Dear Pilgrim Day Camp Community,
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of former Pilgrim Day Camp Director Richard “Dick” Otte. Dick was not only a beloved leader but also one of the foundational figures who helped shape the PDC you all know and love today.
It was at Pilgrim where Dick met the love of his life, June Larsson. Soon after, they were married, and Dick began his teaching career in the Brockton schools. Summers, however, were dedicated to Pilgrim Day Camp, where Dick served as Director, leaving a lasting impact on generations of campers and staff.
In 1975, I was fortunate enough to meet June as we attended college together. It was through her that I met Dick, who hired me as the Athletic Director at PDC. I later became his Assistant Director, and for the next six years, Dick and I forged an inseparable friendship. I learned so much from him as the camp grew and evolved under his leadership. Dick and June have two wonderful sons, Ben and Jared, of whom they are immensely proud. Both Ben and Jared loved Pilgrim, first as enthusiastic campers and later as leaders, following in their parents’ footsteps. This summer, it brought me great joy to see Dick’s grandchildren Colby, Bayla, Micah, and Tristan enjoying PDC—a legacy that began with their grandparents so many years ago.
We’re fortunate to have Dick’s written evaluations and annual reports from his years as Director. His words from 1977 still resonate today, a testament to his timeless vision for camp. We will cherish his memory and the immense contribution he made to Pilgrim Day Camp.
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