Staff photos/Rhonda Silence Larry “Fish” Deschampe, a bus driver and custodian for ISD 166 for more than 28 years, was honored on his retirement on May 29. Several school colleagues shared memories of working with Deschampe, including Lorelei Livingston, who said she would miss his welcoming smile.
When Larry “Fish” Deschampe’s School District 166 colleagues decided they wanted to honor him upon his retirement after 28 years, they knew it would be tough to surprise him.
” So they let him know there was going to be some sort of presentation. What Deschampe didn’t know is that the Arrowhead Center for the Arts would be filled with students who rode his bus—and many of his family members. All were on hand to wish him well as he retires from School District 166—and begins again at the Grand Portage charter school, Oshki Ogimaag, in fall 2009.
Principal Gwen Carman was first to express thanks to “Fish” for his caring attitude as a bus driver and custodian of the Grand Portage Elementary School for over 28 years. She said she knew that Fish would be embarrassed by the fuss but said he deserves it. She said, “Fish has worked with countless administrators, staff and students and will be greatly missed by our district.”
Custodial and Transportation Director James Groth followed Carman. Groth also expressed appreciation to Deschampe and presented him with a Cook County Viking jersey. He then got laughs from the folks who worked with Deschampe when he gave him a second gift—a package of white t-shirts. “As many of you know, this is what Fish really likes to wear. It’s his uniform!”
Deschampe simply nodded his head and grinned, “It’s true.”
Lorelei Livingston, who taught at Grand Portage Elementary, for 13 years followed, recalling her first meeting with Deschampe inside the log school in 1995. “My first impression was of a gentleman who is very welcoming, kind, and considerate with a smile that lights up a room. If there was something that needed to be done, within a few blinks of an eye, he was there taking care of it,” she said. “No matter how big or small the request.”
On behalf of all the past and present students and staff at Grand Portage Elementary, a tearful Livingston said, “We are honored to call you our friend and we wish you well during your next employment and retirement adventures. Miigwech, Fish!”
Livingston presented Deschampe with a barbecue apron with a fish decoration. He also received a beautiful quilt made by Fern Lovaas, adorned with what else—fish! Deschampe gave his trademark smile and said, “Now where did they get that idea?”
More gifts were given. Teacher Betsy Moss- Jorgenson of Grand Portage Elementary presented Deschampe with a booklet of drawings and writings from current Grand Portage Elementary students. “We made a list of all the things Fish did at the school. We think it is the most spic and span school anywhere.”
Deschampe’s grandson, Brent, presented him with a card made and signed by all the Grand Portage students.
Deschampe thanked everyone for honoring him, noting that the drive to school was just a little over a half an hour, but that on this day it seemed much longer. “I thought a lot. It was the longest ride I ever made. It’s a sad and happy day.”
Deschampe said he was especially touched that his family was there. “Thatis a really nice surprise,” he said.
He added that he looked forward to continuing to see many students at the new charter school. “I’m not really going anywhere,” he said. “I’ll still be around.”
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