Donley Brian Powell, of Blue Lake, passed away on August 31, 2025, at Mad River Hospital in Arcata. He was 52 years old.

Brian was born on September 16, 1972, in Duncan, Oklahoma, to Donley Leon Powell and Karen Kaye Montgomery Powell of Modesto. He graduated from Humboldt State University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in geography and pursued graduate studies in natural resource planning with a focus in geographical information systems.

Brian dedicated his career to geography and technology, working as a GIS specialist, most recently with Ahtna Government Services Corporation. Outside of his work, Brian had many passions. He was a gifted musician who especially enjoyed playing his stand-up doghouse bass with friends and bandmates. He loved the outdoors and especially being near the water, whether fishing in a stream, sitting by a river, or spending time at the lake. His greatest joy, however, was found in his role as a husband and father.

Brian is survived by his wife, Jennifer Schooley Powell of Eureka; his daughter, Josephine Powell (20); his son, Samuel Powell (13); and his older brother, Billy L. Powell of Modesto. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Kaye Powell.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Fieldbrook Grange, 4926 Fieldbrook Road, McKinleyville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Food for People Food Bank for Humboldt County at this link. Please check the “dedicate this donation” box and include Brian’s name.

Brian will be remembered for his kindness, his talent, his love for the outdoors, and above all, his deep devotion to his family. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.