Rest In Peace “Mr Microphone”

This week friends, family and the broader Airlie Beach community are remembering a spirited champion of the region, who tirelessly worked for the greater good, most notably in his over 40 years’ service to the Rotary Club and as one of the first Cruise Ship Ambassadors.

John Wilson Powell sadly passed away late last month, and almost a hundred people attended his funeral at the VMR in Cannonvale on Monday where his rich and fulfilling life was celebrated by all.

He was remembered as a remarkable husband to his wife Gill and an amazing father, grandfather, and friend.

Born in Melbourne in 1941 John lived half his life in Victoria, joining the bank straight out of school before finding his niche in selling curtains and soft furnishings. He married Jo when he was 23 and they had three children: Mandy, Simon, and Melissa.

John's ambitious spirit and deep interest in the local community were evident from an early age. He founded the Viewbank Progress Association, tirelessly working alongside the Local Government to ensure that essential infrastructure, such as kindergartens, maternal health centres, and schools, were established for the betterment of the area.

In 1974, he ran for and won a seat in the City of Heidelberg's Local Government, his tenure as a city councillor was marked by unwavering dedication to the betterment of Heidelberg, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of its residents.

In 1977, while still in his thirties, John ran for Mayor and was successful in his bid. He went on to spend many happy years wholeheartedly engaged in the responsibilities his role entailed, embracing every event and opportunity to connect with the community.

In 1985, John married his second wife Dot and together with Dot’s children, they joined the Victorian migration north and decided to create a new life in Airlie Beach.

Here, John purchased Airlie Soft Furnishings which he worked successfully until he retired.

He also owned The Men’s Den and Le Mignon CAFÉ as well as other businesses.

In 2000 John met his third wife Gill and as he used to say: “he saved the best for last”.

John knew she was the one after their first dance at the Bastille Ball at Panache and the couple were married in 2004, inseparable for the last 19 years.

Always engaged and vocal within the community John's impact in Airlie Beach extended far beyond his business endeavours.

He earned the affectionate nickname Mr Microphone, always eager to be at the forefront of making a difference.

He assumed prestigious roles such as President of the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce, Councillor for the Shire of Whitsunday, and Area Captain for the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census.

Additionally, he took on responsibilities as Conference Chairman and Coordinator of District 9550 for Rotary Conferences.

In recent years, John volunteered at Vinnies and whenever a cruise ship docked in town, John would don his blue and white shirt to be there to greet the passengers. He proudly became the first person to welcome and greet passengers from around the world.

One of the most memorable moments in John's life was witnessing his children's marriages: Mandy to Steve, Simon to Dorris, and Melissa to Simon.

From these unions, his beloved grandchildren Ally, Mikayla, Josh, Harry, and Charlotte were born.

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