Portland - Edward Williams Powers passed away peacefully at his home in Portland, Oregon, on March 7, 2025 the age of 93.

Born in Lockport, NY, to Gladys and Edward J. Powers, he was the second of four children. He graduated from Lockport High School in 1948, Cornell University in 1952, and the University of Michigan Law School in 1956.

In 1961, he married Geraldine Dolan of the Washington Heights in New York City, and together they built a loving marriage that spanned 64 years. They raised four children: Edward J. Powers of Sarasota, FL; Eileen Powers of Andover, MA; Thomas Powers of Tampa, FL; and Scott Powers of Portland, OR. He was a devoted grandfather to nine grandchildren, Colleen, Grant, Molly, Eduardo, Emily, Erin, Roberto, Owen, and Cooper.

Beyond his deep love for family, Ed found joy in life's simple pleasures—perfecting a stereo system, tending to his rose bushes, doting on his cats, and pursuing the driest vodka martini imaginable. His passion for sound meant that family and friends were often gifted with high-quality stereo equipment, ensuring that music was always part of their lives. His love of roses extended far beyond his own garden; for over 30 years in Andover, he shared beautiful bouquets with neighbors, spreading joy throughout the summer months.

Professionally, Ed was a labor relations attorney whose career took him from Wall Street to American Airlines and then to Harvard University, where he worked for over 20 years. He later established his own consulting practice, advising institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Amherst, Williams, Wesleyan, Kenyon, and Hillsdale Colleges. Guided by a steadfast commitment to justice, Ed earned the respect of both employers and union negotiators as a man of fairness and integrity.

In the mid-1970s, he was appointed by Massachusetts Governor Francis Sargent as the state's Director of Civil Service. In this role, he played a key part in integrating local police and fire departments, working to dismantle systemic barriers that had long excluded women and people of color. His efforts came at both professional and personal risk, as such change did not come without resistance.

Even in retirement, Ed continued his dedication to equity and service. He volunteered for five years at the Virginia Garcia Health Clinics in Hillsboro, Oregon, helping to develop fair and equitable employee benefits programs. He and Geraldine were also generous supporters of the American Friends Service Committee and St. Andrew Nativity School in Portland, Oregon.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife, Geraldine; his sister, Patricia Schuler; his four children; and nine grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to St. Andrew Nativity School in Portland, Oregon.

Arrangements are March 15, 2025 2 p.m., St. Andrew's Church, 806 NE Alberta St., Portland, OR 97211.