About Robert Powers

Robert Lee Powers was born January 1, 1965 in Okinawa, Japan to USAF Major Samuel Edwin Waters, Jr. and Mary Ann Dailey. Rob was born during the early stages of the Vietnam War, a conflict which claimed the life of his father, a distinguished F-105 pilot from Mocksville, North Carolina.

Rob, his mother and younger sister, Samantha, returned to Laguna Beach, California. Mary Ann later married Arthur Wiliam “Bill” Powers, a real estate developer, who legally adopted Rob and Samantha. The family was complete with the addition of a new sister, Suzy.

Rob partook of all life had to offer in Laguna Beach, enjoying surfing, sailing and also developing his passion as an artist. Rob credited his high school teacher and accomplished artist, Hal Akins, for the development of his technique in watercolors. He later transitioned to working in acrylic and oil on canvas, often scenes depicting the ocean, fashion, or sports, and always capturing the moments of joy in human activities and accomplishment.

Rob’s artwork appeared in television shows such as "Gilmore Girls" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm,” as well as being featured in the New York Times Magazine.  Robert’s work was also shown at the Art Students League in New York, in three solo exhibitions in Los Angeles, California, at the Balboa Island Art Walk, and in three solo exhibitions in Wilmington, NC.

Rob graduated from Chapman University with a BA in film studies. He put his education to work in television and film working for companies such as NBC and Jersey Films. It was while he was employed as a production coordinator at the daytime drama, Santa Barbara, that he met his wife, actress Sydney Penny. The couple was married in 1995 in Corona de Mar, California. 

Rob supported Sydney in her career that took them to New York, Canada and France for extended periods of time. Rob made use of his time in Paris to study at the Cordon Bleu and cultivate his love of cooking. He was renowned for his diverse meals from smoked ribs to duck terrine. Rob also developed and marketed a line of barbecue sauces with customers from coast to coast.

In 2016 Rob purchased Jester’s Café on Castle Street in Wilmington, North Carolina which he ran until his illness prevented it in 2024.

Sydney was his close partner in their many endeavors from restoring old houses to running the restaurant. 

Rob’s greatest joy was his son, Chasen, to whom he referred on social media as “the boy child.” He enjoyed tennis and chatting with neighbors while out walking the dog. Many will remember his cooking, his sense of humor, his signature curly blond hair and larger than life personality, but those who knew him best will cherish him as the most loyal of friends. 

Rob passed away peacefully on New Year's Eve, one day shy of his 60th birthday.

Robert Lee Powers (1 Jan 1965 - 31 Dec 2024)