Michael Wade Powers

The family of Michael W. Powers, wife of 40 years Myra, daughter Stephanie Brown (Ross), son David Powers, grandchildren Ethan, Ben, Lucas, Lily, Grant, and great granddaughter Penelope, announce his passing on March 28, 2022. He also leaves behind loving brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, friends and beloved dog Lucy.

Within, there are the required facts, and then, there is a bit of a story about a man for whom there are not enough words to convey his life of service, the passions he pursued, his body of work and the host of friends, who are bereft but somewhat comforted knowing they can walk trails, play in parks, visit a visual arts exhibition or experience a moving performance because of Michael Powers' labors of love.

Born October 2, 1945, in Maryville, Missouri to Myron Powers and Janiece (Gray) Powers, Michael was raised by his mother and grandmother Mary Gray. The family moved to Loveland, Colorado, where stepdad Ernest Reck and his son Don became part of their lives. Michael graduated from Loveland High School in 1963, then from Colorado State University in 1967 with a B.S. in psychology.

At the height of the Vietnam war Michael enlisted in the U. S. Army serving in personnel administration at Baumholder Military Base in Germany. Following his discharge, Michael continued his human resources career path when he was hired by the City of St. Louis, Missouri, in personnel administration. In 1977 he returned to Colorado as Personnel Director for the City of Fort Collins and in 1988 became Director of Cultural, Library and Recreational Services and began guiding the myriad activities and enhancements of those departments until his retirement in 2002. In both of his roles with the City of Fort Collins, Mike touched many lives. People with whom he worked as well as community members describe him as sincere, warm, authentic, selfless, a good listener and a calm and effective leader… a mentor and facilitator who empowered people to apply their skills and expertise and often helped them see more in themselves than some did initially. His clever and dry sense of humor put everyone at ease.

In his own words, Mike said he had "the best job imaginable," because the staff loved their work, and everyone in the community loved the areas under his leadership. He understood the community and much of what residents valued.

As the most-often-behind-the-scenes, guiding force Mike was instrumental in the planning and construction of or land acquisition for 16 new parks. Among those, one of which he often spoke was the Oak Street Plaza Park. While not a large space, the Plaza is significant for its synthesis of all that makes Fort Collins notable. It is also an example of Mike's interest in showcasing the synergy of the arts, recreation and people. This park is in historic Old Town next to the iconic Museum of Art|Fort Collins building, the very building Michael treasured even though it was where he was inducted into the Army.

That's one small park for Fort Collins but a huge step toward creating a nationally recognized system of parks and trails that Michael helped spearhead. It has been said Michael had a passion for parks, bike trails, walking paths, tennis courts, ballparks, and golf courses, but he's not remembered as owning a bat, a basketball or football or ice skates though he and his team created a Master Plan for Parks and Recreation, instituted collecting parkland fees for future development and secured a Regional Great Outdoors CO Legacy Grant.

There was one sport Michael took very seriously, and he even turned that into an art form. It was fly fishing, especially at Red Feather Lakes. True to his nature, he didn't just go fishing. He tied his own flies. He studied lines and weights and rods and reels and how to cast his line. Then, he went fishing enjoying every minute of it, catching fish or not. Mike taught his kids and grandkids to fish and the nuances if river fishing. He enjoyed good food and cooking, which made a productive day of fishing all the more worthwhile. He also loved to experiment with more exotic cuisines and recipes.

So much for the sporting angle of this diverse man. Michael loved the arts, visual and performing. He was as delighted with a show on Broadway as he was with performances brought to Lincoln Center or presented at Bas Bleu or OpenStage. Madame Butterfly to Pink Floyd, he loved music and owned two guitars. Those guitars and the one song Michael mastered inspired his son's love of music. His passion for theater influenced his daughter to become a theater enthusiast as well.

Michael was pleased to have within the cultural services area the iconic, thriving Fort Collins Lincoln Center, with its theaters, visual arts galleries and conference rooms. He was also key to creating a land exchange between CSU and the City to establish the Gardens on Spring Creek, as well as advocating for the funding and development of today's Senior Center.

Michael's personal artistry was realized in his photojournalism. His and Myra's extensive travels with friends, spanning five continents, have yielded a portfolio of astounding proportions. His work was shown in gallery exhibitions, but, again modest about his own talent, Michael said most of his pieces resided in people's bathrooms. That is an offhand quip by Mike not a fact. His photography proudly graces the walls of many rooms in many homes.

Mike had a few often-used expressions for which he's remembered. One lives in perpetuity inscribed on the bench placed by colleagues, at Lincoln Center, in his honor when he retired. It reads, "It's good to see ya. Have a seat." "That's so special," and "What a treat!" described an experience, or a chance encounter, but most frequently it was a dessert. Michael's trim exterior belied his inner sweet tooth.

Mike's City responsibilities included libraries. During his tenure, technology systems were enhanced at existing city libraries and two new libraries were added. Mike was also proud of the partnership he developed with Front Range Community College to build the Harmony Library.

Between work, travel, family and friends, he made time for volunteer service to his community. Chief among those was the United Way board, which he chaired as well as serving on committees, and his most loved Museum of Art|Fort Collins. He chaired the board for three years, was a board member much longer, and was honored by the museum in 2016 as Honorary Chair of the Masks Exhibition and Benefit. The City issued a proclamation in his honor, that read in part "…Michael Powers influenced the destiny of downtown Fort Collins as one of those visionaries who were instrumental in the original purchase of the Museum's building 1989 saving it from certain demolition, and simultaneously advancing the mission of the Fort Collins Museum of Art and the Arts in our community…" Even in retirement, he pursued establishing permanent, stable funding of the arts through the creation of a special tax district (SCFD). It was a hard-fought battle, which though it did not succeed, lives in the hearts of many as an idea to bring forward again. In his disappointment, Michael said, "One day. One day it will happen."

Also, as a volunteer, Mike served on his homeowners' board and co-led a successful effort to preserve 17 acres as natural area in the Warren Shores community.

To say Michael Powers was a dreamer is to slight the reality of his many accomplishments. He was a visionary. He connected people with plans that became realized projects. Driving the streets of Fort Collins, his children, his grandchildren can say, "My dad – my grandpa – helped make that happen." His friends can say, "I knew that amazing man." Generations to come will say, "I wish I had been privileged to know Michael Powers."

A celebration of Michael Powers and his life will be held 2-4pm, Saturday, July 16, 2022, in the Canyon West Room, Fort Collins Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia. If you would like to honor Michael's memory, please consider a donation in his name to the Museum of Art|Fort Collins (www.moafc.org).