Richard A. Hilker

I never had the privilege of meeting Dick but met him virtually through our love of photography. I live in the UK and wrote to him in 2005 about one of his beautiful floral images that I had found online. The light was very special and I knew it wasn't just photographed with a camera and flash or natural light, so wrote to him to ask how he did it. He was very generous in his reply, telling me he used a flatbed scanner. It inspired me to try to do some myself and I wrote back showing him...

I,enjoyed working along side Dick transforming the old Plymouth library into The Plymouth Center for the Arts. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was always willing to help. He won many awards with his stunning photography. Dick was greatly missed around the Center when he moved from Plymouth. I always considered him a dear friend. My condolences to Crystal and family.

Richard and I had a wonderful time talking about cameras, collaborating on photography shows, working together on the board, and later occasionally meeting for coffee just to catch up. Dick was a very thoughtful and generous person, bright and creative; he cared deeply about our new art center, dedicating much of his efforts and passion to make it a success. He truly made a difference.

My sincere condolences for your great loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted " and "comforts all who mourn", sustain your family during this challenging time. Isaiah 61:1,2.

I met Dick when I first volunteered at the Plymouth Center for the Arts. He was a lovely person and a true gentleman. I am often reminded of him when I see two of his photographs which hang in my home. I know Dick will be missed by many people.

I'm sure that I am one of those many people that Dick helped alone his way. He was very kind to me; truely a good and gentle man. The world is less, now that he's gone.

Dick was one of the first people to welcome me to the Plymouth Guild for the Arts with encouragement in my photography. We shared the same dream... that Photography would be recognized as "Art" not just "Photography" ...which it had not been in 2004 when I came to Plymouth. Today it is! I will always remember Dick as my friend, an excellent photographer and a very sensitive, caring man. Prayers to all his family...Mary Ann Lambert Horton