Posted: 7/16/03

Dean Power, local politician, businessman dies

Dean Power had a long career in educational publishing, was a local businessman and politician.

But, his daughter Kathleen Wright says, the Wyoming man will be remembered most as an active, involved and loving grandfather.

ìHe was the best grandpa in the world,î she said. ìSince he retired, he has lived for his grandchildren.î

Power, 68, died Wednesday, July 9 of a heart attack.

He leaves behind his wife, Virginia Power whom he married August 17, 1958. He also will be missed by his daughter Kathleen Wright and son-in -law, John Wright and son Randall Power and his wife, Amy Power.

He had five grandchildren including Sarah Wright, 16, Shawn Wright, 13, Katelin Power, 9, Lindsey Power, 4 and Madison Power, 18 months.

Originally from Iowa, Power was an avid sports enthusiast throughout his lifeóas an athlete, spectator and booster. When he retired he was an avid fan of his grandchildrenís athletic pursuits traveling near and far to attend events.

He was in the Boy Scouts as a young man, earning the Eagle Scout ranking. As an adult he was in professional service with Boy Scouts of America.

He and his wife, Virginia moved to Forest Lake in 1967. Here, he became active in civic affairs, serving on the park board for several years and one term as a Forest Lake City Council member.

In 1978, the family moved to Wyoming where Power served on the city planning commission. In 1986, he was appointed to the Wyoming city council, even serving a stint as acting mayor.

Power began his adult career life as a teacher though most of his professional career he was a sales manager in the educational publishing business. He is known locally as owner of Coast to Coast Hardware in Lindstrom 1992-1998.

A full blooded Irish Catholic man, Power was an active member of St. Peterís Catholic Church since moving to the area in the late 1960s.

A Mass of Christian burial was Monday, July 14 at St. Peterís Catholic Church. Interment was at Scandinavian Cemetery, Forest Lake.

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