October 13, 1972 – September 25, 2025
Richard Izumi Hasegawa (aka DICK) was born on October 13, 1972, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He moved to Toronto, at age one, and grew up in Thunder Bay, a city in Northern Ontario where the temperature can reach minus 40 degrees Celsius.
After meeting his step mother Shizue just before turning 20, his life became busy and enjoyed life in Japan to the fullest, as he learnt to ride a bike, commuted alone by city bus to a Cookie Workshop in Shinjuku, Tokyo, and played basketball for the Tokyo Special Olympics as well.
At age 28, he followed his father to North Vancouver and met many life-time friends at Cascadia Society. He also discovered beautiful Salt Spring Island and The Coffee, his favourite drink.
After his father’s retirement, the family moved to Salt Spring Island. Dick was welcomed wholly by the community and GIFTS (Gulf Islands Families Together Society).
Summers on the island were wonderful, and there were pianos placed here and there, so everyone could play. Dick was so happy to oblige. He was seen playing his own music with his beloved companion by islanders and visitors. He loved coffee, so being able to go and drink coffee (famous Salt Spring Island Coffee) was the best thing.
People loved DICK’s smile and say “I want to shake hands with you !”.
Due to illness, he returned to Japan in September 2021. At every facility and hospital, he received patiently his treatment, touching everyone with his “DICK’s Smile”.
He ascended to heaven, where his birth mother awaited, as if to whisper “I survived”. It was September 25, 2025, the Perfect Square Day.
DICK! Thank you!. We truly enjoyed the days we spent with you. we hope to celebrate your birthday, October 13th, as “DICK’s Day”, and share many stories about you with all the people who know you.
LOVE YOU FOREVER DICK !!
MOM & DAD & WANDA & DAVID & FAMILY