John Francis Powers

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August 18, 2020

Millicent, JQ, and Emma -
I was so sorry to hear about JP's passing. I have nothing but respect and admiration for him.
I worked for him for several years at SMC, and learned how deeply he cared about people, that he chose ethics and integrity above... more

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August 12, 2020

John was a sweet, funny, caring guy. I'd see him before work each morning at the Bay Club. We would talk sports, well, basketball. Not sure he cared about any other sports. When my friend and I started a business he was one of our first clients, despite... more

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August 10, 2020

Millicent, JQ and Emma -

JP was a trusted mentor to me for many years to whom I owe a great deal (he was one of my first bosses out of college at HCP). Most importantly, JP was a terrific friend to me and my family whom we could always count on. I’ll... more

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August 4, 2020

Millicent, Emma and JQ - I am so so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you.

JP was my first boss at first job out of college in 1999 when I was an analyst on his Research team. He was my boss for a year and my friend for 20 years after that. ... more

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July 31, 2020

John and I were classmates and great friends at Cornell. He knew everything about every topic, and was the best storyteller! Everyone in our group saw a romanticized South though John’s eyes! We spent many nights closing the Royal Palms in... more

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July 31, 2020

Such sad news. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Powers family.

I worked with John @ RS & Co. for six years. John always wanted to be educated on the latest technologies and I was the Purchasing Director. The new Motorola Startac cell... more

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July 31, 2020

Millicent, Emma and JQ-

I was just so sad to hear of JP's passing. I wanted you all to know he had such a profound impact on me personally and professionally.

I met JP at Hall Capital Partners and worked for him for several years there and then for... more

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July 31, 2020

Millicent, JQ and Emma - As John's assistant at Credit Suisse, I saw how (despite all the pressure and deadlines) John was such a generous leader, and always took time to coach and mentor each team member. Calls also occasionally came in from associates... more

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July 30, 2020

Millicent, JQ & Emma,
We were very sorry to hear of John's passing. Our thoughts are with you.

"Think where man's glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was I had such friends." W.B. Yeats

- Mary Fox, Peter Travers & Jack Travers

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July 30, 2020

Dear Millicent, Emma and JQ,
I am so saddened to hear of your loss. I always enjoyed John's kindness, intelligence and humor. It has been many years since I have seen you all, but I have such fond memories of all of you. What I remember most about... more

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July 30, 2020

I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to work for JP at RSCO in my first job after college. He was a fantastic mentor--he got me excited about our work--causing me to love the analytical joys of business and leave my plans for... more

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July 30, 2020

John and I became close friends within minutes of my arrival at Stanford Business School. Our quirky, trivia-obsessed senses of humor, love of snark, and addiction to outdoor hoops sealed instant bonds. He was a unique combination of sweet and funny,... more

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Mike Slade PS I forgot that we picked A LOT of rhubarb at his great uncle's house and my aunt rustled up some tasty pie!
- July 30, 2020

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July 30, 2020 · via iPhone

I had the privilege of knowing JP during the fun years at Robertson Stephens. He was always so encouraging to the young people trying to make it out there! Thinking of his family during this tough time!

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July 30, 2020

Dear Emma, JQ and Millicent,
My deepest condolences. I remember John as such a kind, kind person. He took the time to see you and hear you. A genuine soul. May you all find comfort in each other and in the many memories who have.

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July 30, 2020

Dear Millicent, Emma and JQ,
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of such a kind and gentle soul. I worked for John (aka "JP") early in my career at Robertson Stephens. Words cannot express just how much of a positive impact that he had on my... more

Dear Millicent, Emma and JQ,
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of such a kind and gentle soul. I worked for John (aka "JP"

early in my career at Robertson Stephens. Words cannot express just how much of a positive impact that he had on my life... see more

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July 30, 2020

I must admit I’ve been struggling to find the right words for this note. My eyes start to well up with tears when I consider his passing and I think to myself, “Did I thank him enough?” JP was a pivotal person in my life.

I remember meeting JP... moreI must admit I’ve been struggling to find the right words for this note. My eyes start to well up with tears when I consider his passing and I think to myself, “Did I thank him enough?” JP was a pivotal person in my life.

I remember meeting JP at Robertson Stephens 20 years ago. He happened to be walking across the open trading floor and stood out, because he seemed to be taller than just about everyone at the firm and wore the most stylish eyewear. He made it a point to come over and introduce himself to me that day. I was new to the organization and didn’t work with him directly, but he went made it a point to just come over, say hello, and spend a few minutes to get to know me a bit. It made a big impression on me. Every time we would see one another he would stop, say hello, and remember things about our last conversation that no other person would have remembered. He took the time to be present. We would just pick up the conversation where we left it last. He would give me thoughtful advice about the job and otherwise.

