Name: Calling hours for Gary W. Powers
Start: 2017-05-12T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-05-12T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home

Gary W. Powers

Gary W. Powers, 59, of Derby, VT passed away on May 6, 2017 in Lebanon, NH. He was born on March 28, 1958 in Newport to Ray and Vida (Doncaster) Powers. On August 10, 1989 he married the former Jennifer Troupe who survives him.

He was an engineer and worked for Caterpillar manufacturing in Indiana where he retired in October 2015. Gary was a gentleman farmer, loved the outdoors, fishing, hiking and loved to listen to live music.

He is survived by his wife Jennifer Powers of Derby, VT, by his children: Megan Timmons and her husband Brian of Lafayette, Indiana, Casey Powers of Pasadena, CA, Marshall Powers of West Lafayette, Indiana and Annie Powers of Bloomington, Indiana. He is also survived by two sisters: Beth Crowe and her husband Clifford of West Charleston, VT, and Marsha Brunelle and her husband Victor of West Charleston, VT, his nephews Jeff and Gabe, his niece Summer and great niece Kylie.

Friends may call from 5-7 p.m. on Friday May 12, 2017 at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Newport where funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday May 13, 2017. Interment will follow in West Charleston Cemetery.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, locally family owned and operated.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Journal & Courier on May 10, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Powers

Sponsored by Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Homes - Newport.

43 Entries

Claudiu Vasilache

May 22, 2017

I was so saddened of Gary's passing. I had the privilege to work with Gary in Mossville and Lafayette and I don't remember meeting another human being with such a positive attitude, always taking the time to talk/chat when you'd meet him even though he had more important things to do. You could easily write a book with his fishing or travel stories. He will be missed but not forgotten. God bless you.

Mo & Joe Profera

May 21, 2017

We are so saddened to hear of Gary's passing. We just learned of this because we were away. We send our heartfelt prayers and condolences to you and your family. God bless you.

Glen Nawrocki

May 16, 2017

Gary was a long time friend and he will be missed by all that knew him. Whenever we parted, I believe we each smiled a little bit more.

Victor Sirotek

May 16, 2017

Gary was one of my best friends, I will never forget jumping off the bridge up in Vermont on my first trip up

Mehul Sonigra

May 15, 2017

I am truly sad to hear Gary's passing. Gary was inspiration to many people around him. Gary was genuine, lifelong student of his profession and always had cheerful outlook towards life and it was very infectious! The world needs more people like Gary.

Tom Puterbaugh

May 15, 2017

Very sorry to learn of Gary's untimely passing. Despite having the inquisitive nature and reasoning of a great engineer, he was always -- always -- positive and considerate of the people he encountered. Always admired and appreciated that in him. Prayers for Gary's family and friends in adjusting to this loss and in carrying forward his uplifting example. Gary made the world a better place.

Heather Deaton

May 15, 2017

I'm so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I met him while I worked for TABS Technologies in Lebanon, IN when we did a lot of work for Caterpillar. He was a very nice man that was always quick to laugh, and always had a fishing story. I pray that our Lord will comfort your family during this time. My sympathies.

Dave and Rebecca Kiser/Sullivan

May 13, 2017

We are so sorry to hear to hear of Gary's passing. You guys were such great neighbors, but I'm glad Gary had some time in his beloved Vermont before he died.

Our heart felt condolence to you, Jennifer, and to all your kids and family.

Love,

Dave and Rebecca

Dan Streutker

May 12, 2017

Condolences to Jennifer and family. I was saddened to hear of Gary's passing. He was a great man and a wonderful friend. I enjoyed working with Gary at Cat, but will cherish the memories of fishing the Wildcat & Tippy.
Godspeed to y'all.

John Gladden

May 12, 2017

Jennifer and family, we are very sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I worked with Gary when he started at Caterpillar in Lafayette and over the years here. He was always a pleasure to work with. I appreciated him as an engineer and as a friend.
He was always cheerful even when we ran into difficulties.
He was curious about lots of things. I was glad to answer some of his questions about Hoosier land.
I consider it a privilege to have known and worked with him. He will be missed.
You and your family are in our prayers.

