Richard S. Durham | Teacher and coach, 80

Richard Samuel Durham, 80, formerly of Bryn Mawr, a teacher and coach at Episcopal Academy in Wynnewood for 35 years, died of pneumonia Sept. 18 at his home in Elizabethtown, Pa.

Mr. Durham taught fourth and fifth graders at Episcopal and coached soccer, swimming and baseball in the Lower School. In summers, he directed the swimming program at Camp Magar in Bryn Mawr. He retired in 1993.

Before moving to Elizabethtown in 2004, he was a volunteer at Bryn Mawr Hospital. He was an active Mason and was a lay reader and chalice bearer at St. George's Episcopal Church in Ardmore.

Five years ago, Mr. Durham wrote in a memoir, "I have loved the woods, fields, streams, lakes and mountains, all the animals small and large and the playing field of Episcopal, enjoying the many wins and few losses. Good friends and pleasant conversations - being with people has been the source of my joy in life."

Mr. Durham grew up in Gladwyne, attended the Haverford School, and graduated from Hun School in Princeton. For years he was a camper and then counselor at Camp Allagash in Maine. After earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia, he served in the Army in the States during the Korean War. While teaching at Episcopal, he earned a master's degree in counseling and guidance at Villanova University.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 11 at Christ Chapel at Episcopal Academy, 1785 Bishop White Dr., Newtown Square. Burial will be private.