RICHARD LEONARD JOSEPH LA FLAMME 1935-1999
CELEBRATING FORTY YEARS AS LINWOOD’S SCOUTMASTER
“The value of giving lies not simply in the amount given but in the sacrifice it requires and the love that prompts it.” - taken from The Moral Compass by William J. Bennett
Concerning his childhood, he says, "Linwood was the best place for a child to grow up. Kids had everything we needed ... lots of good friends; Saginaw Bay to fish, swim, canoe and skate; the Tab and Rhine ditches to play 'war' and 'jungle' in; lots of great places to picnic, bike ride, play ball and 'Kick The Can.' We had a good school with great teachers, the 'Free Shows', and we could Trick-or-Treat safely at every house in town. We knew everyone and everyone knew us. We looked after and cared for each other. What more could a kid want? I wouldn't trade places with any kid ... anywhere."
Richard experienced the 'boom days,' when Linwood was a bustling village where farmers came to shop and bring crops to the Chickory Plant and Elevator. His parents, Leonard and Anne Ballard La Flamme, owned La Flammes Drug Store and Barber Shop on Center Street, across from the old Post Office. His grandfather and uncles owned Ballard's Grocery Store, the Linwood Hotel and the Linwood Lumberyard. These were busy establishments, especially during the summer season when the beach people came to reopen their cottages on Linwood Beach.
Soon the malls invaded, drawing business to the cities. Though many stores closed, Richard's faith in his town never faltered. Through the good and bad changes, he remained faithful to his people, believing in them, forever seeking new ways to improve his beloved community.
Richard worked hard all his life, not only around the store, but he peddled three newspaper routes, mowed lawns, baby-sat, shoveled snow and did whatever he could to help earn his keep.
As soon as he was old enough to join the troop, Richard became a Boy Scout; he loved scouting from the very beginning. Soon after he joined, he heroically saved a friend from drowning in the Kawkawlin River while on a camping trip. Ironically, Richard's biggest disappointment during his childhood involved scouting. His troop won the highest First Aid Award in the state, affording them an opportunity to compete nationally. Sadly, the troop couldn't raise enough money to send the Linwood Boy Scouts to Chicago to compete for the championship title. This great disappointment still brings tears to Richard's eyes when he speaks of it. "I know our Linwood Troop could capture the highest First Aid honors in the country, now we will never know." But they continued to take many First Place Awards in First Aid for many years. During Richard's teen years, he helped his Scoutmaster lead his troop.
"BE PREPARED" is the Boy Scout motto and Richard practiced it well, preparing himself to take over the troop when his Scoutmaster stepped down. Year after year, he kept the Boy Scouts interested by making the meetings informative and fun to attend; he took them on canoe trips, held Klondike Derbies, went camping, taught Indian Dancing, had cookouts and campfires, and took them every summer to Bear Lake to Boy Scout Camp.
It wasn’t long before Richard earned the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor in scouting, presented to him at a Banquet at the Bay City Consitery in his honor. Many Scouts have learned much and become better citizens under Richard's direction and dedicated service in scouting. He is proud of his troop; they bring him much joy, satisfaction and honor. Proudly, he has helped thirty-seven young men achieve their Eagle Scout awards. Several more are 'waiting in the wings'. Recently Richard celebrated forty years as Linwood’s Scout Master.
The Linwood troop canvases for countless charities by holding Bike-a-thons, Can-a-thons, Unicef and Muscular Dystrophy drives, just to name a few. It's the Boy Scouts whom the community depends on to clean-up after festivals and community functions and park activities; it's the Boy Scouts who conduct 'Litter Pick-up' days to improve the looks of their town and cemetery ... you name it, the Boy Scouts come prepared to help.
Though scouting takes much of Richard's time, he tirelessly devotes many hours to other community projects. He was among those instrumental in helping to make Linwood Centennial Park become a reality, through funding from The Linwood Pickle Festival. The park now has picnic pavilions, ball diamonds, a lighted tennis court, a refreshment stand, playground equipment and toilet facilities.
For many years Richard chaired the difficult task of raising funds and organizing the Linwood Pickle Festival Parade, [he works from the minute one parade ends to the start of the next parade] on a very limited budget. When contributions are low, he prays and perseveres; somehow he always courageously manages to put together the best parade and entertainment his meager budget can afford.
Because of Richard and those devoted to Linwood's progress, the village has sidewalks stretching clear to the bay with benches to rest upon and flowers adorning the pathway. Decorative flags fly proudly along Center Street. American flags are raised every holiday. Because Richard and devoted 'Linwoodites' work diligently to achieve their goals, a park with a paved parking lot, War Memorial and picnic tables with benches are near completion near the park by the bay. Welcome signs, north and south of Linwood, greet visitors when approaching the village.
For almost forty years, Richard taught elementary school, mostly in Zilwalkee, until his retirement five years ago. He was a teacher who 'went that extra mile' for his students, taking them on Field Trips, filling his room with fossils and science projects, making teaching exciting and interesting. At the end of the school year, he took his classes to camp for three days. Students and fellow teachers praise his efforts. One August, a mother of one of his students brought some of his students all the way from Saginaw to visit him on his birthday, along with a beautiful cake to show their appreciation.