Kevin Mantel

May 12, 2017

Jennifer, friends, and family of Gary, I was shocked and sadden to hear of Gary's passing. It was just a week prior that he and I were texting back and forth. He was as witty and optimistic as ever just a week before he passed. Gary was always a glass is "half full" person.

Gary hired me into CAT and was always a great mentor in the best & worst of times. I will miss the trips to Honeywell, team building on the Strand, beers at Manhattan beach, and the many other work trips that always had some funny story associated with each trip.

I will take a little pride that I taught Gary the benefits and skill of "chit chat" with strangers on our trip down the Mississippi River. In addition, I taught him the benefits of the Socratic Method (or a game called 20 questions). Gary, for you, I will hold a day of "no questions" in your honor.

Gary likely fought off passing away just a day earlier (May 5 or Cinco de Mayo 2017). Gary loved a good margarita and would have not wanted us to remember that day as a sad day. I made margaritas at home for the first time that Friday. Call it prophetic. I don't know. But I will at least believe Gary had a little hand in that.

Rest in peace.

Kevin Mantel

May 12, 2017

Wolfgang Heintze

May 12, 2017

Dear Jennifer and Family,
I was informed via Caterpillar Kiel, Germany what happens with my friend and former caterpillar- fellow Gary. Ute and me are very shocked to this hard breavment. Please accept our condolences.
We have looked forward to your visit in fall here in Kiel.
Now it is to late to see Gary again. We hope you will find a way to reduce your pain.
God bless you.
Ute and Wolfgang

George Lustgarten (from Switzerland)

George Lustgarten

May 12, 2017

With great sorrow I learn about Gary W. Powers passing away. I had the privilege to work with Gary during my time as a Director of Engineering for Large Engines between 1997 and 2004. He was a great professional and a kind personality. I convey to his beloved family and relatives my sincere condolences.

Tim Keller

May 12, 2017

Jennifer, Cathy and I are so sorry for your loss. It was a blessing knowing Gary and working with him at Power Systems. One of my fondest memories is when our families when sledding on the back side of the Sandia Mountains. May God's peace be with you and your family.

Karen Allen

May 12, 2017

Gary was a such an inspiration in the work place and always knew how to get the job done. He hired me at Allied Signal and convinced my husband and myself that I could commute from Ithaca, NY to Albuquerque, NM for two years. Nothing but respect and great memories of a terrific guy and a great manager. Every time I see one of those singing fish I think of the one in his office in NM. Jennifer, thoughts and prayers to all of you, so very shocked and sorry to hear about Gary.

Alden Powers

May 11, 2017

Jennifer and all the family. So sorry to hear of your beloved Gary's passing. I am one of his new found cousins. We had planed to meet this summer. Perhaps we'll meet on the other side.
My deepest condolences,
Alden Powers

Jon Hancock

May 11, 2017

Jennifer and family, we are so sorry to hear of Gary's passing and have you in our thoughts and prayers. Gary was my manager for several years, and taught me about turbochargers, how to mix a good margarita, which of my colleagues had 6 toes, and how to pick the best dinner location in any city we visited! Most of all, he taught me how to approach all those things with enthusiasm and a positive outlook. He really was an inspiration to me, and his legacy will live on in all those who had the Privilege to know him. He was a bloody nice chap.

Bill and Tommi Hall

May 11, 2017

Jennifer and family. We are still in shock about Gary's passing. He was a great guy and will be missed by everyone. Things will not be the same at the lake without him. He was taken from us much too soon. You have all been in our prayers all week. May God give you the strength to get through the coming days. Your next door neighbors in Derby.

Rick Annati

May 11, 2017

To all who knew Gary -- especially Jennifer:

Seldom does the beauty and wonder of our shared humanity burn as bright as it did within the glowing spirit of Gary William Powers. Not an ill word was ever spoken about Gary by anyone who truly knew him. Those who knew Gary only had the highest of admiration for him and the greatest of appreciation for his company.

