DICK KINNEY: 1987-2020
Believe it or not, I who have aptly described myself as someone who is as athletic as a corpse, loved Red Barber, a sports broadcaster for the Yankees and Dodgers. When he started his weekly segment on NPR with Bob Edwards, I became a fan of the banter between them. Barber once said -- or wrote?-- that baseball was dull only to dull minds. The first time I watched Dick coach our Graland boys on Preisser Field, I thought of Barber. Here was a man who matched Barber’s passion for the game. I often wandered from my classroom not only to support my students but also to watch Dick Kinney in action. This reserved man was not reserved at a baseball game. His energy and his commitment to his players and the sport was infectious. Of course, this spirit dominated Dick’s teaching PE to our students and to his coaching soccer, tennis, and basketball. In the late 80s and early 90s, one of the parents told me I was a Kinney groupie. In addition, Dick taught biology for a few years and to quote one of his students from the class of 1993, “He is the best science teacher I have ever had. I am so lucky to be in his class!” Dick’s students appreciated his passion for biology. I will miss this kind gentleman; I also know he will enjoy his morning sports page and his many books -- what an avid reader! A genuine bookdragon.
Here is the letter Mr. Kinney wrote to his colleagues:
A new adventure begins. After 40 years as an educator, 38 years as a summer camp counselor, 33 years as a Graland teacher, and 578 wins as a Graland coach, it is time to take down my shingle and start a new chapter. It has been a great ride! I’ve had the privilege to work with inspirational colleagues, highly intelligent, motivated students, gifted and talented athletes, and extremely supportive parents, grandparents, and alumni. To all those individuals who have touched my life in any way, thanks.
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A new adventure begins. After 40 years as an educator, 38 years as a summer camp counselor, 33 years as a Graland teacher, and 578 wins as a Graland coach, it is time to take down my shingle and start a new chapter. It has been a great ride! I’ve had the privilege to work with inspirational colleagues, highly intelligent, motivated students, gifted and talented athletes, and extremely supportive parents, grandparents, and alumni. To all those individuals who have touched my life in any way, thanks.
It truly has been a pleasure and an honor to have worked with you and to get to know you. I don’t know what the future holds, but I look forward to all of the possibilities.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
