John Hyland Obituary

Hey HY
While all the others were admiring James Bond and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. I envied the stealth and planning capabilities of the finest dynamic duo to ever hit that culinary treasure chest known in our houses as the "ICE BOX". Yes JOHN and DICK Hyland were the masters of midnight deception as they would successfully pull off one "OPERATION YUM YUM" after another. KGB not a chance, CIA hopeless, and the FBI- lame as stinky socks! Only the brothers Hyland could pull off capers of condimental ectasy with such deft and digestion. My fridge is a crisper and no doubt colder place now that your final sojourn has begun.
Through the ninties we shared the same girlfriend. You on your bike and I in my little boat. You'd be heading North on the edge underneath the ledge of McCormick place, I would be passing South out of Burnham Harbor. Alas we passed like... well like a bike and a boat in late afternoon. And the cries of "C'MON WILBUR" would echo off surfaces. The fisherman and joggers would look up and think "Who's Wilbur?". God speed cuz. She's wearing frosty trim right about now but she misses you...deeply. sodoi

I know God is smiling because you are with him. May he continue to keep your family strong.

Dear Joy, Joanna, and Jason,
We are so sorry for your loss.
John was such a wonderful person.I will always remember his voice.... so calm,soft and happy.
He will be missed very,very much.
Love, Lauren & Bob Voves

Hyland Family I am one of the many nurses who took care of Mr. Hyland. I am glad I got to meet such a wonderful man who has certainly left a mark on the world. When the night crew heard of his passing we were devastated and many tears were shed as we shared stories of our time with him. Taking care of Mr. Hyland was a pleasure not a job.

Dear family,
I would just like to express my belated but sincere sympathy to your loss. I was a friend of Nancy's at Marquette.
Sincerely,
Colleen Burke Cuisinier

Mr. Hyland's Family

Mr. Hyland was the greatest history teacher in the world. He really made history come alive for me. He was one of the smartest people I know. He inspired me when he used to ride his bike to school everyday. Even in the cold and rain. I thought that was really cool. I'll never look at a spatchula without thinking of Mr. Hyland. He will truly be missed and I send my condolences to the entire family.
May God bless you and be with you in your time of need.
"Spa-awn"- Mr. Hyland

Mr. Hyland was a great teacher, and I savor the opportunity I had to work with him through the Chicago Metro History Fair. He was great, not so much for the things he taught, but because he challenged his students to think critically about history and the world around them. He is already missed.

Mr. Hyland you will be surely missed. I believe you were one of the best teachers we had here at CHSAS and you made history interesting and fun for the class. From teaching with a apatula to the "Sams Club" rules you had. History, which is not normally that intersting seemed great! I send my condolences to your family and wish them well during this time.
Rest In Peace Mr. Hyland.
"Sp-Awn!"
_~*-CANDICE-*~_

Oh Johnny, I keep dwelling on one special memory I have of you. Shortly after you returned from The Big Trip you drove to South Bend to pick me up and bring me back to Mama and Grandaddy's. You told me we had to stop along the way to see a friend you hadn't seen in a long time. We drove in the dark along rural route 12 with flurries blowing in the cold winter breeze. You turned the car down a wooded private lane and told me that your friend lived nearby. We came to the end of the dirt road at a cliff and I could see your friend, Lake Michigan, in the moonlight. Isn't she beautiful? you asked. We stepped out into the cold and you directed me to stay at the top as you bounded down the rickety ice-covered wooden stairs. I could barely see you as you stripped and dropped your clothes and then you disappeared into the water. Minutes later you were back at the top of the overlook - steam coming off your frigid body - and I looked in wonder as my crazy uncle beamed a smile so wide and said "She hasn't changed a bit." I'll make sure to stop in and check in on your friend as often as I can, Johnny. Like the rest of us, she'll miss you.

