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Ray Powers Obituary

Former Colorado State Senator Ray Powers died at his home (the Powers' Ranch) East of Colorado Springs, on September 19, 2008. Ray Powers, 79, was born June 27, 1929 to Cora and Guy Powers. He was born and raised at his parents home (the Powers Dairy located on the East side of Colorado Springs at that time). Ray lost his father in a tragic accident when he was only a teenager. He was always proud to be a native of Colorado Springs. Powers Boulevard, a major traffic corridor on the Eastern side of the Pikes Peak Region, was named after the well known and loved state senator by long-time developer Bill Smartt, who wanted to pay tribute to Powers' many accomplishments. He had served as president of the State 4-H Club. He started his politic career when he was elected to the Colorado House in 1978. He was elected 5 times to the Colorado Senate from District 10, departing as President of the Colorado Senate, where he had served 22 years. He worked as a dairy farmer, rancher and businessman, and was an influential voice for Agriculture in the Colorado Legislature and elsewhere. His finest legislative achievements included SB1, a 1997 Highway Funding bill that provided $200 million a year for Highway funding. One of Ray's proudest achievements was being President of the American Legislative Exchange Council. He was also Chairman of Western Council of State Governments made up of legislators. He was Chairman of the Council of State Governments International Trade Committee, Chair of Council of State Government Federalism Committee and Suggested State Legislative Committee, a Lifetime member of the Colorado Cattleman's Association, Vice President of the National Dairy Council, a member of the NRA and a strong proponent of Second amendment rights. He loved to travel, and in his later years, enjoyed taking cruises with his wife, Dorothy. He also enjoyed playing cards and having dinner with friends. In his later years, he and Dorothy enjoyed wintering in Tucson, Arizona. Ray would want to be remembered as the guy who served his country and state in a way that was cost effective and brought about a better quality of life. In other words, he wanted to bring a ray of powerful sunshine into the lives of all those he touched. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Ray leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Dorothy; daughter, Janet (and Dale); stepson, Steve (and Judi); five grandchildren, Alexa, Melissa (and Glen), Clint (and Rebecca), Stephanie (and Mark), Audray (and Brent); 9 great grandchildren, Jacque, Jordan, Jerran, Makenzie, Dylan, Madison, Zoe, Zeke, Mercy; his sister Marjorie (and Leo) Morford of Colorado; long-time employee Dan and his dog, Cinamon. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Kenneth and Clifford. A memorial service will be held Tues., Sept. 23 at 11 a.m. at First Nazarene Church, 4120 E. Fountain Blvd., Colo. Spgs., CO. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the "Ray Powers Memorial" at First Nazarene Church, 4120 E. Fountain Blvd. Colo. Spgs., CO

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

Published by The Gazette on Sep. 21, 2008.

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James Burke

September 23, 2008

Dorthy, I am sorry to hear your loss. It was sad to hear the news from my mother yesterday morning. I could not thank Mr. Powers enough for letting me have my Eagle Scout Court of Honor on the ranch, in 2001. I'm glad he was my guest speaker, I hold that memory as one of the best in my life. I have done nothing but looked up to him, and attempt to model his great attitude in life. I even remember one time wanting to be a Senetor, all because of Mr. Powers. He will be missed.

Terrie Burke

September 23, 2008

Dorothy - we are sad of Rays passing. There are so many good memories of him. I know James will never forget his kindness and being able to share his Eagle Scout Day with Ray at the ranch! He often speaks of that. Our thoughts are with you.

Terrie - Heather - James - Elizabeth Burke

Mary Ann Bevans

September 22, 2008

Dorothy, we are so sorry to hear of Ray's passing. Our Aunt Carol Powers Rapp was also an aunt to Ray and Marjorie. He was like a cousin to us. He was a wonderful guy and we had a lot of fun times at the original Powers diary when we were kids.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Ron and Mary Ann (Rapp) Bevans

Marjorie Morford

September 22, 2008

My brother Raymond;was best friend and playmate in our childhood days and teenage years.He was the one I looked up to for many years He was a brother to be proud of. He served his community well.May he rest in peace.

Jeanne Ragains (Southworth)

September 22, 2008

I boarded my horse at the "old dairy" on Constitution and Powers and I have the fondest memories of Ray and his family. I will never forget Ray's kindness and generousity. My deepest sympathy and prayers are with his family.

Donna and Darwin Harfert

September 22, 2008

Dorothy, you are certainly in our thoughts and prayers. We know Ray will be greatly missed and may you be comforted by the many friends and family who surround you during the coming days. Please know we care and love you.

Brenda Zook

September 22, 2008

My Dearest Friend Janet, Dale & Alexa,
I was deeply sadden by hearing of the loss of your Daddy, today. I can only tell you that he was truly a hard working eager man. Wanting only the very best for the people around him and even for the people he did not know. What a wonderful life he had from being the dairy farmer in the barn to the State Capitol Colorado Senate. He will truly be missed but his memories will live on.
Know that my thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family.
All my Love,
Brenda Zook & family
Fountain Hills, AZ

John B. Delaney

September 21, 2008

I am saddened by Mr. Powers' passing. I first met Mr. Powers in 1972 after I rolled my dad's car on Powers Blvd and took out a large part of his fence (110 ft). I had a life changing summer that year....

Louis Marcon

September 21, 2008

Dorothy,
Our deepest sympathy to you and all your family. We will miss his wonderful laugh and smile. He was a very kind, gentle, and sweet man. We especially will miss his enthusiasm for picking his favorite teams during football and basketball season. May you be comforted by all the wonderful memories of him and the fond wishes of those close to you.
You are in our prayers,
Lou and Sharon

mary ward

September 21, 2008

I am saddened to hear of Ray's death and my heartfelt sympathies to you Dorothy and your entire family. Not very often do you find a man of Ray's integrity in life. It was certainly a priviledge to have met him. Mary K. Ward

Tracie Ricketts

September 21, 2008

To Melissa and her family...our most heartfelt condolences are with you as you mourn the loss of a wonderful man.

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