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By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

dr. greg powell

STARS mourns the passing of its founder during 40th year

May 1, 2025 | 4:40 PM

STARS, the organization which provides life-saving helicopter transportation to those facing critical injuries, shared Thursday that its founder, Dr. Greg Powell, has died.

Powell, whose inspiration for STARS was sparked by his experience in Saigon during the Vietnam War, passed away April 30 at Foothills Hospice in Okotoks, with his family, including wife Linda at his side.

As it happens, April 30 of this year marked 50 years to the day since the Vietnam War ended.

Powell was 77.

“From the very beginning of his distinguished medical career, Dr. Powell was committed to saving lives. 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,” said Dr. John Froh, president and CEO of STARS.

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“All of us at STARS extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Powell’s family and loved ones and our thoughts are with them as we share in this profound loss. Countless people are alive today because of his ground-breaking vision and enduring tenacity and for that we are honoured to carry on his mission.”

The organization adds that Powell’s vision and determination to build a charitable helicopter emergency medical service was truly all about providing access to world-class care for every patient, and was unparalleled.

In 2025, STARS is celebrating 40 years since its inception.

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