Richard H. Powell

Delmar - Richard H. Powell (Dick to all who knew him), died unexpectedly in his sleep on Monday, April 11, at the age of 77. Dick was born on September 21, 1944, to Willard and Jean (Kimball) Powell in Auburn, NY, and grew up with his brother Robert Powell and sister Kathy (Powell) Miller. He graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse, NY. His BS in Environmental Studies and BLA are from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and MS in Urban and Environmental Studies from Rensselaer. Dick served in the Air Force with his brother Robert in Vietnam, proudly "hanging out of a Huey" as a reconnaissance photographer, where he honed his passion for the art of photography. Dick founded Powell's Landscaping Services with his brother Rob in their youth,and maintained clients to this day around the state. He spent the majority of his career as an Environmental Analyst for the NYS Public Service Commission, as well as working for Allegany State Parks Association, Dames and Moore Inc, and most recently consulting for LaBella Associates. Those who knew and worked with Dick spoke of his dedication, professionalism, perfectionism, and the pride with which he completed his projects. Dick was a passionate environmental advocate and steward of the Earth and her beauty, proudly serving as a member of the Council of Fellows in the American Society of Landscape Architects, an active member of the Western New York Chapter of ASLA, and a proud alum of ESF, tirelessly supporting the archival and financial work of all, with colleagues stating, “He combines the passion of a landscape architect with the cool thinking of an accountant, quality-assurance auditor, and archivist to benefit the ASLA.” Stories about Dick's love and light thrive in it the hearts of his wife, Kris Powell, his daughter Maggie Powell, his son Michael and his daughter-in-law Allison, with the grandsons he adored, Lincoln and Finley, with his significant other Paula Ledwith and her family, and a heap of wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, four-legged family members, and close friends. Dick’s song for his children was “What a Wonderful World”- he truly believed it was, and spent his life making it so. A memorial mass and celebration of life will be held at All Saints Church, 1340 Lancaster Ave Syracuse, NY 13210 on Saturday, July 16th at 11am. In lieu of flowers, Dick would want donations made to the ASLA Fund, which he helped to establish, to support their continued endeavors and to the ESF College Foundation, to encourage and educate the next generations of stewards, foresters, and landscape professionals. To leave a message for Dick’s family, please visit www.mcveighfuneralhome.com

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Richard H. Powell

September 21, 1944 - April 11, 2022