Don Powers

Don Powers was a very proud Irish man who loved to be with his family and friends. He was the father of 10 children and grandfather of 27. And friend to anyone that he met. His passing on October 17th in Columbus Ohio of complications from ALS or Lou Gering's disease will be a great loss to many. He was 74.

He worked at Sprayon Product, Div. of Sherwin Williams in Bedford Heights. For 23 years where he was V.P. of industrial sales until he launched his own business, D.B. Powers corp. upon selling his company, he moved from Chagrin Falls to Bryan, Ohio where he worked at Aro Corp. Prior to this retirement to Boynton Beach, Fl. he acted as a marketing consultant for several companies. He was president of American Supply and Machinery Manufacturers Assoc., a national industrial and distributor group.

Don was a native of the Cleveland area and attended St. Ann's school, graduated from Cleveland Heights and attended John Carroll University.

There is no way I can talk about don and not mention his love for sports. For some people sports are a hobby, for Don it was a passion. It all started with those glory days in high school where he starred in football, basketball and baseball. His enthusiasm for the game of golf was only surpassed by a quick game of Gin rummy at the 19th hole.

Although his athletic genes have skidded many a generation, he took great pride in watching and following his grandchildren participate and excel in sports. It is only fitting to note that he spent his last night sitting home watching a football game on TV. His love of watercolor painting is evident in the homes of his family and friends.

In an effort to raise awareness and funds for ALS research and patient care, he spearheaded the inaugural Powers Family Scramble for ALS, an annual fundraiser which was held at the Hawthorne Valley Country Club in Cleveland. The event is being planned for June 26 this year.

Because his speech had gone he had a friend read a letter everyone at the golf affair. He said "this disease is not about what I have lost in speech, strength, pain or the experiences I experience. It is about what I have found. I have found the true meaning of love! I have found that God in his infinite wisdom has made me a better person than I was a year and a half ago and has given me the distinct privilege to have so many loving and caring friends and family. You see with all that I said I have found the true meaning of Happiness!"