somerville Powers.

Devoted husband to Pamela James-Powers, the couple shared a love story that began in high school, continued through their time at the University of Maine Orono, and eventually culminated in a beautiful wedding on August 13, 1983. Together, Jeff and Pam built a life filled with love, family, adventures, and many meaningful projects.

Starting with the purchase and renovation of two apartment buildings just months before their marriage, Jeff and Pam later renovated two more homes and eventually settled into their enchanting Bigelow Hill property. For 34 years Jeff worked as an employee for the Rumford paper mill. In 2021, he courageously left the mill behind to focus on his true passion – the brewery.

Jeff found his calling in 2013 when he founded Bigelow Brewing Company, transforming a previously built horse barn into the keystone of a thriving business. With a famous quote, “I’m still carrying grain, but for a much better purpose, beer!” Jeff made a lasting impact on all those he encountered. In every way, the company embodied the loving spirit and energy of its creator. Warm, welcoming, and always ready with a kind smile and captivating conversation, Jeff turned Bigelow into a haven for the local community.

Through Jeff’s unwavering dedication and leadership, Bigelow Brewing Company became a cherished piece of paradise where his values and vision endured. A strong sense of family and fellowship enveloped all who crossed the threshold – a testament to Jeff’s profound love for his community and craft.

In remembering Jeff, we celebrate the unbreakable bonds forged within a community, both on and beyond Bigelow Hill. Through the laughter, conversation, and camaraderie shared over a glass of his expertly crafted brews, Jeff’s memory will live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him.

Jeff leaves behind daughter, Jordan and son, Sam; three sisters, Sonja Schmanska and husband David of Tenants Harbor, Dorothy LaCasse and husband Barry of Skowhegan and Barbara Goodman and husband Doug of Hampton Falls, NH; two brothers, Jonathan Powers and partner Lisa and Matthew Powers, all of Skowhegan; mother-in-law, Dorothy James of Skowhegan; sister-in-law Patricia Kenney and partner Arnold “Jimmy” James of Bangor, three brothers-in-law, David James and husband Jon Kimbell, John James and wife Mary Rudd James of Augusta and Robert James Jr. of Winterport; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, father-in-law Robert James Sr.; two sisters-in-law, Dr. Christie James and Barbara McCaffrey.

A celebration of life honoring Jeffrey W. Powers will be held Saturday, Sept. 30 from 12 – 5 p.m. at Bigelow Brewing Company, Jeff’s pride and joy.

If you would like to honor Jeff’s generous spirit and lifelong dedication to the community, the family kindly asks for donations to be made to the Somerset Humane Society, 123 Middle Rd., Skowhegan, ME 04976.

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} The Morning Sentinel, Wednesday, September 27, 2023, p. B4. Cit. Date: 29 Sep 2023.
2. ↑ Personal knowledge. I was an usher at this wedding. His wife is my sister.

See also:

• Tribute, written by MacKenzie Cayford of the Bankery and Skowhegan Fleuriste, posted on their Facebook page, 20 Sep 2023.
• "Jeff Powers, co-founder of popular Bigelow Brewing Co. in Skowhegan, dies at 61", Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel, the Portland Press Herald and Yelp News. Cit. Date: 29 Sep 2023.
• "Bigelow Brewing founder Jeff Powers dies at 61", Bangor Daily News. Cit. Date: 29 Sep 2023.
• "A moribund old mill to get a $15 million facelift, and brewery, adding another spark to Skowhegan", Morning Sentinel and Kennebec Journal, 7 Nov 2022. Cit. Date: 29 Sep 2023.
• Bigeolow Brewing Company TripAdvisor
• Bigelow Brewing Company Facebook page
• Bigelow Brewing Company website