GEORGE PATRICK

1983 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

One of Rhode Island’s first diving stars.  He began his diving career at the Olneyville Boys’ Club at age 13 in 1925.  At various times in his diving career, he was R.I. Junior and Senior diving champion; as well as the New England Diving Champion.  Although practicing on a part time basis, he was one of eight finalists in the 1935 Olympic tryouts.  He toured the country with this group of divers, putting on diving exhibitions to raise money for the 1936 Olympic team.

During one his diving exploits in Boston, George met the prominent author from Boston – Mr. Harry Burroughs – who had an interest in amateur athletes, having grown up as a newsboy in the Boston area.  Mr. Burroughs was the author of such books as “A Boy In Men’s Shoes”, a best seller at the time.  Burroughs being a philanthropist, found in Patrick someone with a background similar to his, which prompted him to appoint George as camp director of “Camp Agassiz”, a camp in Maine for the exclusive use of Boston area newsboys on two week free vacations.

In 1943, with the departure of Joe Watmough from the Olneyville Boys’ Club to coach Brown University, George returned to Olneyville as swim coach.  He continued the great winning traditions of Joe Watmough, with his 1947 team winning the New England Boys’ Club Championships.  Some of his stars included Lucy Crocker in swimming, and Richard Poirier in diving.  In 1951 he was one of the founders of the R.I. Aquatic Association.

During World War II, he served with the Medical Corps in the U.S. Army.

In 1954 George opened his own swimming camp on his property called “Camp Tinker-Dell.”

For years he was a special examiner for the R.I. State Department of Civil Service.  He received a special commendation from the state of Rhode Island in 1947 for his work with this department.