Severn School Teacher Remembered as Teacher in Life, Classroom

Former Severn School Latin teacher Thomas "Doc" Heslin is remembered as a man who had a deep love for his family, and as someone who taught valuable lessons in and outside of the classroom.

“He always had a very even disposition, nothing seem to rattle him and [he] expressed a great love for his family,” said neighbor Joe LaRocque.

On July 17, Heslin was struck and killed while riding his bike in Severna Park.

As soon as news of Heslin’s passing spread, social media sites lit up as students past and present shared memories of their teacher.

Heslin was with Severn School for 27 years. In addition to teaching Latin, he was a venerated swimming and golf coach, and director of the Italian Exchange program. Heslin was inducted into Severn’s Athletic Hall of Fame this spring in honor of his contributions to Severn athletics.

Severna Park resident Cathy Willauer said it was Heslin who encouraged her son to tackle more than one language in school. 

“Our son was switching from Latin—after having three years of it already between middle and high school—to French this year and Doc convinced him to stay on with the Latin as well as taking on a new language,” Willauer said. “Though our son has a lot of interests to pursue in school, he was going to be taking two languages at once, in deference to Doc.”

While Heslin inspired students to excel in the classroom, he also provided wisdom for life. LaRocque said he fondly remembers two very important lessons he learned from Heslin.

“The first saying always came when we would be looking at a group of boys at the pool all hanging out together,” LaRocque said. “Wondering what kind of trouble they might get into as all boys do, he would always say, ‘a group of boys is only as smart as the dumbest one.’ I loved that one.”

LaRocque added, “The second came when my then wife was pregnant in the summer with my youngest. He always told me to keep telling her that I was ‘sorry’— no matter the situation.”

LaRocque said he would miss Heslin’s humor. 

Severn School Headmaster, Doug Lagarde said Heslin would be remembered for his wisdom and smile.

“Doc Heslin was an extraordinary teacher, mentor, and leader,” Lagarde said in a statement. “His work positively impacted scores of Severn students with his always present smile, ready wit, and trademark optimism."

Many more students, friends and community members have turned to a Facebook page set up in Heslin’s honor to share their memories. Those who have posted use words like “inspiring” “amazing” and “kind” to describe Heslin. Each one adding how much he will be missed not only in the halls of Severn School, but throughout the community as well.