I NEVER HAD THE CHANCE TO MEET HIM IN PERSON , BUT BY ATTENDING HIS FUNERAL AND ABLE TO HEAR ALL THE WONDERFUL STORIES ABOUT HIM....ONE THING IS FOR SURE : HE TOUCHED A LOT OF PEOPLES HART...AND HE SURDENLY TOUCHED MY HART AS WELL ON THAT DAY...EVEN I NEVER KNEW HIM OR MEET HIM.....I KNOW HE IS IN GOOD HANDS AND WILL LIVE FOREVER IN EVERYONES HART AND HIS LEGACY WILL NEVER BE FORGATTEN.
SINCERLY ROBERT FROM HONG KONG

goodbye mr hyland. u were an amazing teacher, full of enthusiasm and a great sense of humor. i am grateful to have had u as a teacher at chsas. you will be remembered and missed. r.i.p.

Mr Hyland was the best history teacher that I ever had. He not only cared deeply about his students but he brought history to life with his many stories. He was the reason that I got into Roosevelt University with a full scholarship from the Chicago Historical Society. He was a blessing in so many people's lives. He will be missed.

I knew John for a long time. We even started a business together years ago, D&J Inc. I can still see him clutching his flashlight as we carried out our operations.
The forces of good have lost a true champion. May the blessing of all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas be with Joy, Johanna, Jason, and all who loved him.

To John's Family
My deepest sympathy goes out to you at this time. I got the idea that John was a bit of a "character" during conversations at the Cancer Support Center, but never realized what a really great guy he was. It has been fascinating to read the notes from current and former students whose lives he influenced. CHSAS has lost a great asset and his family has lost a dearly loved man. You will be in my prayers.

Mr. Hyland was a very nice guy. Even tho i did not get to experience him and his teaching skills, i still saw him up at the school sometimes in the summer time. He would walk past while i was picking the weeds in the front yard of the school and he would say hi how are you doing and i would say fine and yourself. Man it was like i just saw him Thursday and now he is gone. But he is now in a better place, and he might be abscent from the body but never from our hearts. To the family you all will be in my prayers. May God be with you in your time of need.

To a very special and interesting person. You will be missed by many around the world.

Johnny Hy
We feel really lucky to have known you. We never saw you anywhere you weren’t smiling and making us smile or going into what we called the famous “Hy Full Body Laugh with knee slap”. Thanks for the life conversations through time - in school and on the hoop courts at CK, in High School car pools, at those picnics in the woods, and during your stateside pit stops. Thanks too for your travel log slide shows – where we would get through maybe 10 slides in three hours but hear material that could inspire four novels in the process. Sorry for trying to run you and your bike off the road en route to your classroom containing those lucky students in waiting. Our luck kept on coming in the form of those infrequent visits as we aged – where we would always pick up right where we left off – full body laugh and knee slap always working.
Thanks you most of all for the views you took and promoted – about people, places, and things……………..we’ll remember and try to live up.

Mr. Hyland was by far a teacher almost every student looked up to. He could take the most uninterested student in the class and get them involved and actually learn to like the class. Wether he was telling stories of past adventures or telling jokes, he was a great man and will be missed my many. I am truly touched to have such a great man be able to teach me!

Dear Hyland Family; My sincere condolences. As I read the many entries I am honored to have known John. We would run into each other quite often and we would talk about our teaching careers. Both entering the field later in life. He truly was an inspiration to me. His joy for life left you always feeling a little better about yourself and the world. I wish I could have seen him teach. I felt his passion for his craft everytime we sopke. May God's love keep you strong through this difficult time. He will always be alive through the lives he has touched.

I first met John during an observation about two years ago. Not only were his classes interesting and funny, but he spent his lunch hour with me exchanging stories of how he had seen the world. After one day with him, I commented on how hw was one of the most interesting men I'd ever met. Little did I know I would run into him again during my student teaching at AG. During our last meeting, he told me how proud he was of me for completing my student teaching, and he had just finished a certification of his own. He was oone of the most beloved teachers, I've ever had the honor of meeting. He was truly an inspiration.

