On November 10, 2025, Richard "Dick" Deeming Hyers passed away unexpectedly at the age of 82. He was born on February 7, 1943, in Los Angeles, California, to Donald Holmes Hyers and Wanda Deeming Hyers. Dick lived a life defined by independence, self-determination, and a deep love of plants and botany.
In 1966, Dick married Lois Jean Heitman (Hyers, Bailey). These early years of marriage, also saw the height of the Vietnam War. Dick joined the National Guard as a way to serve his country close to his new and expanding family. He served two years which included duty during the Watts Riots in Los Angeles; an experience that deeply affected him as he struggled to justify fighting against the very community in which he grew up.
In 1968, the couple moved from Los Angeles to start their life in the beach town of Huntington Beach, California, and together they raised their two children: a daughter, Melanie (born 1969), and a son, Scott (born 1971). During this time, Dick was owner and operator of The Vine and Twine, a local plant shop where he sold houseplants and created hanging macrame plant holders and other twine knotted home decor.
In 1979, Dick and Lois dissolved their marriage, amicably going their separate ways.
Dick met his second wife, Susan Oakley in 1982, and the couple married in an intimate beach ceremony on Maui, Hawaii, where they made their home for more than 20 years. On Maui, his passion for plants truly flourished. He and Susan owned Launani Interior Landscaping , a successful plant rental business, complete with greenhouse, highlighting his remarkable green thumb. He was a longtime member of the Maui Association of Nurserymen (MAN) and he delighted in visiting botanical gardens-wandering, observing, and enthusiastically discussing plant names. When the correct botanical name escaped him, he simply invented one, delivering it with confidence and a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
Near their home in Kihei, Dick and Susan found friendship and belonging among fellow nudists at Little Beach. There, they formed a close-knit and supportive community. For several years, Dick served as President of The Friends of Little Beach, where he advocated during town hall meetings for the beach to maintain its nude status.
Dick was a skilled handyman and a true jack of all trades. On Maui he built their home, a small cottage & greenhouse for their business. Proactive and self-reliant, Dick marched to the beat of his own drum, valuing authenticity and freedom above all else.
In 2003, Dick and Susan left their beloved Maui home to retire in the Phoenix, Arizona area. A few years later, they moved back to Southern California to be closer to his two children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Susan Hyers; his daughter Melanie, son Scott and Scott's wife Gina Hyers; and his grandchildren, Chloe Jesse and Hana Hyers.
Dick-father, grandfather, and husband-will always be remembered and deeply missed. His nostalgic, often humorous stories, his independent spirit, and the example he set by simply being himself will forever create cherished memories for his loving family and friends.
In 1966, Dick married Lois Jean Heitman (Hyers, Bailey). These early years of marriage, also saw the height of the Vietnam War. Dick joined the National Guard as a way to serve his country close to his new and expanding family. He served two years which included duty during the Watts Riots in Los Angeles; an experience that deeply affected him as he struggled to justify fighting against the very community in which he grew up.
In 1968, the couple moved from Los Angeles to start their life in the beach town of Huntington Beach, California, and together they raised their two children: a daughter, Melanie (born 1969), and a son, Scott (born 1971). During this time, Dick was owner and operator of The Vine and Twine, a local plant shop where he sold houseplants and created hanging macrame plant holders and other twine knotted home decor.
In 1979, Dick and Lois dissolved their marriage, amicably going their separate ways.
Dick met his second wife, Susan Oakley in 1982, and the couple married in an intimate beach ceremony on Maui, Hawaii, where they made their home for more than 20 years. On Maui, his passion for plants truly flourished. He and Susan owned Launani Interior Landscaping , a successful plant rental business, complete with greenhouse, highlighting his remarkable green thumb. He was a longtime member of the Maui Association of Nurserymen (MAN) and he delighted in visiting botanical gardens-wandering, observing, and enthusiastically discussing plant names. When the correct botanical name escaped him, he simply invented one, delivering it with confidence and a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
Near their home in Kihei, Dick and Susan found friendship and belonging among fellow nudists at Little Beach. There, they formed a close-knit and supportive community. For several years, Dick served as President of The Friends of Little Beach, where he advocated during town hall meetings for the beach to maintain its nude status.
Dick was a skilled handyman and a true jack of all trades. On Maui he built their home, a small cottage & greenhouse for their business. Proactive and self-reliant, Dick marched to the beat of his own drum, valuing authenticity and freedom above all else.
In 2003, Dick and Susan left their beloved Maui home to retire in the Phoenix, Arizona area. A few years later, they moved back to Southern California to be closer to his two children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Susan Hyers; his daughter Melanie, son Scott and Scott's wife Gina Hyers; and his grandchildren, Chloe Jesse and Hana Hyers.
Dick-father, grandfather, and husband-will always be remembered and deeply missed. His nostalgic, often humorous stories, his independent spirit, and the example he set by simply being himself will forever create cherished memories for his loving family and friends.
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