Rewarding perseverance, kindness, positivity and hard work
The mission of the William P Lynch Memorial Foundation (a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization) is to assist students in their post-secondary education goals who have exemplified the perseverance, kindness, positivity and hard work for which Bill was known.
A book could be written about Bill, his six siblings and their escapades along South Shore Drive, Rainbow Beach, and at St Bride Catholic Church and School in Chicago, Illinois.
Bill followed in his father's footsteps to Mount Carmel High School where he was a decent student and an excellent swimmer. He could have followed those same footsteps to Notre Dame, but didn't feel he was a strong enough swimmer (despite earning a swimming scholarship). He chose the College of St Thomas (now University), where he majored in Business, got an MA in Education and dominated the MIAC as a swimmer and continued there as a swim coach after he graduated.
From 1966-1992, Bill Lynch served students of Saint Paul Johnson High School in many roles: teacher, athletic director, assistant principal, class advisor, Close Up advisor, and coach. He was the kind of person who got stopped by former students, athletes or their parents who just want to let him know what a difference he has made in their lives.
In 1992-1998, he served the students of Highland Park Senior High as assistant principal and from 1998 until his retirement in 2003, he laid the foundation for the district's School-to-Future programming that continues today through its Office of College and Career Readiness.
In his early years of retirement Bill stayed active as a consultant in the Saint Paul Public Schools, and volunteering at his church, Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, later turning back to education by mentoring and supervising student teachers for many years at St. Thomas. He and his Class of '65 friends lead the creation K.I.T (Keeping in Touch) and of an endowment fund to serve the needs of current students.
Through his life of service, Bill had many significant achievements. However, he is remembered most importantly as a man who exemplified perseverance, kindness, positivity, and hard work.
"Mr. Lynch was my favorite teacher and person in general at Johnson. I love the idea of this memorial fund and I know he is smiling down on those who started this in his honor ❤️"
"Bill was such a good guy. Always made you feel special - friend from the moment you met him."
"Mr. Lynch was very kind, compassionate and had a great sense of humor. He had such a knack for dealing with teenage kids...He was our chaperone on a class trip to Hawaii and kept a big group in line quite nicely. I think this was because we all liked him so much that no one wanted to disappoint him."
"Teachers can have such a positive effect on the lives of students. Bill was a person who did just that. With a positive, affirming approach he provided guidance to student which shaped lives. The world, and St. Paul, are better places because of Bill Lynch"
"Bill was a big man with a heart and smile to match. He had a gift for nurturing students and knew when to listen, cajole, and cheer on as needed. He encouraged mhy dreams and gave me confidence that I was up to any task. Bill was the definition of a teacher and I'll always be grateful for his influence in my life."
"Mr. Lynch was one of those bright lights on any given school day."
"Mr. Lynch was such a positive, wonderful guy, He made such a difference in my life and the lives of so many."
"He touched so many lives through the years for the many students who had the honor of knowing him as a kind and helpful mentor."
"We are all better for knowing him"
"He was truly one of the good guys"