I became aware of Don Powers back in the early 1970s although we didn't run in the same circles and were of different political persuasion.

He had a energy about him. I began following him and his accomplishments that were recorded and duly reported in the local and statewide media. There has been so much written about him it may be impossible to do more than previous reporters, but try I will.

Powers is a private person but there have been public reports about his achievements. I believe he made most of his money in insurance, real estate and other businesses. He also was a developer along with Harold Rueth and George Watson (now deceased) and the early knowledge I had of Powers was when he was building things of quality and value.

Developers by their nature are dreamers and planners and tough folks as many people can't see the possible future and the results that might be obtained.

There were no grand displays of what was being built - just breaking of ground and completing projects that became grand. He is responsible for The Community Hospital and its foundation that owns St. Catherine and St. Mary hospitals, the Center for Performing Arts, Briar Ridge Golf Course and homes built there and the Edward P. Robinson Community Veterans Memorial Park.

Powers has done so much for Purdue University Calumet and for a while sat on the board for Purdue in West Lafayette.

While I was a member of the Indiana Senate, Dick Combs, then chancellor of Purdue Calumet, called me in Indianapolis. He knew I was a member of the Senate Finance Committee and he asked me to support and help fund a computer lab at Purdue Calumet, one supported by Powers.

I did, and it came to fruition a year or so later. I was invited to say a few words at its dedication and who was there also but Powers. There is no doubt in my mind this very important local Institution became the very valuable education tool it is now, in large part, because of his effort.

I was the treasurer early on of WYIN-Channel 56, a public station. It's never good to be the treasurer of something in its early stages as there is always the need to raise money.

The WYIN board took names to solicit funding. We wanted to start showing the Purdue and Indiana University basketball games. Knowing of his support and love for Purdue, I set up an appointment with Powers. He said he could spare a few minutes.

Although our visit lasted less than 15 minutes, he became a financial supporter. He and other Purdue people - along with those of IU - supported the station so we could show games. Early on they were the prime programming we raised money on to run the station. Quietly, he has helped financially many such causes.

There is so much more that I could say about Powers and his lovely wife, Margo. Perhaps his friends could say it more eloquently than I. Suffice it to say they love this area and what Powers has created will be his legacy of greatness. Be well, Don, and accept our thanks.

- The opinions expressed are the writer's own. Contact Ferree at thurmferree@yahoo.com.