Built on Service, Rooted in Community: The Powells’ RWC Story
After more than five decades of marriage, world travel, military service, and community involvement, Bob and Tina Powell have found their way to Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury (RWC), a place they proudly call home.
Bob’s career began with 20 years in the U.S. Army, including two tours in Vietnam. He was awarded four Bronze Stars, including one for valor, and two Purple Hearts. After retiring from the military, he spent more than 25 years as a financial advisor. During that time Bob also served on the board of directors for Christchurch School and the finance board of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. Tina focused on raising their family while dedicating herself to serving in the same community they now call RWC home.
Together, the Powells lived across the country and abroad, including nearly three years in Honduras, where they raised their young family and gained lifelong memories and perspective. They ultimately returned to Virginia’s Northern Neck, settling in 1984.
Once there, they quickly became deeply involved in the community. Tina devoted years to volunteer work, helping establish a local water safety program for children and serving with Historic Christ Church, the Garden Club of Virginia, and her church. Bob remained active in civic life as well, serving on the RWC Board of Directors during the community’s early years. Their long-standing connection to RWC gave them a meaningful appreciation for its mission.
The Powells were also familiar with continuing care retirement communities long before moving to RWC. Bob’s parents lived at Westminster Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay in Virginia Beach, and Tina’s parents later made their home at Williamsburg Landing. Seeing firsthand how these communities provided security, healthcare, and peace of mind helped shape their belief in planning ahead.
Having seen their parents thrive in retirement communities, the Powells are strong advocates for planning ahead. They have begun encouraging friends to consider making the move to RWC while they are still active and medically qualified, giving them the opportunity to enjoy the community, build meaningful friendships, and take full advantage of all that RWC has to offer. Just as importantly, they believe it provides the security and peace of mind that comes from having a plan in place for the future, long before additional care may be needed.
When it came to consider living in retirement, they realized they did not want to leave the place and people they loved.
“All of our friends are here,” Tina says. “Our church is here, our doctors are here, and this has been home for over 40 years.”
Bob initially hesitated but ultimately focused on ensuring Tina’s future care and well-being.
“The most important thing was making sure Tina would be taken care of,” he says. “When we found the right home at RWC, it just felt right.”
Bob also appreciated the practical advantages of the move, including the medical tax deduction associated with RWC’s entrance fee structure.
Today, they enjoy RWC’s beautiful campus, walking trails, Friday night dinners, and the ease of maintenance free living.
“We’re very happy here,” Bob says. “After all the places we’ve lived and traveled, this is where we want to be.”
At RWC, Bob and Tina did not just find a home they found a community where their next chapter in life feels good.
