Richard L. Hyneman, 87

Richard L. "Dick" Hyneman, 87, passed away peacefully on Aug. 7, 2014, at his caregiver's home in Olympia, Wash.

Dick was born on June 4, 1927, in Seattle, Wash., to Robert D. and Joan M. Hyneman. He was a graduate of Gonzaga University where he earned a BA in Economics and a MA in English.

After graduation, Dick moved to Hayden Lake and worked at the Hayden Lake Country Club prior to becoming an English instructor and debate coach at Coeur d'Alene High School. As a challenge, he started the debate team at Coeur d'Alene High School and led the team to a total of 109 wins.

In 1965, Dick became a speech and English professor at North Idaho College and again led the debate team to numerous championships. In 1972, he took a sabbatical to work on his Doctorate degree in rhetorical and communication studies at WSU.

Dick moved back to Hayden Lake in 1973, and continued teaching at NIC. After 20 years with North Idaho College, he moved into marketing and remained active in numerous political campaigns, the local Rotary, and as President of the Hayden Lake Library Board.

Dick devoted his life to raising his daughter, Laura. As a teacher, he challenged his students to be the best they could be, and gave them the courage to pursue their goals. After retiring, Dick enjoyed sharing political gossip among close friends at the Sandtrap and Owl Cafe.

Dick's dry sense of humor and simple kindness will be missed by many; he touched numerous lives throughout Kootenai County.

Dick is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Trent Matson of Olympia, Wash.; two grandsons, Reagan and Sax; one niece, and three nephews.

A memorial Mass celebrating Dick's life will be held at 1 p.m.. Monday, Aug. 18, 2014, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 625 E. Haycraft Ave., Coeur d'Alene. His remains will be placed at Holyrood Cemetery in Shoreline, Wash., with his mother, father and sister.

In honor of his passion for speech and debate, a memorial fund has been arranged benefiting Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy. In lieu of flowers, please remember Dick with donations to the Richard L. Hyneman Debate Team Memorial fund, 4904 N. Duncan Dr., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, 83815.