Dear Aunt Cork,Joy,joanna and Jason,
I am so sorry for the loss of your son, husband and father. I hadn't seen John in a long time. I got to know him the summer I spent in Chicago with Aunt Cork and Uncle Dick. I can still see that smile of his that could light up the whole room and the laugh that was infectious. Growing up we always got to hear the " John Hyland " stories, my Dad especially got a kick out of them. I wish I could of known John as an adult because from what I've read he grew into a very special man.
I'm thinking of you all at this time and sending a lot of prayers your way.
Love,
Maureen

I was so shocked when i heard the news. It was only about a week ago when we were walking down the hall laughing about the good old days. Now to hear your gone, things will not be the same. I have a lot of good memories of you and your classroom. You are truly loved and will greatly be missed. You were by far one of the best teachers C.H.S.A.S. has to offer. I will miss you and keep you and your family in my heart. God Bless you and your family.

Uncle John,

I think it is safe to say that I have you to thank for teaching me how to open a beer bottle... and look how far I've come! Whether it was getting you Mooseheads, apple grape juice in a medium glass, bike rides on the lakefront, bulls games, or jumping in Lake Michigan on New Years day, my favorite memories of living on Seeley were when you were there.
It's hard to imagine the search for the Excellent Way continuing without you here John, but I promise that I will think of you with every obtuse attack along the way.

You'll be missed, but I'm sure Grandaddy is thrilled to have you with him to watch the Superbowl.

Mr Hyland,
Advisory 204 was the absolute best. You were one of the most involved teachers I've had the pleasure of experiencing. It's hard to find teachers who were not only there to educate us, but also there to be our friends and help us whenever we needed the extra boost. I'll never forget the extra hours you put in for me when I was struggling with my project for the Chicago History Fair. When I was ready to throw it in, you were always there, telling me to try a different angle, confident that I could make it work. I'll never forget our chats about the White Sox and Sept. 11th. You really helped me through that difficult day and I'll always be grateful. And who could forget Sam's Club? Always insightful, never forgotten.

John made the entire world a better place. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Joy, Joanna and Jason,

I am so sorry for your loss. As I think of John today I know he is in heaven with Tom and they are looking down on us and the Washtenaw crew. He is at peace now and is no longer suffering. He was a great man and his memory will be with us all forever.

Mr. Mountain,

To say you will be missed would be a incredible understatement. You spent years traveling the world and have thousands of amazing pictures and stories. And yet, you were such a presence in all our lives that it’s impossible to remember the times that you weren’t around. I’ll miss hearing the tales of those adventures, our bike rides on the lakefront, and especially the words of infinite wisdom you shared with us. (My favorite being, “Stick with the Bulls – this guy Jordan is pretty good.”) You were always spot on, mate.

I trust that in your many travels and adventures, you have finally found The Excellent Way. We will miss you.

Mr. Hyland was one of the greatest teachers that CHSAS had. He was funny and made learning fun. I will never forget him or his spatula. R.I.P Mr. Hyland... he is now biking on that great bike path in the sky!!!!

Dear Joy, Cory, and Family,
I was saddened to hear that my dear friend had passed away. Kim, Pete, and I have many fond memories of John. He was an important part of our lives long ago and enriched us in so many ways. May God bless you and comfort you during this difficult time. I just want to give God a heads up, "Here comes Mountain!" no doubt on his bike.
Kathie Bargiel Blau, Kim and Pete Chovancak

I feel terrible and at the same time I feel glad to have had the privilege of being taught by such a great mind. Mr.Hyland was one of the only teachers that I can truly say has deeply made a mark, and challenged both the way I think and the way I look at the world.

he was the epitome of what a teacher is, and should be.

With His Razor sharp wit, and uncanny ability to win-over even the most uninterested distracted teenage student. Every day I looked forward to walking into his class and to be enlightened with his wisdom and first hand view of the world we live in.

Anytime you'd get a right answer in his class during lecture, you'd of course be "Spot On".

Sure I've survived the occasional whack of the spatula, but it was worth it.

