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Ronald G.
Powers
Jul 9, 1934 — Feb 25, 2026
Ronald George Powers, devoted husband and stepfather, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026 in Glens Falls, New York at age 91. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Elizabeth Braislin Powers (Betsy).
Born in New York City on July 9, 1934, Ron graduated from Coral Gables High School, and then from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1956. After college, Ron began work as an account executive at Young & Rubicam in New York City, where he first met a captivating young secretary named Betsy Braislin.
It was there, as the structured approach to account management gradually emerged, that Ron began to see the enormous benefits of strategic planning. His grasp of business principles and unfailing insistence on clarity of objectives—coupled with his deep understanding of human psychology—naturally led him towards management consulting.
In 1972, Ron formed Boardroom Advisors, Inc., a consulting service to senior management in banks, which truly defined his career work. His insights proved particularly useful in post-merger organizational restructuring, and he played a major role in several such projects throughout his career, often in multi-year engagements. His clients included several multinational banks, and he traveled frequently throughout the US, Canada, and Europe to help chart strategic growth.
Ron had a genuine interest in meeting new people and could discuss philosophy, music, literature, science and art for hours. He appreciated fine food and wine, and loved knowledge for its own sake.
The turning point In Ron’s life was the day he married Betsy in 1980, 23 years after they had originally met at Young & Rubicam. Ron had no living relatives, but that all changed with his marriage to Betsy. Marrying her not only marked the beginning of their new life together, but a rebirth for Ron as a family man and stepfather to six children, ages 2 to 19. He embraced his new family with enthusiasm and joy, treating the children as if they were his own. He delighted in sharing Christmas, Thanksgiving, and other family holidays, along with annual family trips. He treasured the opportunity to play a role in each child’s journey, and was always there to celebrate achievements, contemplate questions together, or provide counsel and reassurance when needed.
Ron was also a lover of animals, and was especially fond of dogs. When Angel, the longest-lived dog he had, was ailing and had to be put down at the veterinarian’s office, he carried her out to the car and asked that the injection be administered there. As she was a cherished member of the family, he explained to the vet, it was very important that her last thought be that she was finally going home.
In addition to Betsy, Ron is survived by six stepchildren and eleven grandchildren: Traylor McClellan (Mary) of Huntington, NY, and children Will and Danny McClellan; Jim McClellan (Yumi) of Greenbrae, California, and children Haley and Maddox McClellan; Max McClellan (Atlantic) of Bethesda, Maryland, and daughter Campbell McClellan; Gordon McClellan (Krista) of Charlotte, North Carolina, and children Griff and Georgia McClellan; Ali Trowbridge (Jeb) of Queensbury, New York, and children Annabelle, Lilly, and Kate Trowbridge; and Lucy McClellan (Joe) of Burlington, Vermont, and daughter Ellie Beaird. Ron was predeceased by his grandson Henry Beaird (2015 – 2020).
Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Caldwell Presbyterian Church, 71 Montcalm Street, Lake George, New York 12845.
There is a star in the heavens named for Ron and Betsy, Saltare in Aeternum. To all family and friends who gaze up at that star years from now, it will serve as a reminder that a life well lived ripples on through time, and that a dance into eternity never ends.
Condolences may be sent directly to Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, or through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.
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