Richard Makoto Hirata

I was deeply saddened to learn that Dr. Hirata passed away. I was impressed by his intellect, expertise and friendliness. Much love and strength to the Hirata family, now and always.

I just heard the sad news from Dr Kunar that Dr Hirata passed. I met Dr Hirata at GBMC in the 90´s where I worked as his and Dr Saunders back office assistant/nurse. His patients adored him. His funny sense of humor and comforting ways never ceased to amaze me. I retired from the DOD in 2016. I never new the degree of his Military service and appointments. My condolences to Mrs Hirata and family.

We fondly remember Richard as part of our TUMC family. Such a kind soul.
Kathy, sorry we did not make it to the memorial service in Gaithersburg yesterday. We were with you and family in spirit and prayer.

Dear Kathy and Family, Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Dick. I consider myself blessed to have shared a chapter in life knowing this great man. I will always remember the sound of his easy laughter, as well as good conversations shared about God. I smile now (and am a bit weepy) knowing that Dick lived a long and fruitful life, and it was his time to move onto Eternal Life. I hope to see him again someday. And Kathy, you know that I feel the same way about you. Hugs.

Mrs Hirata and family Our sincere condolences on the passing of your husband, Dr Hirata. This is Kelly Baxter, although I never met either you or your husband, my mother, Sara Baxter, always spoke so highly of the two of you. I believe she was fortunate enough to have made your acquaintance at Timonium UMC and cherished her frequent conversations and occasional visits after her move to VA. Often, Mom would lament that my father did not seek Dr Hirata´s medical guidance. My husband, Phil...

The greatest man I´ve ever known. He will be missed by many.

Such a loss. Dick was loved by everyone who knew him. How could you not love such a kind, caring, giving person. I remember him visiting my mother at John´s Hopkins Hospital when she had critical surgery. He knew of her from church, but they were not close acquaintances; yet he was there to show her how much he cared for her. Such a truly God-loving man. RIP Dick. Love and comfort to Kathy.

One of our favorite shared memories was viewing the stars together. It was a childhood hobby of mine, that he chose to share with me. A highlight he always talked about was seeing Comet West, an unheralded comet, but still one of the best and brightest on view in the US during my lifetime--and Dad's. We had to wake at 5am on an early spring morning. It was cold, but we stood in our backyard, in the cold air for probably 15 minutes admiring it together. Waking early was a lifetime ritual...