You May not think he's around anymore kids, but that's only if you let him not be. He'll live on in both our hearts and minds. Raise Your Spatulas High! He's Smiling Down On All Of Us.

Mr. Hyland was by far one of the best teachers at CHSAS. I never knew how exciting history could be before Mr. Hyland proved that not everything is told in one book. He encourged us all to expand ourselves personally and intellectually. I loved hearing his stories about his adventures and seeing all his slideshows! I hope that he now has to opportunity to ride his bike wherever his heart desires. He was more than a teacher to all of us. Mr. Hyland was my mentor.

I am sad I that I will not be able to say a final goodbye to this great man. My prayers are with the family.

Mr. Hyland was in all respects a teacher. He made sure that we had a book at home and a book in the classroom so that we wouldn’t strain our backs carrying our many subjects home. When my day was going bad, he made it better with his travels and jokes. I will miss talking to him about my favorite subject History, and I look forward to the time when “all those in the memorial tombs will hear [Jesus Christ’s] voice and come out, those who did good things [and he did] to a resurrection of life” here on earth where sickness and death will be no more (John 5:28, 29). Every time I look at a spatula, I will remember him and how he made history come alive for me.My family and I give our deepest condolences and hope that this altrustic man will be remembered.

This is a few words to John Hyland, my friend and cousin! I saw you saturday my friend, and I knew you were hurting. I sat with you and your Mom and Sisters with Joy popping in and out of the room busy with household chores. I saw Joanna for a bit before she when out. Aunt Cork, Nancy, Pat and I played with Jason! What a howl. The little guy has good DNA - remember? He cleans up all his messes. I've never seen anything like it? How did you and Joy do it? I couldn't help but think that you had nothing to worry about. You'd been a good Son, Husband, Father, Cousin and Friend to so many people. You were headin right to heaven. So I'm sure right now you're looking at us saying: "Everthings OK folks!" I'm all right. So are we sorta .... but we're gonna miss you a whole lot! I'm gonna see you again!

To the Hyland Family.
I am so sorry for the loss.
What a great guy John was. He had the most awesome laugh and told some great stories. I will always remember him stopping by to see me and my sons,on his bike,of course, on his way to his brother Dick's. He was a good friend.
I will miss his smiling face. I know the Bears will win for sure. Mary Ellen Duffy

MR. Hyland

He was by far the best teacher I had ever, he made his lessons so interesting with his humorous way of words. I often talked to Mr. Hyland and he always gave me words of wisdom and encouraged me to go on. When I heard he was no longer with us I shead tears but he is in a better place. To the Family I give my deepest consent. You are in my prayers.

You will truly be missed!!! Mr. Hyland allowed us to express ourselves and enjoy learning history at the same time. And mind you history would have been boring without him teaching it. I will never forget mornings driving down 111th Street to go to Chas and he would be riding his bike the same direction with that big flag hanging from his bike! During class he laughed with us as we talked about his on his bike every morning. He was such a great person!!! c/o 2002.

Mr. Hyland was a cool, he was my U.S. History teacher last year for my junior year. He use to always crack jokes, when doing his lectures he would use a spat chula instead of the guide stick, he was a very good teacher I enjoyed history alot when I got to Mr. Hyland's class. When Mr. Hyland had gotten ill my senior year I would use to see him in the hallway all the time and I'll stop and say a few words to him. Mr. Hyland you will missed by your CHSAS family.

To the entire Hyland Family,
I would like to extend my deepest and most sincere sympathy to you all. I got to experience the brilliance of Mr Hyland in his honors class. He was truly an influence on my studies and took my interest in history, geography, world affairs, and truth to different levels. He was known to challenge me to achieve because he believed in all students and pushed us in order to help us succeed. He truly made class more interesting, be it with spatulas and stories, or viewpoints and movies, or debates and discussion, he was truly a great mind and a greater person. I remember being able to talk with him about the history fair and about his views on the presidency and war...and no matter how much I would ever disagree or agree with him, I would always respect him for his aire and his true knowledge. Chicago Ag has lost a great teacher, a great mind, and a best friend. May he always be remembered in the hearts of those who he has inspired. And may his family find comfort in this time...

