John (The Weather)POWELL MBEThose who remember listening to weather forecasts on Swansea Sound radio during the 80s and 90s will be familiar with the cheerful, instantly identifiable voice of John Powell, broadcasting every morning from his weather station studio in Penmaen.
John had lived in the same cottage, which he had renovated himself with the help of a couple of friends, for 50 years, taking daily readings from a galaxy of meteorological equipment before most of us were awake.
After retiring and living for 15 years in West Cross, John moved to the Old Vicarage Nursing Home in Sketty, where he died peacefully on 26th July 2026.
John was born in 1934 and lived in Petts Wood, Kent with his parents until moving to Swansea in 1956. His father, Bert Powell, was from a Welsh family and his mother, Lily, was English. Both of them had died by the time John had completed his National Service in the RAF, and he was fortunate to be able to return to his Welsh roots at the invitation of two aunts, who had a grocer's shop in St. Helen's Road, Swansea.
After working in the shop for a short time, John joined the G.P.O. as a telephonist, while pursuing his hobby of meteorology. Over the years, he became a respected authority on the weather (particularly in Wales), and was a much sought-after speaker on the subject, having contacts with many local organisations, and also with Swansea University.
His contribution to meteorological studies was honoured by his appointment as MBE, and the Royal Meteorological Society made a special award to him in 2024, in recognition of his achievements.
His other great enthusiasms were for the history of Pembrokeshire (where his Powell ancestors originated) and for Daimler motor cars (which he had first driven at the age of 19).
However, it will be most of all as a friend, and a much-loved cousin in both Wales and England, that John will live on in the memory. He was entertaining company, loved making jokes on live radio, and over the years must have welcomed hundreds of visitors to his beautiful cottage in Penmaen.
His wonderful smile, his distinctive voice and his sunny disposition will long be remembered by those of us who knew him, and by many others who only recognised him as John The Weather.
A Service of Thanksgiving will be held at Bethany Baptist Church, West Cross, Swansea on Thursday 27th August at 11.15am followed by interment at Oystermouth Cemetery.
Floral tributes are most welcome, please arrange delivery to William Pressdee Funeralcare, 1-2 Stanley Street, Mumbles, Swansea, SA3 4NE before 10.30am on day of the service.
Alternatively donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to Bethany Baptist Church, Bethany Lane, West Cross, Swansea SA3 5TL.
Donations may be made via the online version of this notice at funeral-notices.co.uk
Further enquiries c/o William Pressdee Funeralcare Tel. 01792 366513
