Middlebury Grads Reflect on the Passing of a Legend

MIDDLEBURY, Vt. – Beloved lacrosse manager and longtime Middlebury College friend, Myron G. “Peter” Kohn passed away on Aug. 5 at University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa. The lacrosse legend was unable to recover from a heart attack he suffered on a fishing trip near his home in Cape May, N.J., on Aug. 1.

Peter Kohn was one of the most beloved and unique figures in the lacrosse world. For more than 50 years he was connected to the sport. The subject of a much-publicized documentary, “Keeper of the Kohn,” he started as a field manager for the Park School in Baltimore in 1954. He was manager of the U.S. teams from 1978 to 1998, for the North-South All-Star game for over 25 years and for club teams in the United States Club Lacrosse Association for over 20 years.

Kohn worked in the equipment room at Middlebury from 1981-1988, while serving as a manager of the men’s lacrosse team. He later began to spend his winters in Florida and returned to campus each spring to work with the team. When time permitted, Kohn also enjoyed helping out with other spring teams at Middlebury as well as teams during his brief visits in the fall and winter. Kohn is well-known throughout the lacrosse world, having served as manager of the U.S. National Team several times at the World Games.

Read the release from Middlebury: http://www.middlebury.edu/athletics/sports/mens/lacrosse/2008-2009/news/news_633850701012119271.htm


“Myron G. “Peter” Kohn was an extraordinary individual. His legacy goes beyond lacrosse, though he loved the sport. For me, his gift was his simple nature and absolute gentleness. He cared about everyone deeply and completely; not just Middlebury lacrosse players but every single person he met. He inspired goodness in others like nobody else I have ever met. In a way that is entirely unique to Peter Kohn, each day he reminded us of what is important in life. I miss him deeply and will always be grateful to have known him. Viva la Kohn.”

– Glenn Bickley ‘08

“To be blunt, Peter was Middlebury lacrosse.  While he served as our fearless manager, his most important role to our program was that of a friend.  Peter brought an unmatchable level of compassion to the circle of people fortunate to be a part of his life and all he asked of us in return was to give our hearts to each other and our program. During my time at Middlebury, it was an honor to be a part of the world Peter created in our small Vermont town.

While I have so many fond memories of Peter, it is difficult to single out one special moment.  I will say though that it has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to be able to tell people about Peter and what he meant to our family at Middlebury.”

Will Simpson ‘07

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