Richard Colburn Glover
Beloved uncle, coach, teacher, Marine, and friend, Richard Colburn Glover, passed away peacefully at his home on May 29, 2024. He was born in Richmond, VA on June 27, 1942. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Marie Glover, and sister Anne Katherine Fisher, and her husband Richard Fisher. He is survived by many loving nieces and nephews and their families.
Dick attended Woodberry Forest School and graduated in 1961. In his first year at WFS, he accumulated so many demerits that his faculty advisor and eventual lifelong mentor, John Stillwell, suggested that he try wrestling which led to a lifelong passion for the sport. He also played football and tennis at WFS. After graduating from WFS, he went to Wabash College. While at Wabash Dick lettered in football, wrestling, and tennis. After graduating from Wabash in 1965, Dick served in the U. S. Marine Corps for six years reaching the rank of Captain and serving as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam where he won the Distinguished Flying Cross for gallantry in aerial flight. He earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Virginia. He taught history and coached wrestling and football, first, at Blue Ridge School and then at Woodberry Forest School until he retired in June of 2005. His wrestling teams won 535 dual matches, 25 league championships, 13 state championships, and two National Prep Championships. His football teams were undefeated 11 out of the 35 years he coached. Woodberry Forest School awarded Dick the George O’Conner Prize for Excellence in Teaching in 2003, the Distinguished Service Award in 2005, and named the fitness center after him in 2002. Dick received a commendation from the Virginia House of Delegates in 1999 and was elected to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (Virginia Chapter) in 2003. Dick was elected to the Wabash College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992 and later received the Alumni Award of Merit in 2002. He received the inaugural Dick Glover Lifetime Achievement Award from the Virginia Wrestling Association in 2015.
In 1996 Dick was diagnosed with Kennedy’s disease, a progressive neuromuscular condition. Despite ever-increasing limitations to his mobility and strength, Dick carried on for a number of years with his teaching and coaching. By the end of the 2005 school year, however, his condition had advanced to a point where he needed to retire. Even with this disorder, Dick maintained his positive attitude and sense of humor. He never allowed his condition to get the better of him.
Appreciation is expressed to Marsha and Etta from Gentiva Hospice, Liz Albrecht, neighbors, and friends from WFS who were so attentive to his needs. Dick always treasured seeing his former athletes, students, and colleagues from WFS. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Richard C. Glover ’61 Scholarship Fund at Woodberry Forest School. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
“You are not ennobled by victory in an athletic contest, nor are you denigrated by defeat. Rather, it is how you prepare, how you compete, and perhaps most importantly, how you react to victory or defeat, which is the true indication of your character.” - Dick Glover
