Percy and June Powers had their second child, Michael in Portland, Oregon. The family lived next door to their practice, Gresham Veterinary Clinic until moving to their farm in Orient in the winter of 1958. Michael spent most of his years at the farm or in Gresham. Milking cows and doing other farm work including driving tractors, putting up hay and growing a huge garden was a great way to be busy and healthy. He attended Gresham Grade School, Orient Grade School and then Gresham High School. He started playing trombone in the 4th grade. He went to Mt. Hood Community College and then University of Portland. He was a member of the Portland Junior Symphony [ now called the Portland Youth Philharmonic Orchestra] Michael had the distinction of being on the the 1971 european tour with that orchestra. His skills playing jazz and orchestral were honed to higher levels when he attended Berklee School of Music in Boston Michael played in several local bands and orchestras on a regular basis, including THE KICKS BAND and salsa groups. He performed with Marylhurst Symphony Orchestra, Oregon Sinfonietta, Minidoka Swing Band and the Carroll Raumm Swing Orchestra. On family vacations he would always bring bring his horn to keep up his "chops". He inspired and coached his son James with his now busy music career. Of course James plays trombone! Working on his treasured Alfa Romeos and other old cars was occasionally rewarded by success in driving them. Michael was a talented mechanic and worked for several foreign car repair shops. He transitioned to a side business repairing friends' vehicles sometimes where ever they quit on the street in the driving rain. He could fix anything since he was so careful and analytical. He was especially good at gluing back together smashed coffee cups!!His mother was super happy about how free he was to help her. Michael was a great talker and loved reminiscing about his and the family's adventures. He especially loved taking drives up the gorge, probably with a good meal in there somewhere. He was a real train, plane, tractor, car nut and had encyclopedic knowledge of all of them. He loved attending the Great Oregon Steamup. Michael is survived by his son James Wilson Powers and four siblings, Carolyn Haynes and family, Gary Powers, Rebecca Powers Gusewitch and Kathleen Stuart. Michael was a popular and endearing character. This gifted musician will be missed greatly by his family and friends.Michael's memorial will be on Sunday, July 7 from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at Wildwood day park near Welches, Or. It will be at the Pioneer shelter.