Richard (Dick) George Hyma
Doctor of Chiropractic, D.C.
July 26, 2016
Richard was the deeply beloved and cherished husband of Rhena, his wife of sixty three years, and adored father of three children, Catherine (Robert Jotautas) of Brampton, David (Katherine Cowan) of Mississauga and Donald (Christine Swyer) of Perth, Australia and respected grandfather of five grandchildren, Michael (Alice Hardesty), Rebecca (Ron Colville), Jeffrey, Gregory and Laura, and five great-grandchildren, Jack, Max and Ben Colville, and John and Victoria Jotautas.
Born in Deinum, Netherlands on September 5th, 1929 to Dirk Hyma and Froukje (Adema), Richard was the second of four siblings, Amy (Van Dyken), Alice (Heydens), and Robert, all deceased. He attended the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, earning his Doctorate in 1955. Upon graduation, Richard established his practice in Brampton where he faithfully cared for patients for over 39 years. He will always be remembered as a pioneer in his profession and highly dedicated to those he helped.
Early on, Richard recognized the importance of assisting people with intellectual disabilities and was instrumental in establishing facilities which today underpin the BramptonCaledon Community Living Organization. In 1986, his valued services as a member of the Peel District Health Council were acknowledged by the Ontario Ministry of Health. Richard also recognized the growing need for an alternate form of elderly care which embraced the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the individual. This prompted him to participate in the inaugural development of Holland Christian Homes Brampton, a unique community which has grown immensely and continues to provide vital service to individuals at various stages of life.
Richard was active for many years in the Rotary Club, City of Brampton Planning Board, and as an Elder of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. On weekends, he thoroughly enjoyed socializing with friends and family, either in Brampton or at the weekend cottage in Bracebridge. Richard was a true sports enthusiast and a committed Toronto Maple Leafs fan; a trait which has passed onto his children and grandchildren. He also used his professional experience to support the historic Brampton Excelsior’s lacrosse team in the early 60’s.
He retained his irreverent sense of humor to the end, bringing smiles and laughs to those around him. Richard will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The family would like to thank the staff of both the Maple Grove long term care facility who took such good care of Richard for eight years, and more recently, the Bethell Hospice who provided such a dignified and comfortable palliative care environment.
Respecting the wishes of Richard, the family will have a private remembrance of life.
If desired and in memoriam of Richard, donations can be made to your charity of choice or Bethell Hospice, P.O. Box 75, Inglewood, Ontario, L7C 3L6 foundation@bethellhospice.org