1932-2014

Talbot Ramsbottom

WORDS OF REMEMBRANCE FOR BROTHER TALBOT RAMSBOTTOM, FSC

Given by Charles T. LoPresto, Ph.D.
April 26, 2014
Mass of Christian Burial
La Salle Hall, Beltsville, MD

Let me begin by first saying that it is an honor to say a few words about Brother Talbot, or Tabs, as many of us affectionately called him.  Although I haven’t seen him for some years, ours is a story that has deep and long-standing roots.

I left Calvert Hall College High School in June, 1965, headed for La Salle College as a wide-eyed, soon-to-be biology major.  I did not know Talbot at that time, but four years later, I returned to my high school alma mater, newly married and in need of a job.  As fate would have it, there was a position available to teach freshmen Introductory Physical Science.

After a few years of flying by the seat of my pants, a young Brother by the name of Talbot Ramsbottom who taught biology and about whom I had heard wonderful things, invited me to leave IPS and to come join him in biology.  I was ecstatic—not just to teach biology, but also to share teaching duties with this highly respected yet remarkably humble man with that very curious last name.  That was the beginning of what would become an incredibly wonderful professional collaboration for eleven years.  Our relationship did not stop after I left Calvert Hall to pursue my doctorate in 1980.

You see, during those eleven years, and for many years after, Talbot and I had become dear friends.  He spent many holidays at my home, playing with my two boys, Patrick and Kevin, and giving my wife Colleen tips on gardening.  We saw him as an honorary member of our family, and he graciously accepted the honor.  As Colleen and I talked about his passing, she said, “Do you know what I remember most about Talbot–his wonderful smile and laugh!”  I’d have to agree.  He was a genuinely happy man who appreciated the simple joys of life.  That’s a rare gift in today’s world.

But what I view as the true measure of this man was his genuine kindness and willingness to mentor others.  I was fortunate enough to be one whom he mentored . . . and learn I did!

  • He refined my teaching skills by teaching me the importance of asking the right questions, not just lecturing and presenting material.
  • He modeled a confidence that was never arrogant but one borne out of humility and a willingness to share with others what he had learned in life.
  • He also embraced life with a wonderful sense of humor, and was known for his quick wit, especially in the classroom.  I suspect that is one of the reasons why so many of his students loved him and sought him out after school, be it to play cards, or board games, or to help him renovate the inner courtyard.

 

You see, Talbot was a man of many talents, coming to the Brothers after years of service in the Navy.

  • He was as comfortable doing electrical work or plumbing as he was identifying organisms under a microscope.
  • He also had an exceptional eye for beauty and gardening. He left his mark wherever he went in the landscaping that he lovingly tended.
  • But above all, he was an excellent teacher.  Students loved the colorful examples and personal stories that he used to bring his lectures to life.  To this day, my students give me my highest marks for the examples I use and the stories I tell to facilitate their learning.  Thanks, Tabs!

 

As I put these thoughts together for today, what began to crystallize for me was the realization that Talbot was in so many ways a true leader of men . . . a man who led quietly and without fanfare.

It should be no surprise that he made a big difference in the lives of many young men during his years at Calvert Hall.  And also, not surprising, he made a very big difference in my life.

I will always remember and love him for being an “amico del cuore,” a friend of the heart as we say in Italian, and for helping me to become the man and the teacher that I am today.

Thanks, Tabs!  I wish you a safe journey!

Please pray for the happy repose of the soul of Br. Talbot Ramsbottom, FSC

Born William Francis Ramsbottom in Philadelphia, PA, on December 5, 1932

Entered the Ammendale, MD, Novitiate on June 15, 1959

Received the Religious Habit and Name, Brother Raymond Talbot, on September 7, 1959

Pronounced Perpetual Vows in Philadelphia, PA, on August 19, 1965

Br. Talbot died at De La Salle Hall, Lincroft, NJ, on April 16, 2014

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

Brother Talbot’s viewings, liturgy and burial are delayed because of the Triduum and Easter celebration

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Viewing from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

De La Salle Hall
810 Newman Springs Road
Lincroft, NJ  07738-16082

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Viewing from 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 pm

La Salle Hall
6001 Ammendale Road
Beltsville, MD  20705-1202

Burial in the Brothers’ cemetery to follow

SUFFRAGES FOR OUR DECEASED BROTHER TALBOT

District: 50 masses
De La Salle Hall community: 30 masses
Each community in the District: 1 mass

Brother Talbot died quietly and peacefully at De La Salle Hall during the afternoon after a lengthy illness.  May he rest in peace.

Assignments

1960-1963 
scholasticate
Elkins Park, PA

1963-1976 
teacher
Baltimore, MD
Calvert Hall College High School

1976-1976 
renewal (fall session)
Santa Fe, NM
Sangre de Cristo Center

1977-1978   
vice-principal
Wyndmoor, PA
La Salle College High School

1978-1981
teacher
Cumberland, MD
Bishop Walsh High School

1981-1982  
teacher
Audubon, PA
St. Gabriel’s Hall

1982-1987   
teacher
Wyndmoor, PA
La Salle College High School

1987-1988  
study
Baltimore, MD
Calvert Hall residence

1988-1996 
teacher
Washington, D.C.
St. John’s College High School

1996-1996  
study (fall semester)
Cumberland, MD
Bishop Walsh residence

1997-2001 
infirmarian
Ammendale, MD
La Salle Hall

2001-2006 
resident
Ventnor, NJ
St. Benilde Community

2006-2008   
resident
Ammendale, MD
La Salle Hall

2008-2014    
resident
Lincroft, NJ
De La Salle Hall