Bob Powers

A fifth-generation native of Kern River Valley, Bob Powers is best remembered for the nine history books he wrote, preserving much of the valley’s past that otherwise would have been lost. He was a cowboy, cattleman, ranger, family man, and historian, and above all was regarded as a man of honesty and integrity. As a director and curator for the museum, he gave a lifetime collection of artifacts for all to enjoy. Though he received awards for his writing, his wife Marge said he would have been embarrassed by the attention. Asked why he wrote, Bob said, “I did it because it needed to be done,” and when asked what had meant the most over the years, he replied, “I have six loves: the Lord, my family, my friends, the Kern River Valley, cowboying and the Forest Service.”

Kernville, California · United States