Joseph Pynchon Sr., La Pietra-Hawaii School for Girls' founding headmaster and the man students called "Papa P," died Jan. 2. He was 81.
Mr. Pynchon was headmaster of the school from 1964 until his retirement at the end of the 1990-91 school year. During these years, he mentored over 2,000 students. Each girl who attended this school has a distinct memory of him.
The LP-HSG ohana dearly loved this incredible man. If you would like to post a comment about your memories of Mr. Pynchon, please do so here by following the comment link below.
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5 comments:
Mr. Pynchon, amongst other names, most affectionately Papa P, you will be missed. Patient, kind, thoughtful,loving, and fatherly only touch the surface of what you meant to me. As a confused girl living away from home, you consoled and counseled me on a number of occasions- mind you never when you felt I needed it, but rather when I came to you; Your timing was impeccable! The Mother-Daughter teas and Father-Daughter BBQ's gave me the chance to smooth out my rough edges and taught me about refinement, including not walking between two people when they are talking. Your energy was limitless. I can't remember the number of times where I would return for something I had forgotten or after an event and find you still in your office. We appreciate your sacrifice (and your family's)that was to our benefit. Every girl was special and your modeling taught us how to meet your expectations. Every seed could grow into something unique and we all owe our understanding of fulfilling this to you. Your words were deliberate and meant everything to us, including your note written in my yearbook at the end of my senior year about being a "good girl." Although simple, this one thought guided my principals and values afterwards and even now to meet your opinion of me. Thank you for your unswerving faith in me- in all of us! Aloha, Papa P.. We wish you fair winds and following seas on your voyage. Lisa Miller Simmerman ('76).
My heart weighs heavy today after learning of Mr. Pynchon's passing. I am mourning a great man. I have carried admiration for him since our paths crossed while I attended HSG from 1984-1986. Mr Pynchon had such a commanding presence and yet unmatched compassion. His compassion for our family when my mother became terminally ill was nothing short of remarkable. He made sure that we were taken care of before any other interests. He calmed my mother in her illness by assuring her that I would be allowed to continue to go to school even while medical bills forced us from our home and eventually from the school and the islands. He never judged us, or demanded tuition payment. He never let it be known to others, or embarassed us. He let us continue to have security in knowing I was safe within the confines of La Pietra and would have one stable environment while everything else around us spiraled out of control. I cherished my time at La Pietra and have remained grateful for those moments, especially the one's on borrowed time. We lost everything in those times, our business, our home, and eventually my mother too. I often visit the HSG site to reflect on those beautiful and sorrowful times. I have often wished during these reflective times that I could express how monumental Mr. Pynchon was to me and extend my extreme gratitude to him persoanlly. I am regretful that I waited too long. I have no doubts that there is a greater void in the world because he longer walks amoung us. I am sure my mother will express to him in her own words though how important his actions were to our family.
I could not have imagined a better place to be during my school years than with Mr. Pynchon and H.S.G. I was fortunate enough to have attended this great school from 1985 til 1991, Mr. Pynchon's last year!! I felt honored that he chose our class to be his final moments. He was always there for you when you needed something and yet was always stern with you when you needed the guidance. You brought out the best in us and you watched us grow into beautiful women so proudly. You were the best Mr.P and I will always be thankful for my time with you. I pray we meet again. Condolences to Mrs. P and family.
Papa P was our second DAD. Although I hadn't seen him in decades, he always owned a special place in my heart, and I shed a tear when hearing of his passing. God indeed needed another angel.
Papa P made us believe that we could accomplish anything in life. Most importantly he listened to us!
He was a true leader. There is no one like him. Mahalo Pynchon Ohana for sharing your Dad with us.
He blessed us all with so many great memories. Thank you, Mr. P.
Elika
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