David Bruce Powers, 64, of Andover, NH, passed away unexpectedly on February 6, 2024. Born on October 25, 1959, in New London, NH, David was the son of Edith Frances (Bailey) Powers, a homemaker, and Henry “Skip” Richard Powers Jr., former caretaker of Ragged Mountain Fish & Game Club (RMFGC).

A lifelong Andover resident, David grew up in Potter Place and attended the local grade school. He graduated from Proctor Academy in 1977 as valedictorian and a three-sport varsity athlete, and went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Botany from Keene State College in 1983. Upon graduation, David operated his own residential building and general contracting business locally.

Through friends, David met the love of his life, Laura Ann Gidman, at the Gray House of New London, and they were married on August 21, 1993, in Simsbury, CT. They raised their family on Ragged Mountain after he assumed the Caretaker position at RMFGC for his retiring father, the fourth Powers generation to hold it. David served as Caretaker for 27 years, carrying nearly
120 years’ worth of familial caretaking wisdom on the job. He was truly a jack-of-all-trades, and cared deeply about his duties to ensure RMFGC was a special place for all members and visitors. This ingrained sense of duty carried into the greater Andover community, where he was deeply involved as a volunteer through organizations such as the Recreation Committee, the School Board, the Planning Board, and he coached multiple Andover youth sports. 

In his free time, David was an avid sportsman, enjoying the tranquility offered by Mother Nature in both the woodlands and the oceans. During the warmer months, in the company of close friends, he enjoyed playing in local golf leagues, the thrill of bluefin tuna fishing out of Portsmouth, and the solitude of fly fishing in local ponds. At the turn of fall, his attention turned to hunting wildlife on the ragged mountainside. Like many of us, New England sports held a special place in David’s heart, especially the Red Sox, with his support steadfast through thick and thin.

David’s greatest joy, however, was his family. Immensely proud of their accomplishments, he championed all of their academic, athletic, and career endeavors. He loved them endlessly and was the ultimate giver. As a father, he held a genuine desire for his children to succeed and was willing to put forth their needs before his own. He taught them to hold true to their beliefs, as he was unwavering in his. David was a gentle giant, commanding a quiet, comforting presence to all the lives he touched.

David is preceded in death by his parents, and his uncle David Woodfin Sr. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Laura Ann Gidman-Powers of Andover, NH, and his children: Madison Henry Powers of Cambridge, MA; Bailey Elizabeth Powers of Houston, TX; and Myles Spencer Powers of Andover, NH; his brother James (Regina) Powers of Huntsville, AL; his sister Christine (Bruce) Homa of Tampa, FL; his aunt Martha Woodfin of Marblehead, MA; his cousins Karen (Scott) Hefler of Amesbury, MA; Brenda (Kevin) Hinds of Andover, NH; and David Woodfin Jr. of Newport, NH; and beloved nieces and nephews.

David will be cremated, and the family will hold a celebration of his life during the summer months. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in David’s memory to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive Concord, NH 03301. www.wildlife.nh.gov/shop-and-support/donate-new-hampshire-fish-and-game. 

The twinkle in his eye, his beaming smile, deep belly laugh, and selfless nature will be dearly missed. May he rest peacefully, and may his memory live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.