David Tyler Powell's Obituary
David Powell passed peacefully on May 19 from Hodgkins Lymphoma. He is survived by his wife Janet of 38 years, his 2 sons Tyler and Spencer (Brittany), 2 grandchildren Paisley (2 1/2) and Declan (almost 8 months), his sister Katy, his brother Peter (Maddy), his nieces, nephew, and cousins.
Born in Riverside, CA, he joined the Marines at 17 to avoid being drafted into the Army and was in Vietnam for 13 months where he served as a radio operator on an Amtrak. After attending college for 2 years, he moved to Maui in ’75 to join his brother. He never regretted that decision as he and his brother were tight.
While building a house for his mom in Haiku, he worked at the Lahaina Chart House since 1975 and that is where he met Janet, the love of his life, and they married in 1986. The Chart House is a tight knit family and has always been there for each other. This difficult time is no different. He was a charter boat owner and a captain for many years. He loved the ocean and spent many years on the water.
What David was well known for, was his craftsmanship with wood and he was highly respected among his peers for his knowledge and skill as a finish carpenter. He was a gifted artist in that regard and built many beautiful, high end homes and businesses on Maui. Hula Grill, Leilani’s, and many restaurants that are no longer standing due to the fire in Lahaina like Kimo’s, Bubba Gump’s, Warren & Annabelle’s, the Pioneer Inn, and many, many more. He always worked for contractors he admired and was lucky to have made many great friends along the way.
One thing they were so happy to have been able to do, was an Honor Flight for veterans to Washington DC. A friend told Janet about the trip and encouraged her to put in an application for him, and they were selected for the trip in August 2023. It was an amazing trip that Alaska Airlines and a whole group of volunteers put on for veterans and it was beyond heartfelt and fantastic. They felt blessed to be able to go on that trip, and it was indeed a trip of a lifetime for them. They travelled with other veterans from Hawaii including four from Maui. On the trip, they were all made to feel special, appreciated and above all, honored and respected.
David loved his life on Maui, his family, friends and maybe a little too much, his Harley. He’s spent countless hours tinkering and customizing his Harley, keeping it in top shape.
He was a Road Captain for HOG (Harley Owner’s Group) and belonged to the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. He wished he was able to be a Patriot Guard for more of the veteran ceremonies at Makawao Veteran Cemetary, but became sick so was unable to do as many as he would have liked. He loved his weekly rides with the HOG group and really enjoyed riding his motorcycle when he was able. In recent years, he was unable to ride due to his health. He always kept his bike clean and charged even when sick. He was bound and determined to be able to ride again. He was able to get in two HOG rides as well as several solo rides just a few months before he passed, that he really enjoyed. We are all so, so thankful for that.
He and Janet raised their kids both in Lahaina and Wailuku. He was a proud father of his two boys, a great provider for the family and was a stern taskmaster. Sarge was his nickname at the Chart House and it was a good nickname for him as a dad, His boys both loved and respected their dad. Paisley, his granddaughter, always made him smile even through his illness, and his grandson Declan was truly a bright light for him.
He is truly missed by his family and friends but will always be with us in spirit.
A short service will be held at Maui Veterans Cemetary at 10:30 am on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 and a Celebration of Life and optional paddle out will be held at Airport Beach from 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm on Thursday, July 17, 2025. All are welcome to both.
Only non-alcoholic beverages will be provided at the Celebration of life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to Maui Hospice
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