A former member of City Council died last week.

William “Rufus” Powell, who represented the Holy Neck Borough from 1998 to 2002 and was the vice mayor from 2000 to 2002, died Nov. 27.

Powell’s daughter, Sue Roberts, said her father enjoyed talking about his service on City Council. However, he didn’t think of it and his other efforts as “community service.”

“He just liked to volunteer,” she said. “That’s how he put it. He always liked to talk to people, and he enjoyed his time there.”

Powell was a Ruritan member and enjoyed volunteering in a number of positions. He was a retiree from SUPSHIP Portsmouth.

“He was a good provider. He was a good role model. He was always a hard worker,” Roberts said. “My brother likes to say that dad gave him a good work ethic.”

Roberts said her father was also a man of strong faith and a good husband to his wife.

Powell is survived by his wife of 55 years, Katherine Powell; his children, William Rufus Powell Jr. and Susan P. Roberts, and their spouses; as well as five grandchildren, two siblings and many other relatives and friends.

A funeral was held Thursday at Bethlehem Christian Church.