From Browerville, MN Came A Legend Who Defined North Kingstown

Where do I begin? That was the first thing I thought about when I heard the news of the passing of a legend in my world. Al Southwick, the wonderfully unselfish leader of the North Kingstown Recreation Department for so many years, passed away this week. I began the process of understanding my feelings as most do when they lose a loved one. And Al was loved by me, my family, my classmates, my teammates, my school teachers, my town of North Kingstown, my state of Rhode Island. I had heard of Al's recent sickness through so many different sports circles that I am associated with in the town - baseball, softball, lacrosse, flag football - everyone asking me "How is Al?" or "Did you hear about Al, sad news indeed." Everyone was concerned, everyone wanted this to be another scare (as it was a few years back, different circumstances), everyone waited to hear from the Town of North Kingstown or someone close to Al's circle. Much to everyone's chagrin, the news came mid week. Al Southwick has passed away.

I found out, of all places, on social media. I was/am partially disturbed that I had to find out such awful news on social media, but then again, these are the times we are living in. The texts went out to my family, my wife, my kids. I sent emails out to friends not living in RI anymore. I called my Mother, who had also been eager to find out the news of Al Southwick. My mother was a parent of children who knew Al from roughly age 5. That embodied a 40+ year relationship with the Town of North Kingstown Recreation Department and the man, Al. She drove us to tennis, to recreation programs at the town beach, to basketball practice at the North Kingstown High School gym on Saturday mornings. "Hello Mrs Roby," Al would always acknowledge her. My mother recalled a story about Al, who invited my sister, Erin, to play in an all-star game for girls softball when she was about 8 years old. My mother reminded Al that Erin had never played softball, to which Al replied "Yeah but her two older brothers are really good baseball players, so I'm sure she will be just fine. She's got this." My mother and Al would say "Hi" to each other for 40+ years in town, at the grocery store, at Wilson Park for grandkids games, at summer concerts in Wickford, at parades. And my mother is just one of thousands of parents who can honestly say they shared a similar relationship with Al. Friendly, cordial, funny at times, always informative, always there for parents.

A few years back, my son and a group of his friends decided to play an Open Mic Night event for charity. The charity of choice was the Special Olympics program of North Kingstown, run by North Kingstown's Lisa McKay. I went to Al's office and reserved the Town's Community Center for the evening, gave my check for the rental of the center to Al, filled out the paperwork, and spent 15 minutes or so chatting with Al about, what else, baseball. His baseball knowledge far exceeded any book or website, in my opinion. I used to love our baseball chats so much. I played for Al when I attended Wickford Middle School in the 1980's. He was an awesome coach, partly because he was such an incredible baseball player. He could still throw guys out at shortstop on a regular basis. I respected him as a baseball player and a coach. RESPECT!!! Anyway, getting back to the music event. The kids performed amazing, we were able to get a nice donation to the Special Olympics program of North Kingstown, and everyone had an incredible night. A week or so later, I received my check back for the rental due. No note, just my check, and an implied message from Al. "Thank you for doing something wonderful for someone else." That was Al, that was what he embodied every day of his life. What can I do today to make someone else's life better?

Coming from one of the largest states in the United States (Minnesota) to the smallest state in the Unites States, Al Southwick put his stamp on the Town of North Kingstown's sports and recreation programs. Al was a tough, fair coach who would call out a player and explain why he/she needed to be in this position as opposed to that position. He was a physical specimen who could run and move laterally and shoot baskets and play defense and jump and demonstrate. That, along with his infinite knowledge of sports, made him such a rarity as a coach and mentor. It's one thing to yell at kids, "do this" or "go there", it is another thing for a coach to take the time to show the proper fielding position or why your jump shot is landing at the front of the rim and so on. Al loved coaching, he always had his whistle around his neck, he always dressed the part. I'm no fashion expert, but check out the fashion requirements of a coach in the dictionary and I'm pretty sure Al rated an A+ in the Coaching Fashion Department. Those tube socks, oh I will miss those impressive tube socks.

I began this piece by asking "Where do I begin?" I'll end it by saying "How do we honor Al?" Writing for me is always been a means to express joy, grief, sadness, achievement. If you are like me, write a piece about Al on your social media page. Or, write it down and send it to his family or the caregiver for his estate. If you are an artist like my son Griffin, perhaps you can draw a picture or paint something that reminds you of how Al affected your life. Statues, field dedications, town parades, events - I'm fairly confident some type of tribute will happen here in North Kingstown. Honor him in your own way but let's all remember this. Al Southwick gave his time to North Kingstown. You can honor this man and his legacy by picking up a rake and cleaning up Ryan Park when no one has asked you. You can volunteer with your local softball, baseball, lacrosse, flag football team and share your knowledge of sports with a youth athlete, like Al would do. You can encourage the Town of North Kingstown through positive remarks how to enhance recreational facilities, parks, and sports centers to make someone else's life better. I believe, in my heart, that that will be the defining tribute to Al Southwick. Make an effort, today, to make someone else's life better. Love you Al. I will miss you my friend, my coach, my baseball mentor.