Who Was Born On May 17, 1929?

Richard N. Powers, the son of Beatrice Cameron and Ralph N. Powers, was born in Flint, Genesee County, Michigan, May 17, 1929.  He was my Dad and he would have been 83 years old today.  He died on Father's Day, June 16, 1974, at the age of 45.  Dad was known for his unflappable good humor.

A Flint Journal column written as a tribute, included the following excerpts:

Our world is composed of doers and takers. It's easy to figure where Dick Powers belonged. The Industrial Mutual Association has lost its Most Valuable Player and the Flint area has lost a guy who seemed to have his finger in all the pies. Having his finger in the pies was natural because he made some of 'em.


Dick returned to the Flint area as coach at old Utley High and later at Swartz Creek. Then came a return to college for an advanced degree and stint with the Michigan Department of Public Instruction. He joined the IMA in 1964 in what ranks as one of the best decisions in IMA history.


HIS JOB required mixing with Flint's elite and its sub-standard folk but he was the same Dick Powers with the Motts as with the Nots. However, I always felt that Dick was happiest when his sleeves were rolled up and he was working behind the scenes.

Dick Powers's short career in Flint resembled an iceberg. What showed on the surface was just a fraction of what he really accomplished. In that respect, his loss is Titanic.