Gary exemplified so many hallmarks of what it truly means to be a human being:

He had boundless compassion and empathy for his fellow man. Although not overtly displayed for all to see, (because of his stoic, respectful Vermonters upbringing), Gary was the most compassionate and empathatic man you could ever meet. Gary was nearly incapable of feeling any resentment or ill will towards anyone no matter how grieviously that person may have crossed him or wronged him. He never spoke ill about anyone ever. He did not wast any of his energy in the labors of negativism.

He had a true joy and zeal for life and for living. Gary approached every single experience in life with great zest and appreciation. He somehow savored every single moment, even the mundane. He was always in a state of sheer bliss for all of life's experiences, especialy when he had a fishing line (or two or four or six) in the water.

He had a powerful and boundless sense of humor that was undeterred even in the face of any adversity.
Gary greeted all things with his characteristic smile and a chuckle. He greeted any dismay with an even broader smile and an even deeper chuckle. His joy and humor contagiously spread to all others around him. He was always a true pleasure to be with in any situation. Exposure to his unboundless positive attitude towards life was so powerful, it was nothing short of a cure for someone suffering with depression.

He had great honor to his word. Gary's handshake was as good or better than any written contract.

As a stoic Vermonter, he was ungainly with the use of the "L" word. Although awkward for Gary to express directly in words, his love for the people in his life was boundless and palpable to anyone who truly knew him.

He was nonjudgemental, very open minded and accepting towards others. Gary would never speak ill of anyone, even those who might have slighted or harmed him in some way. Gary had a strong sense of forgiveness. He turned-the-other-cheek and lived by the Golden Rule.

He had a profound dedication to his wife. Gary's fidelity was complete and unwavering. The closest thing to any vice was prehaps mowing the lawn with his headphones on while listening to the Britteney Spears channel on Pandora.

He was a visionary and a forward thinker. Gary was never satisfied with the way thngs were but rather was always driven by the way things could be.

He had a crisp intellect. When Gary was motivated towards a goal his intellect and memory were nearly boundless. He had a selective memory, and whenever he applied it, his recollection was uncanny, thorough and accurate. Long before the concept of a paperless office, Gary retained a paperless office because of what he was able to retain in his mind. Gary was a renaisance man, always learning and well read in the sciences.

He was a humble man. Gary let his actions and deeds speak for themselves. He never boasted about himself. He was quick to give credit where credit was do to others, especially in the very competitive dog-eat-dog work environment where his approach to leadership was greatly appreciated by all those who worked for him and with him.

He did not have a bucket-list per se but in Gary's eighteen months since retirement he did realize his true life's goals -- especially tilling and planting the hallowed ground of his family farm, restoring the family farmhouse, maple sugaring, enjoying contemplative reflections as he hiked along the ridge at Sugar Hill and fishing, fishing, fishing and more fishing.

Our collective task now is to foster the legacy of Gary's wonderful humanity by recalling and celebrating the joy he had for life and the joy that he brought into the lives of others. Let us all rejoice in our fond memories of Gary's sense of humor and his boundless zest for life. Let's carry those memories forward and honor Gary by embracing each day, each moment and each breath as a gift to enjoy and savor just as Gary did and just as he would want for us to do now. Let your fond memories of Gary's perpetual sense of humor and positive approach to life guide you to not feel sorrow for him. Gary never wanted anyones pitty in life, so in death let's honor him with thoughts of joy and gladness in celebration of his wonderful happy life. As such Gary's joyful spirit will remain among us, fostering within us.

Aside from my immediate family members, Gary is the only man I ever fraternally loved. I am selfishly glad to have been able to, albeith somewhat awkwardly, express that love for him while he was enjoying his bliss among the living.

In heaven there are the most beautiful of times to be had. We can all rest assured that Gary is now gleefully enjoying the best of the best to the fullest extent.

