Richard L. Gaines ’47

DICK DIED June 25, 1994, after a long illness, on Martha’s Vineyard, where he had grown up. He prepared at Lawrenceville School. After his freshman year at Princeton, he joined the navy and served in the Pacific. He returned to the university after the war and received a B.A. in English in 1949. He was a member of Charter Club. A superb athlete, Dick was captain of the tennis team and was ranked in the top 20 nationally in both singles and doubles.

After receiving a master's from the Univ. of Virginia, Dick embarked on a teaching career that began at Tabor Academy and included lengthy stints at Lawrenceville and the Moses Brown School, where he served as assistant headmaster. He also coached wrestling, football, and tennis. In 1972, he wrote THE FINEST EDUCATION MONEY CAN BUY, a critical look at America's prestigous prep schools.

Dick was a marvelous teacher, much loved by his students. Shortly before his death, the Lawrenceville Class of 1969 made him an honorary classmate and commissioned a portrait of him to be hung in the school. In his later years, Dick began skiing, and excelled at it. After retiring in 1988, he was on the slopes almost every weekend.

He was a delightful companion, with a dry, down­home New England style about him. He will be sorely missed. To his sister-in-law Alice Brown, his niece Linda Hathaway, and his nephews Dana and Warrem, the class extends its deepest sympathy.