Joseph Dymon

AMHERST, MA- Joseph Michael Dymon (Mike), age 84, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 23, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Ware on March 1, 1939, to the late Andrew and Ruth (Holm) Dymon. Mike attended Barre High School where he excelled in both basketball and baseball and received Most Valuable Player in 1955/1956.  After high school, he went on to earn his bachelor of science degree from Boston University in 1961 and continued his schooling with a master’s in education. While in college, he continued to play in various baseball leagues.
In 1962 he started his career path, working at East Corinth Academy in Maine, where he taught science and physical education.  
After Mike’s first year teaching in Maine, he took the position of athletic director and physical education teacher for grades kindergarten through 12 in Wilmington, VT. In addition to these responsibilities, Mike coached boys’ varsity baseball, soccer, JV and varsity basketball, track, and gymnastics teams.  He organized an intramural basketball league at Wilmington High School and was a pioneer in his understanding and creation of youth athletic opportunities for grade school children.  
Mike’s love and devotion for baseball soon propelled the WHS boys’ varsity Warriors to their first-ever and only baseball state championship in 1967. This first state championship team, so early on in Mike’s storied career, was a testament to his drive and determination, and through his gift of teaching that there is no substitute for commitment and hard work.
In 1968, Mike took the position of physical education director at Quabbin Regional High School in Barre, where he continued to coach varsity baseball and basketball, leading his teams to many division two district and state championships.
He started the first Project Adventure Program, sparking many students’ interest in the outdoors. He taught determination, grit, and hard work, and mentored many young men to play their hardest, even having two baseball players drafted by the Major Leagues.
Mike received many awards and honors, including resolutions by the town of Barre, the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and the Massachusetts State Senate, congratulating the Quabbin Regional High School baseball team and Coach Dymon for winning the state championship.
 He received Coach of the Year (Wachusett League) in 1987 and was inducted into the Mass. Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1988. He received the achievement award for 300 Quabbin varsity baseball victories, and the 300 Victory Club by the Mass. Baseball Coaches Association. In 2006, he was inducted into the Quabbin Athletic Hall of Fame.
    He was a member of the Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Executive Committee; clinician at Massachusetts Baseball Coaches annual clinic; Central Massachusetts Board of Baseball Umpires; US Soccer Federation; Western and Central Massachusetts Board of Soccer Officials; and past president in 1972 of the Central Massachusetts Board of Soccer Officials.
Mike’s unwavering passion for athletics and the great outdoors was infectious, and his daughter was captivated at an early age. Together they explored the vast mountains and serene trails, forging a bond that transcended the ordinary.
With each adventure, he nurtured her sense of wonder and instilled in her an appreciation for the beauty and power of nature. He embraced the lessons imparted by sports, perseverance, teamwork, and a competitive spirit. He encouraged her athletic pursuits by coaching her, cheering her on from the sidelines, and celebrating her victories. His unwavering support and belief in her abilities fueled her passion for sports and provided the foundation for her drive and determination in all pursuits.
After his retirement, he and his wife, Ute, of 54 years, spent their days traveling the world, exploring new places, learning about different cultures, and keeping active, hiking, and bicycling all over Western Massachusetts and beyond.
He was an avid Red Sox fan, even rooting for them until his death. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Mike is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Ute J. Dymon, of Amherst; his loving and devoted daughter Rachel Dymon and her husband, Roger Morin; and his two grandchildren, whom he adored, Ryder and Rayne Morin Dymon, all of Easthampton. Mike was preceded in death by his sister Margaret Dymon.
There will be a celebration of life on Sunday, June 25, from 11 am to 2 pm at American Legion Post 2, 450 S. Barre Road, Barre.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to Quabbin Regional High School, Attn. Press Box Donations, 872 South Street, Barre, MA 01005.