Decades of Dedication: Harold Dinsmore (2024)

Called a true community champion by those who know him, Harold Dinsmore, of Farragut, epitomizes dedication and community spirit, having taught in Farragut for over 35 years and volunteering for 65 years.

Born north of Tarkio and a graduate of Coin High School, Harold humorously shares, “I jokingly like to tell people I went to West Point. They are no longer impressed when they find out the truth!” He actually attended a one-room country school before high school, near Coin, called West Point.

Harold’s journey in education began after graduating from Northwest Missouri State, leading to his first teaching job in Essex. He met his wife Eloise there, and by 1958, Dinsmore secured a teaching position in Farragut after spending two years in the service.

Reflecting on his unconventional interview, Dinsmore said, “We spent most of the interview talking about my playing football at Coin and beating Farragut, and I remember thinking that I blew the interview. I got up to leave and was asked to send my credentials, and I got the job!”

Harold’s teaching career was marked by dedication and ingenuity. Without formal coaching training, he juggled six classes and six coaching assignments. His resourcefulness shone through when he transported a pole vault pole to the state track meet by taping it to his vehicle, a tale remembered with a laugh. Of course, always a storyteller, Dinsmore had to add, “And I may have been exceeding the speed limit when I was pulled over, but the policeman didn’t say one word about the pole.”

In addition to teaching and coaching, Dinsmore received his master’s degree in 1970 from the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks.

“I majored in biology and chemistry and minored in geology and physics. They were the only school that had a Master’s of Science Teaching,” he said. “It was a lot of work, but it was what I needed. And I never felt cheated because I went to a one-room country school.”

Beyond the classroom, Harold’s commitment to his community was resolute. In 1959, he began his Memorial Day tradition of placing flags at the Farragut Cemetery, a task he meticulously performed annually until this year.

“I have a passion for honoring veterans. I got into it right from the start, and it was something I just continued to do,” Dinsmore said. “It was hard not doing it this year, but I was told it was time to let younger folks get involved and that was probably for the best.”

His passion for helping others was also shown through his work for the Farragut Fire Department. For 65 years, Dinsmore served as a volunteer fireman, as well as teaching defensive driving to new recruits in Farragut and beyond. He was often the first to respond to emergencies, even during school hours.

“There were times when I was teaching that I would leave for a department call and be wading through a creek with my dress clothes on! I wouldn’t go on the first call, but by the second call, I knew they needed help,” he said.

Dinsmore’s commitment sometimes caused friction, but he fondly remembers the support he received: “One principal took the issue to the school board because I was out of class for calls, and he didn’t like that. One board member said, ‘If my house is on fire, I want as many people there as possible,’ and that was that!”

Dinsmore’s impact extended to preserving local history. He played a crucial role in restoring a Civil War cannon at the cemetery, turning a deteriorating masonry base into a project that culminated in a new granite base and surrounding flagpoles representing different military branches.

“An eight-year dream of mine was to get a different base in there for the cannon. Becki (Sickman, Farragut city clerk) and I basically got it done. I designed what went on the 4,500-pound chunk of granite, and she found the money through a grant,” Dinsmore explained. “It’s a very unique addition to the cemetery and something I’m very proud of.”

The cannon base and flags were completed in 2010.

Dinsmore’s advice for young people about community involvement is grounded in his extensive experience. He encourages regular, reliable participation, starting with small commitments to find the right fit.

“I’ve taken many young people to events to show them how to get involved in their community. I’ve had kids help me put up or take down the flags before they were even in high school. I want to show them how it takes people working together to get things done,” he said.

Reflecting on his life, Dinsmore feels blessed by the relationships he built with students, staff, and the community through his teaching and service to the community.

“I’ve been so blessed with the students, staff, and the community members I worked with. When the school closed, I didn’t handle it very well. I was there when we turned the lights on in the new addition, and I was there when we turned the lights off,” he said. “But it was always about the people.”

Harold Dinsmore’s life is a story of service, teaching, and volunteerism. His legacy in Farragut is evidence of his passion for helping others and making a lasting impact on his community.