What Richard treasures family gatherings, devoted friends, neighbors and 'helpers'. [His family adore him and call him 'The Pickle King']. He's comforted by his peaceful home filled with mementos, the birds nesting in his trees, his gazebo and hot tub. [His nephews and nieces lovingly tease him, calling him 'Uncle Rich By Tdoes Richard value most besides his beloved town and Boy Scouts? His deep faith and devotion to God, his pride in St. Anne's Catholic Church, where he served as an altar boy for many years. His love of country (he served with the National Guard) ... his freedom and the American Flag. "This is the greatest country on earth," he says, with a lump in his throat, as he watches the Flag and veterans pass during a parade, or when the band strikes up The Star Spangled Banner.
Richard treasures family gatherings, devoted friends, neighbors and 'helpers'. [His family adore him and call him The Pickle King']. He's comforted by his peaceful home filled with mementoes, the birds nesting in his trees, his gazebo and hot tub. [His nephews and nieces lovingly tease him, calling him 'Uncle Rich By the Ditch'.] He takes pleasure in small town activities and its charming characters. For a 'little bit of heaven away from home,' you'll find him at his peaceful cabin at Hubbard Lake, MI, near Alpena.
A history-geography buff, Richard is an expert on Michigan history. He 'tears up' hearing "Michigan My Michigan". Dixieland Jazz, Judy Garland singing ,Over The Rainbow, and the song from Pinochhio, When You Wish Upon A Star, the poem The Village Blacksmith, Hiawatha, travels, sports, TV, movies, concerts, fishing, parades, antique shops, flea markets and craft shows are passions of his.
Special moments are savored, like sitting in his easy chair before the fireplace reminiscing about 'old times', soaking in his hot tub and eating, especially 'Mom's baked beans, meatloaf, scalloped potatoes, spaghetti, fish and chips and a good homemade pot of soup. Occasionally, he'll sneak a dessert, favoring hot fudge sundaes, ice cream cones and a good piece of 'most any kind of' homemade pie. St. Anne's fish and chicken dinners and homemade donuts excite him and he loves cooking campfire meals such as his famous Hobo dinners and barbecue chicken.
He enjoys watching wildlife and is soothed by gazing at the stars, listening to the rain fall or a rustling brook, seeing a sunrise, a sunset or a rainbow, hearing the roar of the ocean, enjoying the peaceful solitude and smell of the woods and lakes. He's a 'crack' Trivia Pursuit player ... Jeopardy player, too, if he was a little quicker with the 'clicker'.
Richard is a happy contented man who strengthens his soul by fulfilling his needs through devoted service to others; he genuinely feels love for his fellow man, takes’ time to comfort a friend, and always finds goodness in others.
Although he lives alone, Richard decorates his house for every holiday with his collection of nutcrackers, stuffed bunnies, antique toys and appropriate holiday decorations. He smiles a lot and has a wonderful sense of humor, although his corny jokes can often drive one to 'distraction'. He enjoys singing and can carry a tune with enthusiasm; he even hits some good solid notes, providing he sticks to camp songs and refrains from singing the difficult oldies such as Old Man River or Danny Boy. He is writing his childhood memoirs, which he plans to complete when he can find the time.
Richard's family loves his goodness and admires his enjoyment in celebrating life. Many in the community respect his intelligence and dedication to duty; his Boy Scouts appreciate his devotion to them. Richard gives of himself without the slightest thought of return. He knows who he is, but like everyone, he appreciates a wave of the hand, a pat on the back or a 'thank you' for a job well done.
Many people have benefited from knowing Richard. He will leave this world a better place for having known him. He gives to his community the best he has to give. Surely, in time, the best shall come back to him and he will reap his just reward ... for Richard La Flamme is a Success ... and "God will see his goodness."
-Carole La Flamme Beighey
Afterward:
Not long after this, in 1999, he finished his book, "A Robin's Winter". He was in the midst of putting it all together when he died unexpectedly in July of 1999. My husband, Larry, and I finished assembling it and had it published. I know Richard would be very proud to see his book in print.
Sadly, he didn't see it nor did he see my Waddodle Series published, or my husband's book, "A Drop in a Bucket" or my daughter, Anne's book , Saving Lives and Saving Money, that she helped Newt Gingrich write along with a co-worker.
Richard's funeral was beautiful, one of the largest Linwood has seen, with flags lining the street in his honor because of his loyal dedication to his communit. His scouts all turned out, serving as honor guards. His neices and nephews carried his casket. The herse carried him through his beloved village, passed his home, down to the bay where the herse turned around and headed for Kawkawlin, where Richard was buried in Calvary Cemetery, alongside his parents and grandparents.
He would be proud of the flag pole erected at the Memorial site by the bay, contributed with Richard's funds to honor the many brave men and women who sacrificed so much and served our country from this area ... and also for the many new tents, cots and equipment purchased for his Scout Troop, including sizable fund to contribute to the building fund to house the boy scout trailer and scouting equipment. The large American flag flying proudly over the Memorial near the bay is a constant reminder of the man who loved Linwood with his whole heart.
Yes, my brother was a big success in life and left an indeleble mark on his community. He was loved by family and friends and exhibited a fine role model for many of the boys he led. He earned the respect of many. When going through Richard's drawers, we found letters from former scouts thanking him for the direction he gave them and crediting him for helping with their success. Surely, God will see his goodness and he will reap his just reward.
No comments:
Post a Comment