Steven Powell

Steven R. Powell
Rancho Cucamonga, California

    At the age of 52, following a valiant struggle against cancer, Steven R. Powell peacefully passed away at his Vista, California residence on November 11, 2023.  Steven, born to Dean B. Jr. and Sandra M. Powell, was brought home from a North Carolina hospital in a Christmas stocking. He was a lovable, free-spirited child with boundless enthusiasm, who had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a remarkable courage that together wove a rich tapestry of experiences in his relatively short lifetime.  
    Steve’s family moved from the East Coast to the Midwest in his early youth, and by the start of his 3rd grade, landed in Mesa, Arizona. He graduated from Mountain View High School in 1989, where he had been honored to serve as Student Body President. He also held dear the recollections of his participation in pottery classes, choir performances, and football games. 
    Steve was an Eagle Scout, a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and a University of Utah graduate in Political Science and Economics. Toward the end of his education, he was thrilled to intern for his 2nd cousin and Utah Senate Majority Leader, Lane Beattie. There, a love of country and statesmanship blossomed, and throughout his adulthood, he embraced opportunities to talk about his political convictions.  
    Steve’s early career began at UPS, and after 16 years in the transportation industry, Steve was offered an administrative position in the skilled nursing industry. This was a significant turning point in his career as he discovered how to apply his exceptional skills to environments designed to care for people. Rockwell Healthcare was born from these combined experiences. 
    A close associate expressed, “Steve was a compassionate business leader and the visionary founder of Rockwell Healthcare.  His indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to transforming healthcare marked a new era in skilled nursing and post-acute care. Established in July 2021, Rockwell Healthcare was not merely a business venture for Steve; it was an embodiment of his guiding philosophy that a nurturing and fulfilling work environment fosters a culture of dedicated and compassionate patient care. Steve's legacy is etched in the ethos of Rockwell Healthcare, where his vision continues to inspire an organization devoted to improving the lives of both employees and patients alike. As we mourn the loss of a visionary, we also celebrate the enduring impact of Steve Powell's legacy on the healthcare landscape.”     
    Steve’s beloved wife, Vangie, was his partner at home and at Rockwell Healthcare. Their success in both spheres is a palpable testament to their outstanding partnership. Steve loved his family dearly. To both he and Vangie, they were and always will be the most important people. Steve’s greatest accomplishments are embodied in his children: Alexandria, Nathan, Christopher, and Porter. As a father, he delighted in recounting tales from his youth, taking the kids on casual drives or sometimes more exotic adventures, attending favorite plays and concerts, going to the movie theater and then diving into the stories’ hidden meanings, exploring novel dining spots, enjoying football games together, sharing his love for the water – swimming, boating, surfing – and so much more.. 
    Steve also had a firm testimony of God’s love for His children. He once said, “I believe … that God is the Father of an ever-expanding universe, and that through vocal prayer, we reach out to God who is simply waiting to bless us with effectively whatever we seek.  …in my experience, faith is rewarded (through the manifestation of one’s sincerely uttered prayer) swiftly and reliably. It never faileth.”
    Steve’s zest for life and passion for new associations and experiences endeared him to all who knew him. He will be dearly missed but his infectious enthusiasm left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who accompanied him on his life’s voyage. We love him for his friendship, charm, and resilience; for teaching us to approach life with an open heart, to reach the unreachable star, and to embrace the joyous moments life has to offer. May his spirit continue to race along new roads of adventure.  
    Steve is survived by his wife, Evangeline Powell; and their children: Christopher Carrozza and Porter Rockwell Powell; as well as his former spouse, Julie Zundel, and their children; Alexandria (William) Powell-Vaughn and Nathan Powell. He is also survived by his mother, Sandra M. Powell; and siblings: Michael D. Powell, Christine (Lester) Partna, Eric S. (Shauna) Powell, Catherine (David) Thomas, and Bradford J. (Becky) Powell. He is also survived by many beloved in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Dean B. Powell, Jr. 
    Memorial services in California will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at 12 Noon in the Day Creek Ward Meetinghouse at 6541 Woodruff Place in Rancho Cucamonga. Friends may call on Monday, November 27, from 5:00-9:00 PM, and before the service on Tuesday, from 11:00-11:45 AM.  Live streaming of the services and online guestbook may be found at www.rosehills.com  under Steven’s obituary. 
    Memorial and graveside services in Utah will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 12:00 Noon in the Mayfield Ward Chapel at 15 E 100 N in Mayfield, UT. Friends may call before the service on Saturday, from 10:00-11:30 a.m.  Live streaming of the services and online guestbook may be found at www.maglebymortuary.com below Steven’s obituary.
    We would like to thank everyone who has reached out in support of our family. We are so grateful for your comforting thoughts, prayers, and condolences.