I was so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet him. Had we not met at Robbie, I likely wouldn't have had the opportunity to to join him at Hall Capital Partners, which was such a special time for me professionally and personally. Working with him at HCP was where we really got a chance to form a friendship. He was just fantastic. He was funny (oh my gosh he made coming to work fun!). He was kind. He was present.

JP knew that the connective tissue of relationships were the small moments shared between people. He went out of his way and made it a point to stop by my home and check-in with Bianca and me when our first daughter Emmi was born. He put in a call when our daughter Aubrey arrived. He would randomly call me up and check-in even when we moved to Boston, which was a really big transition for us. He did small things that meant a lot.

I am thankful to have worked with him. I am grateful to have known him. I am joyful to have had the privilege of calling him my friend.

I will miss him tremendously.

My deepest condolences go to Millicent, JQ and Emma. You should know that whenever JP and I spoke, he would proudly share pictures and stories of you and all the wonderful things you were doing. He was so proud and always beamed when he spoke of you.

Rest in peace JP. less

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July 30, 2020

John made an unexpected and wonderful first impression on me... one that I think says so much about who he was as a person.

Years ago, my mom called to tell me that I had a cousin living in San Francisco. She had just been on the phone with his mother -... moreJohn made an unexpected and wonderful first impression on me... one that I think says so much about who he was as a person.

Years ago, my mom called to tell me that I had a cousin living in San Francisco. She had just been on the phone with his mother - Betsey Powers (who I had heard of) - her own mother's first cousin, who was the young flower girl in my grandmother's wedding. My mom and Betsey wanted to connect their San Francisco offspring.

I agreed to call him, unsure of the level of enthusiasm I would receive, given that we were second cousins once removed. (Something we later worked out.) But I made that call, leaving a message on his voicemail.

Within 15 minutes I received a call back: "Karen! It's John Powers saying hello from London!" Within 30 minutes I had a photo of him in my in-box, cocktail in hand, taken at a birthday party in Hawaii. And within the week, I was meeting him in person in his office at Offit Hall, where he walked me into a roomful of cubicles and colleagues and announced, "Everyone! This is my cousin Karen!" Having grown up on the opposite coast from my relatives, he made my heart sing.

It turned out that I had worked in the same building as this lovely man for a few years, never knowing of our connection. And that my husband had actually worked with John on a deal in Boston -- before I knew either of them -- and looked up to him.

John and I would meet for the occasional lunch where he would tell me about the three of you, Millicent, JQ and Emma, and share with me life wisdom that I truly appreciated. Through John I later met Betsey and Anne, at a small family reunion in Richmond, VA, and Anne and I now share a sense of family connection as well. I am grateful to John for that.

I ultimately left SF for Seattle, Paris, LA and now, Newport Beach, but remained in touch with John, seeing him here or there. In the gaps, he would send photos of Emma and JQ along with proud (no, PROUD) updates. I have never met you, Emma and JQ, but through your dad, feel like I know you. I suspect that many feel the very same way.

You were each a beautiful gift to him, as he was to you.

Sending my love, sincerest condolences and warmest wishes...
Karen Kamel less

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July 30, 2020

Emily Dickinson and I wrote a short poem for JP:

“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -

His laughter - in the Gale – is heard -
And sore must be the storm... more

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July 29, 2020 · via iPhone

JP was the most selfless person I know. He loved to give, he loved a good party, he loved to make others happy and feel special, he love love loved his family , and he was the most amazing, thoughtful, courageous man, boss, friend I will ever know. Rest... more

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July 29, 2020

I’m happy to be among the many who admired John and greatly valued his friendship. I’m remembering laughs and bars and ballgames and kindnesses from Brooklyn in 1978 to SF last year with many stops (Chapel Hill, Boston, Comers Rock, and lots in... more

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July 29, 2020

Dear Millicent, JQ and Emma,

It breaks my heart that JP was taken from you, his family, who he loved and adored with all his heart, so young. And it breaks my heart because I lost someone who I considered to be not just a professional mentor but one of... moreDear Millicent, JQ and Emma,

It breaks my heart that JP was taken from you, his family, who he loved and adored with all his heart, so young. And it breaks my heart because I lost someone who I considered to be not just a professional mentor but one of the most generous, kind-hearted and people-loving beings that I've had the privilege to know. I looked up to him about how I should be around people in all kinds of contexts and situations.

