News of '06
F. William Andres '29 has forwarded the following tribute to Class President WalterPowers. Written by Boston Bar' Association President Edward J. Barshak, it appeared in the September issue of the Boston Bar Journal.
"Sometimes the task of pushing forward programs and plans for the present and future can be enriched by an occasional interruption for a relaxed reminiscence about the past. This issue of the Journal is one of those, occasions. Walter Powers, Esq., lawyer since 1908, twice elected president of this Association (1948-1950), member of the Board of Bar Examiners since 1931 and its chairman since 1953, has resigned from the Board at the age of 89.
"Walter's felicity as a lawyer, and grace as a human being, have been remarkably undisturbed by his entrance into the status usually called 'elderly.' I know that because I have served with him on the Board of Bar Examiners for the last few years. It has been an experience I shall never forget. When problems faced by the Board seemed baffling, his accumulated wisdom frequently saved the day. When delicate assessments of the 'character' of an applicant were made, his weight was significantly on the side of understanding and human compassion. Equally, when the 'hard' ones had to be called, he did not flinch. When disagreements among members seemed to verge upon stubborn stasis, or worse, his manner and reasoning guided the Board to solutions. Most of all, life on the Board with Walter was never dull. Nothing could remain mundane when subjected to his wit. Every meeting ended with one or more of his hilarious stories.
If in law, as in amateur sports, what counts is the way in which the game is played, then we all have the perfect model in Walter Powers."
To which colleague Andres himself adds: "It has been my great good fortune to have this gracious, scholarly gentleman as my senior, mentor, partner, and friend throughout my legal career, and to be constantly refreshed and inspired by a quality of the human spirit that is rare treasure for those it touches."
