Dr. Michael J. Hitchko

To the Hitchko family,
In 1956 my mother and I were in a horrible car accident in Fernbridge. I was a baby. My mom protected me as best she could by shielding me with her body from the impact. She was driving. by leaning over to cover me she escaped being impaled on the steering wheel, but her foot and leg were crushed "like an egg-shell" in many pieces. Dr. Hitchko put all those pieces back together. A year later, out of a thigh-high plaster cast and with therapy my mother was able to walk again. Although she could not run fast or long she was able to enjoy dancing and skating again.
A few years later I had a knee condition caused from growing too fast and Dr. Hitchko was my doctor. He did not push surgery on me, for which I am greatful. Now I have arthritis in both knees, and it would surely have been worse if I'd had a knee surgery. And thanks to Dr. Hitchko I did not have to participate in organized sports. Instead I spent that time in the library reading books. My life would have been much different and less enjoyable had I spent that time outdoors. In fact, that knee kept me out of Vietnam, even though I'd been (somewhat) eager to go.
About fifteen years ago I saw him at his home in Freshwater while I was doing some door-to-door work, and he remembered my mother and I. We talked for a while and he mentioned he was still consulting.
He was not just a top-notch doctor (in an area with FEW top-notch doctors) His was a kind, insightful and generous man. I grieve for your loss.
My mother's name is Patricia Riley, although when she was his patient her married name was Patricia Quinn. She now has alzheimers (severe) and is in a nursing home up in the Seattle area. If she was able I know she would also sign your guest book and would have been able to relate many of those kindnesses to you. She had profound respect and admiration for Dr. Hitchko, and his name was mentioned upon numerous occassions at our table.
I am glad he lived a long and meaningful life and enjoyed his retirement. And how wonderful to have such a large family and to have ended his earthly existence surrounded by loved ones.
May God bless you all and comfort you.

I was sorry to hear of Dr. Hitchko's death. If it were not for him my sister would have walked with braces and crutches her whole life. She was born with one leg longer than the other. He also repaired a finger that was smashed in a car door for her. He was a very kind and generous man. He will always be an angel to us.

To Dr. Hitchko's family,

I saw Dr. Hitchko's obiturary, and just wanted you to know that I took care of his patients after surgery before he retired.
I was a Registered Nurse, working for General Hospital in Eureka.
I really appreciated Dr. Hitchko. He was always kind to and appreciative of me as a Nurse, caring for his patients, as well as to the rest of the staff.
I really missed him after he retired and I never saw him again.
I am glad he had years of enjoyable retirement.
My sympathy to you, his family,

Sincerely,
Retired Registered Nurse, Anita Anderson

Dr. Hitchko was a great doctor. We will always remember the care that he showed to me and the excellent care that he showed to my son Kenneth. He was the only doctor in this area who knew what to do with him and referred him down to the university center in San Francisco. My family & I send our sincere sympathy to all the Hitchko family.

Ethel & Stan Seaman
Jim, Jerry & Jewell

Barbara,
Bill and I are so sorry for your loss, but grateful for you and your family and your dad for the time you had together. Chelsea remembers how sweet he was in calming her asthma at your barbecue and of the many loaves of bread they baked together that day. What a sweet man your dad is.
You are all in my prayers, and I hope your dad doesn't mind if they sound a little Irish.
Love you, Reen

My name is Dick Johnson and I worked at Norris Market/Myrtle Ave. Mkt for years where I knew Marion. Dr. Hitchko saved my son's life one day when he was working in the E.R. on another boy with a broken leg. We brought Rick in suffering from a penicillin allergy and choking to death, having turned blue. The Doctor dropped his patient (not literally) and gave Rick the necessary antidote for the allergy and saved his life.
Rick later became his patient when he suffered hip damage and had to have several surgeries, which Dr. H. performed.I was cutting meat at the time, when we were breaking beef on the carcass, and a funny anecdote was that the Dr., when he was explaining what he was going to do to Rick, said - "Let me explain to you how a hip works". I said "Doc- I am a meat-cutter- I probably see more hips in a week than you do!" Anyway, he was a good guy. This was in '69 or so. Dick Johnson

Barbara, you may not remember me but my name is Loreen (Laverty) and I used to play with you and Candy Pearl when you all lived in Eureka. I remember your dad. I think I was about 6 years old at the time, but the first time I saw a TV was at your house. It was so small but quite a marvel to me! Your family moved to Freshwater and I only saw you a few times after that. Whenever I drive out by Freshwater, I always admire your family home as I pass by and remember your family, even after all these years.

To the Hitchko Family, Was saddened when I heard of your father's passing. My prayers are with you all at this time. What a great soul.

Sorry to hear of Dr Hitchko's passing, I remember playing with all the Hitchko kids and having such a good time swinging from the big tree behind the house.Dr Hitchko was such a fine Dr and a kind and gentle person,he will surley be missed.

Dr. "Mike" has left us but he will never be forgotten. He was the most kind, gentle man I ever had the pleasure of knowing professionally and socially. His smile and friendliness to me and my family are memorable. This was truly not only a gentleman but a gentle man in the purest sense. God can surely use his skills, knowledge and graciousness. Rest in peace, Mike. We love you, you will be in our daily prayers.

My thoughts are with you all. Your home was always such a comfort to me whenever I drove by. I will always remember Dr. Hitchko out riding his mower and careing for that beautiful home.
Sincerely,
Gretchen

Marion, I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Hitchko's death. I will inform mom tomarrow when I visit her in the nursing home she lives in. She has been there since she broke her hip last April. She often talks about how comforting you and Dr. Hitchko were when daddy was dying more than 11 years ago.You all shared alot of years,fun and pain together.

Dear Family, What a very special person your husband/father/grandfather was. He was the kindest and gentlest doctor Eureka will ever see. How missed he will be.

To Marion and family - you are in my thoughts often and lovingly. It was really good to talk to Tracy the other day. Gratitude to Cathie for easing the way for everyone including her Father. May the coming days surround you with kindness and comfort and good memories.

Cathie and family- What a wonderful father/husband/grandfather all of you had. So glad, Cathie, that you were able to be close. I have fond memories of being at the Freshwater home. We'll always remember the care he gave my sister, Judy. Thinking of you all.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.