Edward Martin “Marty” Powell was born on January 5, 1961, in Pennsylvania and, in his youth, was raised in Canada and Northern California until his parents settled in Media, PA, where his lifelong love of nature first took root. He lived his life with open skies above him and salt in the air, carrying a sense of wonder that shaped both his work and his way of being in the world. A true outdoorsman and gentleman farmer in his earlier days, Marty felt an effortless connection to the land and the quiet rhythms of nature. Whether tending to the earth, paddling across still waters, exploring wild trails, or baking his signature loaves of bread to give to friends, he moved through the world with curiosity, intention, and care. Attending the University of Delaware and earning his degree in Engineering from Widener University, Marty devoted more than 30 years to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where he served in Emergency Response. His work often called him into difficult and urgent situations—protecting communities and the environment in moments of crisis. He approached every call with calm, courage, and unwavering integrity. His career was more than a profession; it was a reflection of his service, steadiness, and deep love for the planet. A Boy Scout and a Mason, Marty lived a life rooted in service, learning, and integrity. A true jack of all trades, he could fix, build, or design almost anything. He often joked that he could make something functional—and his wife would make it beautiful. His keen eye for design and love of mid-century architecture mirrored his appreciation for simplicity, purpose, and light. Marty also had a passion for astronomy, often waking his wife in the middle of the night to step outside and witness meteor showers, planetary alignments, or any rare wonder happening in the night sky. To him, the universe was a vast, ever-inviting frontier. When he made his home in Southern California, he fully embraced the coastal rhythm of life—the mountains, the ocean, and the expansive horizon of the West. Big Sur became his sanctuary, a place where land, sea, and spirit existed in perfect harmony. In 2015, after three years of adventure and laughter, Marty married his beloved partner and best friend, Elsa Goldberg Powell, on a sand dune in Big Sur—the place that most reflected their shared love of beauty, nature, and freedom. Together they created a life rich with joy, humor, respect, and deep companionship. They shared their home and hearts with their beloved cat, Eichler. In 2021, Marty was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. After surgery and chemotherapy, he and Elsa were gifted a short time of remission before beginning nearly three years of fighting the disease through a clinical trial and cutting-edge treatments, made possible by the unending diligence, compassion, and brilliance of his medical team. Marty was profoundly grateful to this team, whose expertise, steady guidance, and unwavering belief in him gave him and Elsa precious time—time filled with hope, laughter, and moments of quiet joy they might never have had. They were especially thankful for the skill and success of the groundbreaking histotripsy procedure, which opened doors of possibility when they needed it most and gave Marty renewed strength and hope. Through every challenge, Marty met each day with the same courage, steadiness, and quiet grace that defined his life. He passed peacefully at home in the early morning of October 9th, with his wife by his side. Marty was predeceased by his parents, Nelva and Luther Powell. He is survived by his wife, Elsa, and his sister, Donna Sottung. He will be remembered for his generous heart, sharp wit, steady kindness, and his ability to make the world feel lighter and more alive. For those who knew him, he remains a reminder to live fully, love deeply, look up at the stars, and leave the world a little better than you found it.