Ronald David Powers

It is with tremendous sadness and shock that the family of Ronald David Powers (Ron) announces Ron passed away January 31st, 2025 at the age of 64. Ron was born to Robert Benjamin Powers and Rosemary Winburn Powers in Fort Collins, Colorado. His brother, Ed, fondly remembers how wild Ron was as a child. Between his older brothers and cousins, Ron was always into some sort of shenanigans. In his youth, Ron attended Tavelli Elementary, Lincoln Junior High, and Poudre High School. He graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. He worked in the construction industry for decades and was always proud to point out buildings he had built. Ron was exceptionally proud to be a third generation Fort Collins native and fondly recounted the intertwined history of Fort Collins and the Powers family. Ron met his life-long partner and wife, Leah, when he was twenty years old. They were together for 45 years. Later they would realize they actually had first met when they were children at a mutual family friend’s house; they were a love story meant to be. Eventually they married and raised three children: Felicia, Jordan, and Jared. As a family of five, they had many adventures across the Rocky Mountain region. On the home front, Ron willingly served as a recipe tester for Jordan, though he always thought everything was amazing. The most common comment being a family saying, "kinda more-ish," meaning he needed to have more because it tasted so good. Ron was well known as a photographer, a hobby he passed on to each of his kids, one especially cherished by Jordan. On a trip to Estes Park last summer, Ron and Jordan spent many hours each morning taking pictures of the season's first snow on Longs Peak. In classic Ron fashion, he even got out his spotting scope, which allowed him to spy on people climbing the peak that day. To know Ron, was to know the richness of life: family, friendship, and fun. Ron would say his greatest accomplishment was his family. He instilled in his children a passion for the outdoors, creativity, and hard work ethic. He was exceptionally proud to guide Jared through Boy Scouts to the final rank of Eagle Scout. As an adult leader in Boy Scouts, Ron was an exemplary role model to numerous young men. Many of his hobbies embraced the richness of the natural world: skiing, canoeing, climbing, photography, fishing, and so many more. Often during these activities, he would pause and take in the wonder of the moment, whether it was observing a beautiful sunrise from his hot tub, the peacefulness of fresh snowfall on the ski slope, or stopping to smell a pine tree on a hike. Ron carried on the family hobby of wood working. He often made beautiful ornaments and other treasures on his scroll saw. Ron was a friend to all. He saw the best in every person he met and was always a kind soul. Everyone who counted Ron as a friend experienced the richness of a relationship that knew no end, no matter how much time passed between conversations. Ron would frequently recount favorite memories from various adventures and experiences filled with his buddies. Several pastimes included monoskiing, playing volleyball, and a lifelong attendance of CSU Ram football games. Ron and his wife, Leah, were frequently joined by friends and family on many camping adventures. They traveled the country with their camper, always seeking adventure. Some of their favorite spots were the Colorado Springs Hot Air Balloon festival, Vedauwoo, Glendo, and a few super-secret special spots that cannot be revealed. Ron and Jared especially liked their rock climbing at Vedauwoo with the boy scout troop. Ron and Leah were also joined by Felicia and Matt to travel to the Path of Totality of the Ring of Fire Eclipse and the most recent Total Eclipse. Ron, Leah, Felicia, and Matt also explored the North Shore of Lake Superior. They enjoyed seeing all the beautiful waterfalls, the grandeur of Lake Superior, and even hunting for special rocks on the lakeshore. After a long day of exploring, Ron would love to sit around the campfire playing games, telling stories, and stargazing. Ron loved all creatures big and small, but especially his family’s dogs. For years he would walk the property almost every day, first with Ginger, and then most recently with Nym. His family affectionately coined the term, “Pee-Paw”, to reflect the love he had for his grand-dogs, Emmitt, Niko, and Flint. Ron was preceded in death by his parents Rosemary and Robert Powers, brother Richard Alan Powers, and beloved family dogs: Curly Joe, Chelsea, Ginger, and Kaia. Ron is survived by his wife Leah Powers, daughter Felicia Powers (Matt) Doran, daughter Jordan Powers (Eli Finer), son Jared Powers, brother Ed Powers, brother Ray (Alberta) Powers, sister Jan Giunta, sister Judy Honnen, aunt Lorinne Gaide, Nym (beloved dog), Emmitt, Niko, and Flint (beloved grand-dogs). Ron’s family requests you to honor his legacy by enjoying the small moments in nature. Think of Ron when you smell the pine trees, take in the scenic vista, stargaze, or peacefully watch the sunrise or sunset. He will live on in all of us through the small appreciation of these beautiful moments. A service will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Wednesday February 19th, 2025 at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the GoFundMe to plant a forest in Ron’s honor: https://www.gofundme.com/f/grow-a-forest-in-ron-powers-honor

Tributes

Ronald David Powers

May 20, 1960 - January 31, 2025