Lawrence Lecours M’64

Lawrence Lecours, Jericho/Hardwick, VT, died June 29, 2024. In addition to being an early master’s graduate of Saint Michael’s, Lawrence was an adjunct professor at the College for a time.

Larry was born in Hardwick and grew up on the family farm in Hardwick Center along with his 12 brothers and sisters. It was there that he developed his lifelong commitment to excellence, hard work, and getting things done. In his later years, Larry often fondly reminisced about growing up in a large family that was bonded together by love and music.

The first seven years of Larry’s education were spent in a one-room schoolhouse, where he selflessly arrived early each day to start the fire in the school’s pot-bellied stove to provide heat for the other students. Larry graduated in 1953 from Hardwick Academy, where one of his most treasured memories was being elected class president by his classmates all four years.

After high school, Larry did a two-year tour in the Army before enrolling at Lyndon State College. Larry had a beautiful baritone voice and had major roles in many musicals. He graduated with a bachelor’s in education and taught at Lyndon Institute for several years before receiving his Saint Michael’s master’s and another at the University of Vermont.

Larry went on to become principal at Richmond High School and was then hired as the first principal of Mt. Mansfield Union High School in 1967. He often recalled the excitement and work associated with opening a new school, and the work ethic he developed on the farm came in good stead. His commitment to educating young people continued in South Burlington, where Larry was a presence for over 24 years holding positions of principal at Central School, assistant superintendent, and superintendent.

Following his retirement in 1994 from public education, he served as an adjunct professor at Saint Michael’s. Larry was a member of the American Legion, V.F.W. and was a proud 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus in Underhill.

Although Larry always considered Hardwick to be his hometown, after marrying Anita in 1965 (they met at Lyndon State), they spent most of his adult life residing on Raceway Road in Jericho, living next door to his brother and best friend, Leo, and Leo’s wife, Bonnie, who is also Anita’s only sibling. Leo and Larry met daily at 4 p.m. to discuss the nuances of the day, and the irrevocable bond between the two couples, as well as between their children, cannot be overstated.

Larry spent his retirement years traveling and wintering in sunny Fort Myers Beach, FL. He and Anita adored their “unit” in Indian Creek Park, frequently entertaining family and friends who loved to visit.

Much of Larry’s retirement was consumed by his favorite job — being a “Papa.” He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, driving them to school, and spending quality time with them.

Larry is survived by his wife of 59 years, Anita, a son, a daughter, four brothers, four sisters and extended family.