RICHARD (DICK) LAPAGE

Condolences & Memories (2 entries)

• I had the privilege of working with Dick LaPage when he was the Provincial Physical Education Consultant at the Department of Education in the Robert Fletcher Building on Portage Avenue. As a young teacher, I was greatly influenced by Dick. He was always very professional and instrumental of changing the image of Physical Education teacher from a “sport jock” to a “physical educator”. He inspired me as a female physical education teacher to motivate girls to participate in sports and provide an organized and inclusive instructional, intramural, and inter-school program. In those days, there were still many girls that wouldn’t or couldn’t play sports since society did not encourage this. Dick selected me to be the chairperson of developing the 1980 K-12 Physical Education Curriculum (with the gold cover). He brought in a group of PE teachers and leaders using a very collaborative approach to develop the goals of a quality physical education program to include not just volleyball and basketball but a variety of individual/dual sports/activities; team/group sport/activities; rhythmic/dance activities; outdoor education and fitness activities. If it were not this experience plus learning so much from Dick, I would not have been qualified to be hired as his replacement in 1997. I have so much respect and great memories of Dick. He did so much for Physical Education and sport provincially and nationally. He will always be remembered as a great leader of Physical Education. - Posted by: Heather Willoughby (work colleague) on: Nov 16, 2024

• Fresh out of Teachers College, as a first year teacher at Munroe Junior High, I met Dick. He was the Physical Education Supervisor of the East Kildonan SD #14, who inspired both new and experienced teachers with his expertise and progressive thinking on physical education. His influence was widespread in the Division and beyond. He had a great impact on many lives… Especially mine! His warm personality, coupled with his knowledge as well as encouragement, motivated me to be the best I could be as a teacher and as a person. If I had to name five people who had the most influence on my life, Dick would be one of them. I am grateful to have crossed paths in life with him and extend my heartfelt condolences to all of his family. May all of your beautiful memories help to ease your great loss. Rest in peace, dear heart as you reunite with your soulmate Marilyn knowing you both made the world a better place❣️ - Posted by: Linda Boughton (Peters) (An appreciative colleague) on: Oct 06, 2024