01/05/2026
The Board and membership of MBHA mourn the passing of a true giant of leadership, education and encouragement in the barbershop harmony world, Richard Powell. Among our charter members when the organization was founded in 2014, Dick's contributions to our Association spanned over a decade. He dedicated time and talent in support of his wife of 56 years, Roxanne, as she led our organization as President. Dick was most recently our Board's Vice President, responsible for using his exceptional leadership and planning experience in shepherding our strategic planning process, as he had successfully done on the Board of the Barbershop Harmony Society, of which he was President from 2019 to 2020. His service to barbershop also included his presidency of BHS's Mid-Atlantic District from 2011 to 2012, and merited his induction into the District's "Hall of Honor." He was also a proud Affiliate Member of Harmony, Incorporated.
We remember Dick as a thoughtful, cheerful, and encouraging member and leader, always encouraging us to do "the right thing" for our members and the propagation of mixed barbershop harmony, generally. More than that, though, he was a cherished friend to many of us; loyal, selfless, and truly inspirational.
MBHA will never forget this incomparable man. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dick's family and all who called him "Friend."
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Dick's son, Jeremy, captured the essence of his cherished Dad in this message:
"My dad passed away suddenly on January 3 at the age of 81. Dad was small in stature but truly a GIANT of a human being. He loved fiercely. He served his country with loyalty, honor, and a supreme intellect. He was the ultimate example of leadership in many different forms professionally and personally. He was truly himself when he gave everything he had to serve others. He cherished watching others succeed individually, but most of all he cherished being part of and helping others work together to make something beautiful in this world. He became what I would call a celebrity among the worldwide barbershop music community (he was literally singing right up until his final alert moment). He worked tirelessly to help those in need, especially those with special needs. He left a memorable lasting impression on every person he ever met."
