UPDATED: Memorial Service Information ** In Memory of Robert "Stretch" Gillam '56
Updated 8/10:
Condolences may be expressed to Coach's family in an online guest book at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VBCA for a Coach Robert Gillam Scholarship, c/o David Fredrickson, 317 Silver St., Bennington, VT 05021
It is with great sadness that we share the news that alumnus, coach, and former faculty member, Robert ‘Stretch’ Gillam ’56, passed away on July 31, 2017.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at the LaSalette Shrine in Enfield, with a reception to follow.
Condolences may be expressed to Coach's family in an online guest book at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VBCA for a Coach Robert Gillam Scholarship, c/o David Fredrickson, 317 Silver St., Bennington, VT 05021
Stretch graduated in 1956 after completing a PG year at Kimball Union Academy. Soon after, he was drafted into the Army and served for two years. Upon his return, a phone call came from then Head of School, Dr. Carver: “I have a problem; can you help out?” The problem was an ailing baker and no JV baseball coach. Stretch and his wife Pat proceeded to spend the next 17 years on The Hilltop serving as Director of Dining Services, reserve football coach, JV baseball coach, and varsity basketball coach. While first assisting another coaching legend (and Stretch’s very own KUA coach, George Akerstrom) Stretch eventually became a head varsity coach all three seasons - football, basketball, and baseball.
There are many stories from Stretch’s time at KUA. Stretch recalled, in the 1992 KUA Magazine, “taking the boys to church on Sundays was one of the rare occasions when they could get away from campus and have something to eat afterwards, so student sanctity was high in those days!” He was especially fond of his 1969 undefeated basketball team, which won the league championship.
With great hesitation, Stretch decided to leave the Academy to pursue a career in the restaurant business. Then Headmaster, Tom Mikula, lauded Stretch’s contributions; “Your performance as coach, gentleman, and teacher was exemplary. We will find it very difficult to find someone to take your place.” Stretch’s high regard for KUA and the people who meant so much to him remained long after he left the Academy, and he always remained connected to the people and the school. Stretch had a great admiration and love for Headmaster Carver and, along with other alumni, was the force behind having the old football field named Carver Field, and acquiring the brass profile of Carver that still stands on that field. He served on the Alumni Council from 1993-1996, and was awarded the Sportsmanship Award from the Alumni Council in 2015 in recognition of his outstanding career and contributions in athletics.
Stretch’s career as a basketball coach spanned 5 decades at Kimball Union and throughout the Upper Valley. Together with his teams, Stretch tallied over 600 wins.
It is unquestionable that Stretch had a tremendous influence on all the students with whom he worked. Former player and colleague, David Pond ’64, reminds us that “his commitment to young people and his desire to help them grow into good human beings” was exemplary. Similarly, Phil Morse ’60 shared his “best memory in addition to the overall competition, was watching NFL football games on Sunday afternoon with Pat and Stretch at their home. They treated us so well with popcorn and soda as we viewed the New York Football Giants. I will never forget either of them.”
Stretch leaves behind a great legacy and will be missed by so many people in the Kimball Union family, and our surrounding community. Our thoughts are with his adoring wife, Pat, and their children Joseph ’78, Mary Therese '79, and Stephen, and first cousin, Joan Bishop (to whom he introduced her husband, Steve Bishop).
As more details of the memorial service become available, we will be sure to post them to our website.
