Gary G. Kime | Educator, coach, 66

Gary G. Kime, 66, of Havertown, an educator and coach, died of leukemia Dec. 13 at Vitas Hospice in Havertown.

For 36 years, Dr. Kime was on the faculty of Radnor Middle School. He taught history; coached football for 18 years; coached track for nine years; and was athletic director for 26 years. In 1994 he received the athletic director of the year award from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association.

He was an innovative educator, his daughter, Heather Markland, said. He arranged for students to spend time doing research in the library at Valley Forge National Historical Park, where he served on the board, and helped initiate a back-to-nature, three-day retreat on the Chesapeake for eighth graders. "Camp Radnor by the Bay," as it was nicknamed, remains a part of the school curriculum. He retired in 1998.

He taught education courses at Villanova University and, after retiring from Radnor, supervised student-teaching there for several years.

He served on the boards of the Karakung and Lower Merion Swim Clubs. His daughter was a competitive swimmer, and he wrote eight articles from a parent's perspective for Swimming World magazine, she said.

A native of Williamsport, Pa., he earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania, a master's degree in social studies from Penn, a master's degree in science in education from West Chester University, and a doctorate of education in sports administration from Temple University.

He enjoyed playing tennis, vacationing in the Poconos, visiting historical sites, and spending time with his two granddaughters. He had been an Eagles ticket-holder for 26 years. He was a Mason.

In addition to his daughter and grandchildren, Mr. Kime is survived by his wife of 43 years, Carol Iffland Kime.

A memorial will be held in March. He donated his body to science.