And he was funny to boot! In fact, some of my most treasured memories come from our travel travails in Europe during 2005-2007 while at Offit Hall. At the time, we were doing a lot of due diligence on companies in Europe, so we would do these break-neck city-to-city trips around the continent.

So we were always in cabs, airports, airplanes and random offices. One time JP arrived to Paris and while refreshing himself at the lounge at Charles De Gaulles, he used one of their disposable razors to shave and cut himself pretty badly right on the chin. I was already in Paris at the time and met him 20 min before our next meeting. He was bleeding pretty badly and holding a kleenex to his chin. We had to run around the streets to find a pharmacy and and do a combination of sign language and gesticulation to buy some bandaids and cotton balls (the French don't speak English on principle). I tried my best to affix the bandaid to his chin, which was challenging because it moved anytime JP spoke, threatening to fall off. Over the next few meetings, including a lunch meeting, was spent me watching anxiously whether the bandaid was going to hold anytime JP would talk. Thankfully it didn't fall off and land in his soup!

I have many more funny memories from working with JP, but what I remember the most is the care and attention that he paid to everyone on his team, especially the junior people. When my mom visited from Europe, JP took us out to lunch and he was very interested in her story. She remembers him to this day. He truly and deeply cared about everyone who worked with him, regardless of title or position.

JQ and Emma - I remember you guys as little ballerinas in the Nutcracker. I've seen you at least twice perform at Fort Mason. The best part was hearing JP's commentary on everything going on during the performance - he was so proud of you guys, I'll never forget his beaming face of pride. I've heard many more stories about you from your proud dad and I feel I know you guys like family.

The last time I caught up with JP, JQ had just returned from Russia. Being half-Russian, JP relished telling me all about his visits to Moscow and JQ's experiences in Russia. We had such a fun time talking about all things Russia vs. US and cracking up.

My heart is heavy today. I will always remember JP as one of the most important mentors and influential father figures in my life. I lost my own dad at 16 to a car accident when he was just 59, so I feel the pain of a sudden loss of a father. In a way, I feel like I lost a father too....

I will miss him dearly!

My deepest condolences to Millicent, JQ and Emma and all the friends and family that this wonderful human being left behind.

Rest in peace JP. less

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July 29, 2020

It’s difficult to convey what JP meant to me in just a few sentences. He was an incredibly important professional mentor to me, affording me autonomy and empowering me early in my career. We had many hilarious (and stressful) professional experiences... more

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July 29, 2020

Dear Millicent, Emma, John Quincy, Anne and Tom,
Sending my condolences to you on the loss of your unforgettable husband, dad and brother John. Over the last 50 years, in contact and sometimes not, John was a great friend. So glad I had a chance to... more

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July 29, 2020

Millicent, Emma and JQ. I'm thinking of you all, and I'm heartbroken to hear of John's passing. His generous spirit and kindness shown through the way that he always made me feel seen, included, and part of your extended family. Please know that I am... more

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July 28, 2020

Millicent, Emma, and JQ, I wanted to send you my sincere condolences. I loved working for JP at Offit Hall, he was my first boss and mentor. He truly had a deep impact on my life. I enjoyed keeping in touch and seeing him, when I eventually moved to NY.... more

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July 28, 2020 · via mobile

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July 28, 2020

Dear Millicent, Emma, and JQ, I was so sad to hear of John's passing. I loved getting to know all of you at Town School and still remember an "early years" party hosted by the "Powers Family" as being so warm and welcoming. I remember seeing John riding... more

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July 28, 2020

I had the good fortune of working for John for a number of years at Stanford Management Company very early in my career. No matter how busy he was, John was always incredibly generous with his time and really took the time to be a mentor and a friend to... more

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July 28, 2020

John and I were friends in college and after. For many years, we had not been much in touch--different coasts and the usual demands of daily life. But John always did manage to keep in touch and he loved a surprise. One early morning several years ago... more

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July 28, 2020

John and I worked together at Yankelovich, Skelly and White long ago, and then we were classmates at Stanford GSB. He was a very good friend in those years, basketball teammates, with all the attendant socializing, and "section mates" as well.... more

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July 28, 2020 · via iPhone

JP meant the world to me and to so many. I’ll miss him greatly. We met in San Francisco during the early 2000s when he became my boss at (what was then known as) Offit Hall Capital. We didn’t exactly hit it off but soon through grit and... more

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