Dr. Greg Powell, the visionary founder of the non-profit air ambulance service STARS, passed away on April 30 at the Foothills Country Hospice. He was 77.
STARS announced his passing on May 1, remembering Powell as a relentless advocate for patient care and emergency response.
“From the very beginning of his distinguished medical career, Dr. Powell was committed to saving lives,” said STARS President and CEO, Dr. John Froh. “Early on, he recognized too many patients were dying because they couldn’t get the care they needed fast enough and was motivated to change that.”
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Powell launched STARS in 1985 after witnessing the urgent need for rapid-response medical transport during his time serving in the Vietnam War. The organization has since grown into a vital lifeline across Western Canada, completing over 60,000 missions from bases in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
“All of us at STARS extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Powell’s family and loved ones,” said Froh. “Countless people are alive today because of his groundbreaking vision and enduring tenacity. For that, we are honoured to carry on his mission.”
In 2021, Powell was inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence, the province’s highest honour, recognizing his lifetime of service and innovation in emergency medicine.