Richard (Dick) LaPage loved going for walks, and encouraged everyone else to do the same.
For the athlete and physical education instructor, walking was exercise not only for the body but for the mind, an intentional way of doing good for both at the same time. He reveled in afternoon walks while thinking of a person from his past and reminiscing about the times they had together and sharing the cherished memories with family.
He continued his daily walks until shortly before he died on Sept. 30 at age 90.
LaPage lived a life bursting with the two things that meant the most to him, athletics and family.
His legacy is one of accomplishments that impacted educators across North America and influenced his three children, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
LaPage grew up in International Falls, Minn. He enjoyed time in the gym and on the football field as the high school quarterback. Named to the 1951 Scholastic Coach All American football team as a quarterback along with NFL hall of famer Bart Starr of the Green Bay Packers and Earl Morrall of the Baltimore Colts, LaPage accepted a scholarship to the University of Minnesota and was inducted into the International Falls Broncos hall of fame.
From there, LaPage transferred to Bemidji State University and then prepared for his mandatory two years in the U.S army. It was during this time that he met Marilyn Gail from Winnipeg, who became the love of his life. They were married 64 years.
The young couple began their life together in Colorado, as he was stationed at Fort Leonard. After completing army duty, they settled in Bemidji, Minn., where he completed his studies. They moved to Browerville, Minn. where he took on the position of assistant football coach with some teaching duties. The growing family moved to Winnipeg in the early ‘60s, where LaPage accepted a job allowing him to explore new physical education initiatives.
Former colleague Linda Boughton fondly remembers her time working with LaPage.
“Fresh out of teachers’ college, as a first-year teacher at Munroe Junior High, I met Dick,” she said.
“He was the physical education supervisor of the East Kildonan School Division No. 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.”
Boughton noted that LePage was a leader in promoting daily physical education for students.This was a relatively a new concept in the mid-’60s. LePage realized how important physical development was in the total development of the child and he advanced this concept successfully. As a result, daily physical education — even in elementary schools — became the norm.
Up until this point, there were no elementary physical educators. The focus had been on junior and senior high physical education and sports. Introducing daily movement, folk dance and physical fitness became an integral part of physical education programs.
“He truly was a giant as an influential leader in both physical education and child development,” said Boughton. “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.”
In the late ’60s, LePage moved over to Manitoba Education, teaching and supporting PE teachers across the province.
A founding member of the Manitoba High School Athletic Association, LaPage served on the Board of Directors and remained actively involved over the years. He worked passionately for the rights of Manitoba children to have daily, high-quality physical education and was inducted into the Manitoba High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame as a builder.
LePage also gave his time to Physical & Health Education Canada (PHE), who in 1992 recognized him with its Lifetime Achievement Award, honouring an individual’s extraordinary and lifelong dedication to the advancement of quality physical and health education practices across Canada
“LaPage’s passion, commitment and support for physical activity and physical education impacted educators and students across North America,” said Jordan Burwash, PHE’s director of development.
Upon his retirement, LePage’s colleagues honoured him by establishing the Dick LaPage Scholarship at the University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg and Brandon University. The three scholarships continue to be handed out yearly to physical education students working towards an education degree program.
LaPage’s daughter Mary Leclerc said her father’s presence was noticed whenever he walked into a room.
“People listened. He had a big personality. He was known for being a natural helper to family, work colleagues and friends regardless of the task, whether it be building fences, laying sod, helping with church dinners or hosting events. He taught us to treat others with respect, work hard, keep family close and value education.
“Dad was a very caring man, caring for his family, for the work he did and caring for others, he just included us in everything. You didn’t separate work from family. If he was passionate about something, we were all brought into it.”
Above all, Lepage was an active man. He liked being physically active.
“That’s a huge part of who we were as family,” Leclerc said, adding that LePage’s preferred outdoor activities included walking, fishing, camping and bike-riding.
“I think he was a pioneer in daily physical activity, what he believed in he also was a participant in. I think that’s part of his legacy.”
Beyond valuing education and his profession, it was always family that mattered most to and above all else to LePage.
“It’s OK to have a career and do it well, but family still needs to be important, to take care of each other,” Leclerc said of the lessons learned from her father.
“He was a good listener, involved in our lives. He gave us the opportunity to experience many new things. He was there to give a guiding hand. Mom and Dad were a gentle force. Family was priority. We all knew that, regardless of what was happening with Dad’s profession, they always made sure we were loved.”