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STECK -- George Powell. "Uncle George" Powell, went peacefully on to explorations not of this world at his home the morning of April 13, 2004. To the delight, (we assume), of his parents, Leo Varner and Eleanor Katherine, George began his life of exploration kicking and screaming on January 11, 1925 in Berkeley, CA. George recalled that a memorable early exploration of the cables and towers of the newly rising Golden Gate Bridge was instigated by his younger brother Allen. (Allen denies it.) Fortunately for all concerned, George reported that the judge was lenient. George went to high school in Piedmont, CA. After high school, George parted from his family's plans for his university education, and with his best friend, "Bruddy" Scott explored the back woods of Washington and Oregon for several months on horseback. Fortunately all survived, though in the case of the horses, it was just barely. After the trip, George seriously explored the idea of becoming a horse rancher. To the relief of his parents, Leo and step-mother Francis, George returned to the University of California at Berkeley, earning a BS in Physics. During WWII, George spent some time exploring the science of early radar for the Navy as a lieutenant. Knowing that his brother Allen was onboard, George managed to finagle a short assignment on the USS George. George went on to explore physics at the California Institute of Technology earning his Master's Degree. Returning to Graduate School at Berkeley, George considered the exploration of the philosophical world of Kant and others. After a short time, George decided his interests lay elsewhere, and he turned instead to explore the world of mathematical statistics, earning a Ph.D. An early math class at Berkeley led to the exploration of Life Companionship with Helen, his wife of 53 years. George and Helen began the exploration of family at Berkeley with the additions of sons Michael and Stanley, with daughter Ricia to follow. Moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1955, he continued exploring the statistical world for Sandia Labs until retirement in January, 1980. George began his explorations of the Grand Canyon while at Sandia and continued them into retirement. A pair of guide books for the intrepid (Grand Canyon Loop Hikes I and II), and two hikes, that are the length of the canyon, were the culmination of those explorations in 1977 and 1982. As he slowed his pursuit of physical exploration, he enjoyed exploring the companionship of family and friends. Mental explorations of primes and perfect numbers, to name a few, continued to the delight of all of us. We will miss you. George is preceded in death by his wife and life companion, Helen. He is survived by two sons, Michael of Boulder, CO and Stanley of Anchorage, AK; a daughter, Ricia Steck of Albuquerque; his brother, Allen Steck of Berkeley, CA; a sister, Lillian Cook of Albuquerque; a grandson, Travis of Atlanta, GA.; a granddaughter, Nellie of Denver, CO and a great-granddaughter, Haley. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 4:00 p.m. at Chapel of Sunrise, 7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Come celebrate his life with us. Sunrise Funeral Options 7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 821-0010
        Published on: Sun April 18, 2004