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Christopher Hyland Obituary
April 25, 1950 - July 27, 2020
It's hard to imagine that this happy, kind, and loving man is no longer with us. Chris Hyland, 70, passed away due to complications of COVID on July 27, 2020. Chris was born in Oakland, California to the parents of Jean and Kiernan Hyland. The family moved to Santa Rosa in the mid-1950s. Chris was a star basketball player in high school and in the first graduating class of Cardinal Newman in 1968. He then went on to Sacramento State College where he studied English literature. He lived in both Santa Cruz and Saratoga for several years while working for the U.S. Postal Service. In 1996, Chris and Bev began dating and Chris returned to Sonoma County. They were married in Maui, Hawaii in 2000.
Chris was a poet and a romanticist. He wrote volumes of poetry and loved the works of Dylan Thomas, Percy Shelley, and William Butler Yeats, to name a few. Music and dancing were a passion, and he had an extensive collection of music from all genres. He was always the life of the party in the company of family and friends. Another passion that Chris and Bev were able to share was the love of travel to new and exotic places. Always eager to give a bear hug, offer compliments and words of encouragement, he had a bigger-than-life presence and yet had a very gentle, loving quality.
Chris is survived by his wife, Bev Hedberg-Hyland; brother John Hyland (Elaine Hyland); sister Mary Anderson (John Anderson); sister-in-law Josette Hyland (Bob Hyland); his nieces Katie Anderson and Michelle Hyland; his nephews Johnny Anderson, Ryan Anderson and Kiernan Hyland; and his step-daughters Shannon Morman and Erin O'Connor. He was predeceased by his parents, Kiernan and Jean Hyland, as well as his brothers Bob Hyland and Richard Hyland.
As long as we live, Chris will live, for he is now a part of us, as we remember him forever in our hearts!
Due to COVID, we would like to have family and friends join us in a celebration of Chris' life at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Hyland
Martha
June 25, 2025
He was berry nice person he was living at mirabel forestiville i was there when he passway for COVID
Jenny
September 6, 2020
Chris was my stepdad from 4th grade until he and my mother divorced when I 22 yrs old . I wish we we would have had some contact, my sister Angela and I have some real fun memories we will never forget. It makes me very sad that I learned. About his passing so long after the fact. My mother still carries his name. My thoughts go out to
JOHN MARY AND JON BOB AND JOSSETTE AND DICK, I NEVER FORGOT ANY OF YOU.
PEACE BE WITH YOU THROUGH THIS TIME IN ALL OUR LIVES. BLESS YOU ALL THERE IS A SONG THAT WILL ALWAYS REMIND ME OF CHRIS. . ITS CALLED TIGER IN THE RAIN. NEVER FORGET YOU. NEVER HAVE. JENNY
Laura Likens
August 14, 2020
To Bev and Mary and all the Hyland family, our sympathies are with you in this sad and much too soon loss of such a wonderful caring man. Not to mention one of my favorite and FUN cousins! What a sense of humor he had! I don't remember a dull moment ever in the times I got to spend with him. God bless, keep and comfort you all in this time.
John & Jeaneen Oscamou
August 14, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bev and the Hyland family for their loss. Chris was a dear friend and gentle soul who will always be in our hearts.
Margaret Roderick
August 10, 2020
Rest in peace, Chris. You were a great cousin-in-law and I enjoyed our times together always laughing and eating!
Mary Anderson
August 10, 2020
To a great brother and friend. We had lots of fun memories together. You always made me laugh. I'll miss you.
shaun sehl
August 10, 2020
I LOVE my first cousin Bev so much though we have only met in person a handful of times, there is that undeniably blood connection. On one of our visits, I had to pleasure of meeting Chris too before his health took a turn for the worse. What a character; so much fun and such a gentle soul. I had no idea though that he was a poet. I would love to see your favorite poem of his CA Cuz! So sorry for your loss. Without any doubt, Chris is blessed to have you as his bride! AK Cux Shaun
Elena (Berto) Toscano
August 9, 2020
God bless you, Chris. Rest In Peace. You were always kind and caring.
Tim Tewksbury
August 9, 2020
We grew up with Chris and his family. Many times I played B-ball with him or many times play air guitar and drums for hours on end. My mother worked with his father, Judge Hyland, in the court system. Always a special family. RIP Chris, you will be missed.
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