Richard G. "Dick" Jaeger

1937 - 2022

Richard "Dick" G. Jaeger

Orange, NH — Richard "Dick" G. Jaeger passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, September 27, 2022, with his family by his side.

Dick was born in Bronxville, New York, on January 4, 1937, the son of Gus and Nancy (Gaines) Jaeger. He attended Horace Greeley High School where he played football, baseball, and basketball. He matriculated at Dartmouth College in the fall of 1955. Having battled polio in high school, Dick brought to Dartmouth a strength of spirit, a tremendous generosity, and a tenacity that proved to be hallmarks of his career and life.

A 1959 graduate of Dartmouth, Dick earned a master's degree in the teaching of English from Columbia University in 1960. He taught at high schools in White Plains, New York, and Hanover, New Hampshire, before joining the Dartmouth Admissions office in 1964. He was named associate director of admissions in 1973 and director in 1982. In 1989, Dick was hired as the Dartmouth Director of Athletics.

During Dick's term as athletic director, Dartmouth's athletic programs flourished. He brought varsity status to women's softball and volleyball teams and supervised major projects including the Alexis Boss Tennis Center and Gordon Pavilion, Scully-Fahey Field, and the Blackman practice fields. Throughout his tenure as AD, Dartmouth earned 43 Ivy League Championships. Teams also competed for NCAA championships in women's basketball, women's rowing, men's and women's cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field, women's lacrosse, women's hockey, men's and women's diving, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's skiing, men's and women's golf, and men's tennis. Dick retired from the position in June 2002. Dartmouth honored him by establishing the Jaeger Civic Internship that promotes and facilitates local community service by Dartmouth student-athletes.

Upon retirement, Dick dedicated his time to helping others. He spent countless hours volunteering for the Meals on Wheels program, served as Board Chair for the Grafton County Senior Citizens Council and the Upper Valley Humane Society, mentored Dartmouth student-athletes, served as advisor to Casque and Gauntlet Senior Society, and organized activities and fund-raising efforts for the Dartmouth class of 1959. He cherished these activities and loved living in the wonderful community of Orange, New Hampshire, serving as Town Moderator for many years. Dick delighted in attending Dartmouth athletic events, working outdoors, driving his tractor, and spending time with his beloved wife Sally and their dogs at their home in Orange and their cottage on Charleston Lake in Ontario, Canada.

Dick was known for his tremendous work ethic, his generosity of spirit, and his wonderful sense of humor. He never missed a chance to help others, to volunteer his time and skills, and to attempt to put others at ease. His smile lit up a room, and his jokes were legendary. He purposely attempted to make all of those around him comfortable, and never hesitated to put others first or help lighten another's load. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Dick is predeceased by his first wife Debbie Jaeger, and his parents, Nancy and Gus Jaeger. He is survived by his wife Sally Jaeger, his son Tim (Tracy) Jaeger, daughter Betsy (Tim) Jaeger Winslow, brother Carl (Helen) Jaeger, granddaughters Emily Winslow and Lina Jaeger, and numerous nephews and nieces. He is also survived by his yellow labs Sam and Annie, who miss him terribly.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Hanover Terrace and his caregivers, Dee and Dreina, who cared for Dick with great compassion and respect.

A celebration of Dick's wonderful life will be held at The Church of Christ at Dartmouth College on Saturday, November 19 at 2 pm, reception to follow at the Top of the Hop, Hopkins Center, Dartmouth College. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Grafton County Senior Citizens Council, 10 Campbell Street, Lebanon, NH 03748, www.gcscc.org.