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Bliley's Funeral Home Central Chapel

3801 Augusta Ave

Richmond, Virginia

Christopher Powers Obituary

Name: Memorial Gathering for Christopher Powers
Start: 2017-01-04T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-01-05T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Bliley's Funeral Home Central Chapel

Christopher Bruce Powers formerly of Evanston, IL, age 65, died suddenly on December 28th in his wife Nora's arms while watching his beloved Northwestern Wildcats win the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in NYC. Chris was born to Stewart and Micki Powers in Richmond, VA. He attended Benedictine College Preparatory and then graduated from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA in 1973. He played basketball at both schools. He went on to earn a Masters in Accounting from VCU in Richmond and pursued a 40+ year career in accounting, including 27 years as a partner at Miller Cooper in Deerfield, IL. He served on several boards throughout his career and was Treasurer of the William & Mary Alumni Association at the time of his death. Chris had a lifelong love of learning and obtained an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in the evening program. At age 60 he retired to pursue his passion of pastoral work with a focus on assisting incarcerated youth. He was a chaplain for many years at the Cook Country Juvenile Detention Center and a strong supporter of the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in the Back of the Yards neighborhood in Chicago. In his retirement, Chris went on to complete a Masters in Pastoral Studies at Loyola University in Chicago. He is survived by his wife, Nora O'Connor Powers; his former wife, Susan Benton; his four sons, Luke (Cynthia) Powers, Edwin Powers, Jackson Powers, and Andrew (Hilary) O'Connor; granddaughter Heidi Powers, his siblings Greg (Becky) Powers, Gary (Christie) Powers, Lisa (Robert) Rock and his dog Henry. Chris was a beautiful spirit inside and out and while his sudden death leaves us all heartbroken, his gift to the world was showing others how to live a life of service and to treat all with dignity. His funeral will be held in Richmond, VA this Thursday and he will be buried in Williamsburg, VA. A memorial service will be held at Sheil Catholic Center at Northwestern University on Saturday January 7th at 11am. Sheil is located at 2110 Sheridan Road in Evanston, IL. Please direct any donations in memory of Chris to Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation at www.pbmr.org.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Jan. 1, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Powers

12 Entries

Matt Bailey

January 8, 2017

I just wanted to take a minute this morning and let you all know how very sorry I am for the passing of your father. Chris welcomed me into the firm back in 1998 with open arms, always spent time teaching, training, and mentoring me to grow as a professional. Your dad was a unique individual in the firm, one of those odd partners who in the middle of a crazy tax season would say "Hey there, how you doing? How's the family? How about those Wildcats? which I would respond of course who cares - go Hoosiers! and he would chuckle. He always had that warm smile on his face and always had a very genuine heart in caring for people at the firm and his clients. He was always so very proud of his "boys". Chris will be missed very much and my thoughts and prayers go out to each one of you. Go Wildcats Powers, Go Wildcats!

Fred McChesney

January 7, 2017

Those who knew and loved Chris Powers realize that we have lost an extraordinary man. I witnessed so much of his gentleness, generosity and overall greatness through many years. He was a holy man and an unflagging friend. I looked forward to the coming years when I would learn more from Chris in his passion to help all of us become better people. That the Lord saw otherwise does not diminish the burning sorrow at our loss.

Donal Kevin Gordon, MD

January 4, 2017

I am so saddened to hear of Chris's passing. Chris and I were friends and classmates almost 50 years ago at Benedictine High School, and to this day I remember that friendship, this, despite the fact that we have not seen one another in all that time, since I left Benedictine in 1968 after my father was transferred to Atlanta.

My life was touched by Chris, and it appears that his life touched so many others. i can only count myself blessed to have known him, to still remember him fondly all these decades later, to so appreciate the good that he has done since, to feel so very deeply for Nora and her family.

The Chris I knew all those many years ago was already a good man. Life only made him better. Death cannot take that away.

My thoughts and prayers to Nora and family....

Jackie White

January 3, 2017

My sincere condolences to Chris' family. I just had the pleasure of meeting Chris at William & Mary a few months ago and was looking forward to working with him on Alumni Association matters. It was evident that he genuinely cared about the college and others. What a tremendous loss. May his memory live on and the pain you must feel soften as time passes.

Scott Pettinato

January 3, 2017

My deepest sympathies to Nora and the rest of the family. Chris and I worked together on a finance committee for a non-profit organization. I learned so much from him during our year of collaboration. The organization has become stronger by his creative and strategic way of thinking. Stay strong Nora! You are in our thoughts and prayers.

neil and lois bergman

January 2, 2017

CHRIS WAS A WONDERFUL GUY AND EVEN THOUGH WE WERE MILES APART AND ONLY SAW HIM AND NORA ONCE A YEAR WE WILL MISS HIM GREATLY.
LOVE TO HIS MEMORY.
NEIL AND LOIS BERGMAN

January 1, 2017

Heartfelt condolences from the Morse family Neil Teresa Cortland and the girls for this sudden loss.Chris joined us in California on the passing of our dad,and we felt supported by all.As we write this our son has applied to northwestern,may he be blessed with the same passion that Chris clearly showed in all aspects of his life. With love Nora.

Joan Lakebrink

January 1, 2017

Nora and family,
I pray God grant you solace as you grieve.
Joan

Mike Maiale

January 1, 2017

My deepest sympathies to Luke, Teddy, Jack, Nora and Sue. I cannot imagine the sorrow you have over the tragic loss of Chris. While it's little consolation at this time, the boys were blessed to have had the most loving, dedicated and finest father I have ever met.

Chris was an inspiration for all who knew him, in what ever capacity. I have never met a man who had a deeper sense of duty and commitment to God and family or who fulfilled it so proudly and with such glee. Chris saw the best in everyone and inspired others to do the same. He was a true gentlemen in the finest sense of the word.

While heaven has gained by Chris's presence, this world now is sadly missing one of it's truly great fathers, husbands, friends and gentlemen. My entire family and I will miss him dearly. We are so proud to have had him as our friend.

Sandra Enk

January 1, 2017

My daughter and I sat behind you and your husband at the NU Bowl game and we are deeply saddened by your sudden loss. You both were so full of energy and excitement, high fiving us after every good play. God bless you and your family during this difficult time. You all are in our prayers.

Our last embrace

Luke Powers

January 1, 2017

Dad/Papa C Daw,
Thanks for changing all those diapers, coaching all those games, studying all those hours, playing, and being patient with me regardless of what was happening.
What an inspiration you are to me for our family. I'll continue your generous work on earth and look forward to the day we can embrace again in Heaven.
Love,
Lhaw

Mary Smith

January 1, 2017

Chris's parting gift to all who knew him was a reminder to cherish every day; love one another; reach out to the less fortunate; and give of yourself and your resources. This is the life he lived. He will be missed but never forgotten.

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