Robert L Powers, 76
Was General Electric manager; long time Ashburnham resident
ASHBURNHAM - Robert L Powers, of Ashburnham, died unexpectedly on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007 of cardiac arrest.

He was born on Nov. 3, 1930, in Nyack, N.Y. He received a BS degree in industrial engineering from Lafayette College, Easton, Pa. in 1952 and joined the General Electric Company that year.

Mr. Powers worked for GE in the steam turbine business for 38 years at plants in Schenectady, N.Y., Fitchburg, and Lynn. He retired in December of 1990, although he continued to consult for GE, including two months in Chengdu, China in 1997. During retirement Robert applied his outstanding work ethic, and managerial and engineering expertise to a variety of community and home projects.

He married Mary Ann Hopman in 1958. They moved to Ashburnham in 1962 and quickly set down deep roots. He was an active member and pillar of the Ashburnham Community Church; his contributions included church board, finance committee, and spearheading the Stephen Ministry program. He was a devout Christian, compassionate friend, and worked to help others. He also volunteered as a trustee of the Fitchburg YMCA Board, and the Ashburnham Public Library.

Mr. Powers was an avid downhill skier and world traveler. His travels took him to Alaska, the Rocky Mountains, Australia and New Zealand, South America and the Galapagos, Russia, and El Salvador, where he worked on a construction project for Habitat for Humanity. He is survived by his three children, their spouses, and four granddaughters, Daniel Powers and Lynne Wolfe of Driggs, ID; Susan Powers and Will, Ellie and Tera Siegfried, of Potsdam, N.Y.; and Janet Powers and Chris, Isabella and Ilana Yannoni, of Bedford. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Ann.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, Sept. 14, at 11 a.m. at Ashburnham Community Church, Main Street. A reception at the church will be held immediately afterwards. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Congregational Trust Fund of the Ashburnham Community Church or the Fitchburg YMCA Camp Lowe Scholarship Fund. Bosk Funeral Home is assisting the family.