Richard Thure Lawson 1909 -1978
A Remembrance of Teacher and Friend

Dublin Core

Title

Description

He was universally known as "Dick".

Dick and his siblings (Virginia and Eleanor) born in North Acton of a Swedish father, Axel, and an American mother, Anna, spent their early years in Concord, moving to Maynard in the 1920's. He graduated from Maynard High School in 1928 and Springfield College in 1932 where he excelled in baseball. In 1936 he married Veronica Arciszewski of Maynard and later had a daughter, Carol Ann.

During the 1930's Dick worked for the Maynard Coal Company owned by his father. In the autumn of 1942 he became a Roving Physical Education teacher for the Maynard public school system visiting each school- three Elementary , one Junior High and one High School - on a weekly basis. In addition Dick coached the basketball, football and baseball teams. His teaching career was interrupted by service in the US Navy, 1945-46. After returning form the war he continued as Physical Education teacher. Dick remarried in 1946 to Lena Fayton and had a daughter, Barbara Ann.

During Dick's P. E. teaching days at the grade schools, it was common to hear the phrase " Dick, throw me the ball" with variations depending on the sport. During the 1940's and 50's his High School teams produced many winning seasons and league championships. Some of Dick's players went on to success in college and professionally. During this period the basketball team played all their games away. Their court on the lower level of the George Washington Auditorium had a low ceiling resulting in the nickname "Nomads". Dick was instrumental in getting a new gym built on Summer St. in 1957 so the team could have home games.

With the new gym Dick started a basketball program for the sixth graders with assistance from his former players. The program was on Saturday mornings during the winter months. His players had great affinity for Dick and even gave him nicknames. One of these "The Hawk" referred to his ability see and know everything going on at all times. Dick had his own sayings often used: "Treat the basketball like it was 24 carat gold. Don't let anyone take it away from you until you put it through the hoop. Then start again by taking it away from the opposing team." Dick was also involved in the Pop Warner football program. In 1961 he was appointed Athletic Director. Dick managed the growth of the department and finances. planned schedules, lined the fields and still had time to be the trainer to meet the player's need. Dich continued as Director until his retirement in 1970.

Throughout Dick's career he was a kind and gentle man who always had a smile on his face. He was there to help out with what was needed especially as related to sports. Dick influenced many boys as they became men. His office door was always open. Dick passed away in 1978 leaving his wife Lena and children, Carol Ann Lawson Atkinson & Barbara Fayton Oriface. In 2009 Dick was recognized by his past students, players and coworkers by voting him into the Maynard High School Hall of Fame.

Photos: (11) Click on thumbnails to enlarged photo l to r:

1. Cover photo taken in 1963 when Dick was Athletic Director and Director of Physical Education.
2. Yearbook dedication language to Dick Larson by the Class of 1963.
3. 1926 photo of Maynard High School baseball team. Dick, top row left. Coach is Don Lent, bottom right
4. Dick at High School on Summer Street - 1943
5. At Alumni Field as Assistant Football Coach -1945
6. Dick with music teacher, Dorothy Colburn and art teacher, Ann Pasakanis
7. Head Basketball Coach - 1952
8. Head Baseball Coach with Captain Gerald Connors -1955
9. Dick as head Baseball Coach standing in front of Field Stone Field House at Alumni Field - 1955
10. Baseball coach standing in front of stands at Alumni Field -1957
11. Dick's photo in the 1964 yearbook.