Richard Belcher, a humanities teacher at Eastlake High School, is retiring after a 41-year career as an educator and coach.

Belcher began teaching and coaching in 1973 at Rolling Hills High School in California, his alma mater, before heading to Washington state. He was at Newport High School in Bellevue for several years before transitioning to Eastlake High School, where he taught humanities and coached the boys’ basketball team until 2007, when he retired from sports altogether. During his time at Eastlake, Belcher was able to coach hundreds of players, including his two sons, Mitchell and Bryan.

“Family,” he said. “That’s really what it’s about.”

In 2010, Belcher was inducted into the Washington Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

“I want to sincerely thank everyone who made my professional and personal life so meaningful,” he said in a Facebook post. “I am so blessed to have all if you in my life.”

Belcher will begin his retirement by welcoming a grandchild in early July.