Party on my old pal ...until we meet again.

Susie Davis

May 11, 2017

I am keeping you in my prayers. So sorry for your loss. May God hold you in his hands during this time.
With deep sympathy,

Bruce Loden

May 10, 2017

From Bruce Loden, Gary loved my daughter Megan, as his own. It is impossible for me to express my graditude. My dearest Jennifer, my thoughts, and prayers are with you.

Trying to blend in with the locals...

Brian Horwath

May 10, 2017

To Jennifer and the Powers family: I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Gary, I had the pleasure to work with him while he was in Lafayette. He loved his family tremendously, had a magnetic personality and he was truly a role model for me. I have not met many people with the qualities of Gary, with that, I wanted to say thank you for sharing such a great man with us all. When I think of Gary I can only think about a man with such a tremendous heart and wonderful outlook on everything he encountered. Gary's positivity was contagious and always inspiring. I had the pleasure to travel to Europe with Gary and experience his adventurous palette, love of all that is unique and his ability to make friends with just about anyone. He will be very missed but forever in our memories. I hope that you find some comfort in knowing that he touched so many, in such a positive way.

Gordon

May 10, 2017

Gary smiled. He was curious, interesting, and joyful. Good memories of good times during my work at Cat with him. If there is fishing in heaven, his will be the best.

David Jeorling

May 10, 2017

Gary, Was a true Engineer and made my short time in Lafayette an enjoyable one. We had some fun memories of work, travel and family get together. It is of great sorrow and loss to hear of his much to early of passing.

Bob Griffith

May 10, 2017

Such a great loss. Gary was wonderful to work for and a great friend. He will be missed by all who new him and the family who loved him.

John Starkey

May 10, 2017

To all of Gary's family and loved ones, I am so sad to hear of Gary's passing. I teach Mechanical Engineering and Purdue and Gary volunteered to work with our students and help review their designs. I thoroughly enjoyed interacting with him and will miss him greatly. You are all in my prayers.

Luke

May 10, 2017

I met Gary at Caterpillar. Gary was and still is very highly respected, an honest man who brought the best out of the people around him. Even today, his legacy lives on. I didn't know him outside of the office, but, even if he was only half the man outside of work that he was inside of work, he set the bar high for us all.

Nicole Abernathy

May 10, 2017

Gary was the light of the room any time he stepped in. I had the pleasure of working with Gary at the end of his career and all he would talk about was the countdown to retirement. He was loved by so many and left a footprint on each of our lives. We loved seeing the pictures of Gary doing what he loved so much over the last year. He will be truly missed. God speed.

Brad Shaffer

May 10, 2017

May his Memory be Eternal.

Gary was one of the best managers at Caterpillar, it was my pleasure to have known him.

Laura, Shannon and Troy Garner

May 10, 2017

We are so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. We wish you peace and strength during this very sad time.

Steve Doty

May 10, 2017

Always had a smile on his face and saw the positive in every situation...grace go with the family.. he will be missed my family and friends...

Nikki Simpson

May 10, 2017

Beth and Marsha,

Was so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. When we loose childhood friends, it makes us think of our own mortality! Thinking of you both. Sending thoughts and prayers to you both and Gary's family. May all your memories keep his love close to you all.

Brenda Spaulding Mannino

May 9, 2017

Gary was the little brother of one of my best friends while growing up. I left our hometown area before he even graduated so I never knew of his very accomplished life. All I know is that he was loved, dearly , by all of his family and friends and that his passing is a great loss to all. Praying for comfort and healing for his family.

Brian & Jill Garman

May 9, 2017

Jennifer and Family: We were shocked and saddened to hear of Gary's passing and want you to know our sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with you. Gary was a great colleague and mentor, but more importantly a caring and supportive friend.

Laurie Kuhn

May 9, 2017

Our hearts ache for you and your family.
It was an honor to know such a wonderful person. Prayers
Mike and Laurie