The story about Bill Fairchild’s retirement (March 10) was very well done.

I first met Fairchild in the late 1970s after moving to Litchfield in 1976. My first impression, watching him coach, was, “How and why does his team do anything for him?” He appeared to be a very big bully, demanding way too much from where I stood. I knew I would have never played on his team.

Then in 1980, I was elected to the School Board.

In 1983 my daughter entered high school and Fairchild was her home room teacher for four years. Her initial image was much the same; however, that image dissipated quickly. I began to see him in a far different light.

He could be stern and appeared a bit difficult and a control freak, but that soon changed and it became apparent that he was evoking the best from the boys and girls in his charge. He pushed them hard to get there.

As I witnessed him from the School Board, it became apparent that he had a much softer side. When it came to advocating for students, he was in the forefront. Student needs were paramount on his agenda. One didn’t usually see that until other options had been exhausted.

He was as soft as a teddy bear.

Oak Hill High School will miss him, but I dare say he will be recalled as one of its all time greats. I know I will.

Cal Brown, Litchfield