Dmitri Estelle Powers

Portland - 8/7/94-12/25/24

Dmitri (born Haley Rebecca Powers) was the light of our lives. Our nights are so much longer without him. Dmitri was born 8/7/94 to Peter and Marta Powers. He was the middle of our triplets, arriving only minutes apart on a stormy night in Spokane, Washington. The hospital power went out when he and his siblings arrived, something we jokingly referred to at the time as a "Powers surge." On the night he passed, there was also a thunderstorm in Eugene. He made his exit similar to his entrance. He was the most affable of our children, simply choosing another toy if one of his siblings took something away from him. He carried this easy-going manner into his adult years, often asking "how y'all doing?" He demonstrated remarkable kindness and acceptance toward others and compassion and empathy, especially for those who did not fit in. He loved music and from the time he could make noise he would hum or sing. He shared that gift with so many others when he took up the trombone in middle school and later played in the Sheldon High School marching and jazz bands and then played for various Portland State University bands while doing his undergraduate work there. He also played the piano from an early age and quickly excelled at it using his "play something every time you walk through the room the piano is in" practice routine.

Dmitri was known for his detailed planning and lists of things he wanted to do each day, week, or year. As he grew older his follow-through on his lists was not as thorough. He was unusual as a child not only in his ability to share but he preference for a carrot as a reward over ice cream or chocolate. Only later did when he learned that he was lactose intolerant did he of course develop a taste for ice cream. He tried athletics, but did not have the agility and competitiveness for sports, and much more enjoyed learning something new each day and connecting with others through music. He was a Campfire kid, nicknamed "Turtle" and then returned for several years as an adult working as a counselor at Camp Wilani. He was in the Religious Education program at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Eugene, eagerly participating in the Our Whole Lives program, and yearly "Con" activity. After bridging he helped organize and lead conferences for other young adults in the Pacific Northwest.

Dmitri recognized differences, including his own, as a source of strength, not a weakness. During his late teens he reflected on his own gender identity and transitioned to what he knew inside about himself all along. He graduated from Portland State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and later a Master of Social Work degree. During his training he sought out practicums where he could help LGBTQ young adults deal with the institutionalized marginalization, discrimination, and trauma they face. He was proud to be a healthcare provider to clients in a long term residential mental health program, a short-term inpatient psychiatric hospital, and had just started a new position as a counselor in an outpatient program in Vancouver, Washington. His life work has been about helping and caring for others, especially those who are disabled. His legacy is about sharing kindness and empathy. Such a fine human being whose life has ended tragically early. Our hearts go out to all those who loved him and that he loved, including his home partner, Tyler, as well and his many other partners. We have lost a part of who we are with his passing: a son, a brother, and a friend to so many. We will forever miss his sweet presence. In lieu of flowers or if you wish to donate in memory of Dmitri please donate to HIV Alliance or Transponder specified for the Lavendar Network. Also consider donations to Unitarian Universalist Church in Eugene in memory of Dmitri Powers. There will be a Celebration of Life on January 18th at Noon at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Eugene.