Last modified: Thursday, March 30, 2006 1:09 AM EST Norton's Yelle dies By Rebecca Keister / Sun Chronicle Staff NORTON -- When the Henri A. Yelle Elementary School was renamed in January 2000, the man whose name now welcomes students, teachers and residents into its doors offered an emotional thank-you speech to former co-workers, friends and the generations of residents his life had touched. Yelle, who died Tuesday at 94, was much more than a former teacher and principal to those who sat in his classroom or walked beside him in the school halls, town officials said. He was a town icon -- someone they looked up to and looked forward to seeing on his daily walks about town that ceased only last year, when went to live at the Epoch Senior Healthcare Center in Norton. `` I knew him all my life, and you know he was the kindest man,'' Selectman Butch Rich said. `` When you mention Henri Yelle, you're proud he came from Norton.'' Yelle was born into a town-oriented family in November 1911, the 10th of 13 children of Wilfrid J. and Eveline M. Yelle. His education in Norton schools paved the way for his future career as an educator, which began in 1935 at the old Barrowsville School in Norton. It was there he first became a principal, before becoming principal again at Sturdy School in 1937. Then, in 1941, he entered the Army on the brink of World War II. His service earned him the Bronze Star. Although he didn't retire from the Army Reserve until 1958, his post-war life was, again, all about Norton's school system. Rich said he knew Yelle before becoming one of his students, since the future town politician often accompanied his father, Clarence P. Rich, around town. Their relationship was cemented by those early bonds, but was really enhanced by the time they spent together, starting when Rich was a high school student and Yelle was his principal. `` When we were in school, he had a very dry sense of humor,'' Rich said. `` You had to look for it, but he was just the greatest.'' Yelle was made assistant principal of Norton High School upon his return from the war in December 1945. He also taught French, ancient history and geometry. He became high school principal in 1959 and remained at that desk until his retirement in 1973. Those years of service culminated in the dedication of the Henri A. Yelle school, an honor that is not often bestowed upon someone during their lifetime. The dedication ceremony drew scores of his relatives, former students and colleagues, and members of Norton's legislative delegation, including U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Newton. Those who talk of Yelle's legacy to the schools speak of his ability to incorporate life lessons into his classes, to promote his love of reading, music, literature and nature, and to unknowingly become a cherished role model to his students. `` He had (such) an influence on the older people in town,'' said John Doherty, a former longtime school committee member. `` Everything I heard about him was (positive), and anyone who ever knew him said he was very dedicated.'' Selectmen Chairman Bob Kimball was at the dedication, and said after Yelle's death that he felt fortunate to get to know the man in his later years. `` He was a pure person, and this is sad news,'' Kimball said. `` It's great he lived to see the school named after him. He was very sharp, very intelligent and always a pleasure to talk to. He was always up to date on town news and ready to have a conversation.'' His interest in town service extended outside of the classroom. Yelle was a past librarian at Norton Public Library, president and director of the Norton Land Preservation Society and was a member of the Norton Historical Society. Even after his retirement, his involvement in town life didn't slow much. Every day, Yelle would take a walk from his home near the town center to pick up a newspaper. About eight years ago, Rich said he lobbied for the town to purchase a snow plow so that sidewalks could be cleared. `` So, we went out and bought a plow, and he was the reason. It was one of his enjoyments and his exercise to get the newspaper,'' Rich said. `` Maybe a year ago, I saw him as he was walking. And that's the last time I spoke to him personally.'' Rebecca Keister can be reached at rkeister@thesunchronicle.com or 508-236-0336.