Whitney "Bud" S. Powers

Whitney Sheldon "Bud" Powers died peacefully at home surrounded by his family in Pine City, NY, April 19th, 2013.Born August 31, 1923, in Lyons, NY, Bud received his degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University. After serving in the Army during the Korean conflict he lived in Elmira until his death. Bud was very proud of his family.He was preceded in death by his beloved wife and partner of 59 years, Patricia Lindau Powers.He is survived his six children Peter (Joanne) Powers of Atlanta, GA, Elizabeth (Alan) Perry of Atlanta, GA, Linda (Anthony "Tony") Orbanac of College Park, MD, Margaret Powers of Pine City, NY, Laura (Alex) Hill of Atlanta, GA, Marshall (Julia) Powers of Willow Springs, NC. Bud leaves behind seven grandchildren, Kathryn and David Perry, Whitney and Timothy Orbanac, Elena and Graham Hill and William Powers.He is survived by his sisters Helen Powers Connelly (Gerald) and Henrietta “Penny” Adamson. He is predeceased by his sister Martha Powers Moody. Once called an "eccentric genius" by the Wall Street Journal in 1981, Bud worked for Thatcher Glass for 14 years before starting his own company. Powers Manufacturing, an idea that was hatched in an empty chicken coop in the family’s backyard, began production in 1958, on South Main Street.In 1963, the growing company moved to Industrial Park on Sullivan Street, where it continued to expand. Bud invented and patented several machines, establishing an international reputation for producing quality glass inspection equipment.He was dedicated to his company and to his employees.When sold to Emhart in 1982, Powers Manufacturing employed 120 people.The plant, now Emhart Glass, is still going strong at the Sullivan Street location. The community of Elmira was important to Bud.He served on the boards of Chemung Canal Trust, Hardinge, Hilliard, Marine Midland Bank and Powers.He continued to work on projects for Southern Tier Industries until a few months prior to his death.He played guitar and banjo and was an enthusiastic member of the Elmirans, a local senior orchestra that performs at hospitals and nursing homes.Those who knew Bud found him to be curious of mind and always interested in learning. Together, Bud and Patricia founded the Lindau Foundation. Named for Patrica's father, the Lindau Foundation was Bud's way to give back to the community whose support was key for the growth and success of both his business and his family. The foundation makes major contributions to numerous Elmira community programs and charities. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Reins of Hope, Inc. PO Box 206, Elmira, NY 14902:Alzheimer's Association , 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620:Muscular Dystrophy Association / CMT Research, 601 Gates Road, Vestal, NY 13850: or to the American Lung Association National Headquarters, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 800. Washington, DC 20004 The family will receive those wishing to celebrate his life on Tuesday April 23, 2013, from 3pm - 7pm in the Patricia L. Powers Theater at the Clemens Center in Elmira, NY. Guestbook may be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com !