Bill Powell dies at the age of 76

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A Hamilton man many people knew best for starting the Festival of Friends has died. 76 year old Bill Powell died suddenly with his family and friends by his side on Sunday.

In 1976, Bill Powell began a festival that would bring people together every year. Festival of Friends now attracts more than 150,000 people. Bill’s wife, Lynne says she will miss Bill’s sense of humour.

Loren Lieberman continues to run the Festival of Friends and says Hamilton’s arts identity was greatly shaped by Bill. His achievements were recognized with a citizen of the year award in 1985. Some CHCH viewers may even remember Bill as a guest reporter in 1987. After Powell retired from the festival, he began creating art again. His son says one piece collected about $1,800, but to Bill, art was not a pursuit of money.

The Powells are planning a celebration of life party for Bill, which will be announced on Facebook. They want Hamiltonians to know that Bill Powell loved Hamilton.