Richard G. Hiskey

May 21, 1929 - July 28, 2016

Chapel Hill

On July 28, 2016 Richard G. "Dick" Hiskey passed away at UNC Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family and the music he loved. Born in Emporia, KS on May 21, 1929, Dick was the son of Clifford and Ethel Hiskey. He attended Emporia High School, Emporia State Teachers College, Kansas State University, and Wayne State University where he was awarded his doctorate in chemistry in 1955. He served in the US Army from 1955-1957. In 1958, he began a 38-year career as professor of chemistry at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. While at UNC, he served in various capacities within the University including Director of Graduate Studies (1965-1970) and Chairman of the Department (1970-1975), (elected) Chairman of the Division of Natural Sciences from 1975 to 1981, and Faculty Representative to the Atlantic Coast Conference and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (1985-1995). Dick enjoyed his interactions with students. He received the Standard Oil Foundation for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award in 1970; the Tanner Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching in 1986; and he was elected by students to membership in the Society of the Golden Fleece in 1989. He collaborated with 55 M.S. and Ph.D. colleagues resulting in over 160 refereed publications in journals and edited volumes. Following his retirement in 1996, the Department created the Richard G. Hiskey Graduate Student Fellowship dedicated to the recruitment and retention of outstanding graduate students. He received Outstanding Alumnus Awards from Kansas State University in 1973, Wayne State University in 1978, Emporia State University in 1979, and the UNC-CH General Alumni Association Faculty Service Award in 1992. He also was a John Simon Guggenheim Foundation Fellow and a Kenan Research Leave Fellow in 1970-71 at the Max Planck Institute for Cell Chemistry. Upon retiring, Dick continued pursuit of his passions in photography, golf, his flowers, and enjoying time with his family. He was predeceased by his oldest daughter, Kathleen Hiskey, and survived by his wife of 63 years, Joan, daughter Liz and Jim Grossnickle of Mebane, son Tim and Christine Hiskey-Gasperetti of Princeton, NJ, son Chuck and Sarah Hiskey of Orange County, son Jon and Lynn Hiskey of Franklin, TN; his nine grandchildren, Nathan, Samantha, and Nick Stewart; Arlee and Katie Hiskey; and Caroline, Jessica, Eli, and Mason Hiskey; and one great grandchild, Enzo Ervin. A celebration of Richard's life will be held at the Carolina Club on Saturday, August 20th from 2:00 - 6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Richard G. Hiskey Graduate Student Fellowship at the UNC-Chapel Hill Dept. of Chemistry and/or vote Democratic! For more information on our celebration of his life, please visit http://memorial websites.legacy.com/rghiskey/

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Published by The News and Observer from Jul. 31 to Aug. 7, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Hiskey

6 Entries

Kit Penniall

August 20, 2016

I grew up with Dr Hiskey's children and spent many days and evenings with the family. Dr Hiskey was a kind and warm person who made us feel welcome and comfortable in his home and in his presence. My prayers are covering the family.

Marvin Saltzman

August 7, 2016

Joan..Dick and I crossed paths in the university community and through Kathy and Bill Little. I used to take my drawing students into the Chemistry lab to draw looking down from the windows. As I made my way from student to student I would often stop and visit Dick. We would trade humor and memories. I still paint every day and it seems Dick lived every day after our joint retirement in the 90's. He added much to UNC making it a better place. Take care ..Marvin

Dr. Jennifer Pollock

August 2, 2016

I add my condolences to the Hiskey family. I'm so grateful for the mentorship that I received from Dr. Hiskey as my PhD mentor from 1983-87. He has always been my inspiration and taught me that the passion for science was the utmost important quality to pass on to my trainees. He was a rare individual and will always be in my thoughts. God bless and love, Jennifer Pollock

Carla

August 2, 2016

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. May your memories comfort your heart; and God help the Hiskey family during this time of sorrow. Isa.41:13

Ivy carroll

August 2, 2016

As Dr. Hiskey's (Dick's) first full tenure PhD student, maybe I should start these memories. The memory that effected me most was observing his passion for the research he was undertaking combined with the love and care he showed for his family and his ability to do both so well. Dick treated me and my wife Sara as well as all his other students like family. This type of mentoring which did not take a single word has served me well.

August 1, 2016

Dick Hiskey was a wonderful mentor to his graduate students and a tremendous resource to the Department of Chemistry. I will miss his guidance and support at my time at UNC and in my career at Baylor College of Medicine. My wife, Doris, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. He will be truly missed. Dr. James T. Sparrow

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