SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — Former Dominican University of California men's basketball player and women's basketball coach Ron Powell '94 passed away suddenly on Sunday, Feb. 2 in his sleep at the age of 43. He is survived by his wife, Alex, and their two children, Lu and Ezequiel.

Powell was a star player for the men's team during the 1991-92 and 1992-93 seasons and once held several records. He averaged 19.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, was a .534 (372-of-696) career shooter, made 226 of 351 free throws, grabbed 492 career rebounds, and had 68 career blocks.

"Ron was a very special person with a very warm and endearing personality," said Bill Fusco, Dominican's director of athletics at the time and current director of athletics at Sonoma State. "He had a major role in building the success of both the men's and women's basketball teams at Dominican. He left a very positive impact on both programs. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family."

Born in Los Angeles, Powell attended Los Angeles Harbor College for his first two years of college, where he received All-Conference honors as a sophomore. He graduated from Dominican in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business.

Powell went on to serve three seasons as the assistant coach of Dominican's women's basketball, which featured Dominican Hall of Famer Jennifer Rogers Fernandez '96 as Dominican advanced to the National Small College Association National Championship during the 1994-95 season. Powell was promoted to head coach for the 1996-97 season. His coaching staff that season featured another former Dominican player, Jeff Colley '92, and Caitlin Collier, who is currently the associate head coach of UNLV women's basketball. He served as head coach for three seasons, until 1999.

"During my 18 years in the coaching and college athletics profession, I've worked with very few people who had the demeanour Ron had. He was humble, caring, responsible, kind yet fiercely competitive, and worked very hard to create a positive environment for the players," said Collier. "What will always stick with me was his great smile. He radiated warmth, approachability, and happiness."

A number 41 jersey — Powell's number — will be displayed in the Conlan Center during the Dominican basketball teams' final four home games of the 2013-14 season. Dominican Athletics will honor Powell with Ron Powell Tribute Night during the Penguins' Feb. 20 doubleheader vs. Dixie State. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Roneil Powell Memorial Fund. Games are set for 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. at the Conlan Center on the Dominican campus. Dominican President Mary Marcy will personally match gate receipts totalling up to $750.

The Powell's four-year-old son, Ezequiel (affectionately known as Zeke or EZ), was recently diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer that strikes young children. A fund has been set up to help the Powell family with Zeke's fight against cancer.

Ron's services will be held Saturday, Feb. 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Pt. Reyes, Calif. at the Dance Hall Palace Community Center. Friends are also welcome to raise a toast to Ron at the Flatiron in San Rafael, Calif. on Friday, Feb. 7 at 8:00 p.m.

For more information on supporting the Powell family during this time of need, and to donate to the Roneil Powell Memorial Fund, please visit ezpowell.org.