Dear Joy, Joanna, and Jason,
In recent months I’ve thought often of the wonderful opportunities I had over the years to trade tales with John of travel and adventure. Recollections of his hearty laugh, huge smile and even bigger heart will stay with me forever.
And I’ve now been reading the notes from the many people whose lives were touched and influenced by John and who will always think of him (no one, it’s clear, will ever forget that smile) with love.
So, it’s not really goodbye. John and his family, for many of us, will remain forever in our hearts as the “For(4)Jays.”

Dear Hyland Family,

It is with great sadness that I send this note to you. John is remembered by so many of us during our high school years. Joan Each Rowan sent out an e mail after John's death and said "Hy did alot of living in 51 years." So many of us loved living our lives through Hy's travels. John experienced life fully for all of us. It was always exciting for us to see Hy and catch up on his latest adventure. John Doherty, one of the best story tellers I know, always had a fantastic tale to tell about Hy. We would laugh for hours on end about the hilarious mishaps when Hy and Doherty would adventure out together. Everytime I hear the Moody Blues or Jimmi Hendrix I still think of Hy and Mac singing together and lighting up the room. John was truly a kind hearted and gentle person. John had an unconditional goodness toward humanity. I am grateful to of known John. He was truly a teacher to all of us.

To John's entire family: May your beautiful memories of John and the circle of compassion warm all you during your time of grief.

Kathleen Walsh Mulcahy and my children Beth, Bridget and Joey Sebek

Dear Aunt Cork, Joy, Joanna, and Jason,
Uncle Cousin John was as special and unique to me as his title. I will always remember John as the guy who taught me my left from my right. The guy who would ring the bell of his bike while he rode up to our house on summer nights, coincidently right around dinner time. The guy who gave me a beaded necklace from Tonga and so much more. I am a better person for having known him. I will be forever thankful to John for the memories, the stories and for bringing Joy, Joanna, and Jason into my life. I will miss the laughs, the incredible tales of travel and most importantly my Uncle Cousin John.
All my love,

It is with great sadness to hear that John was overcome by his illness. We here at the Ag. School will miss his humor and comraderie. John was an admirable teacher-very intelligent & knowledgeable. He has influenced our lives, and many students, in numerous ways-especially with much happiness & laughter. I know that the students, faculty, and staff will always remember John for he was very kind and passionate as a teacher. I will miss the walks around the park that we frequently took for all the years we worked together. You and your family will be in our prayer.

I hope the words that I might say
Could ease your pain in some small way.
May every thought sent to you
Give you strength to see it through.


To the family of our beloved Mr. John Hyland,
Please accept my sympathy for the loss of your son, brother, husband, father, and uncle.
I was one of his many students, and him, well he was honestly one of my favorite teachers by far. He made historical events worth learning and other events worth listening about. Even after having had him as a teacher, just catching the smile on his face and the ‘sparkle in his eye’ as another said, was enough to brighten my day. He was a strong man, an honorable man, and an unforgettable man.
It was at no doubt a joy to have had him in our lives and forever will be.

John was truly a mentor to me as a collegue. I loved to work with him. What a great person. I have met few people that have been as sincere and genuine as John. His presence cannot be replaced. Joy and the kids, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Hyland Family,
Mr. Hyland always challenged us, always made us think. I am proud to claim him as a teacher and I know anyone who ever studied under him knows, Mr Hyland was a what we hoped every teacher would be; a life educator.

My families deepest sympathies are with the entire family. I used to work with John and would wave to him as he rode his bike to school every day... rain or shine. Well, John, we'll still be waiving to you, but more often now. God bless you. Your pain is over. Know you will be truly missed.

The Pikowski Family
The Pikowski family

Mr. Hyland was the most insightful teacher I have ever had in my educational career. I have fond memories of seeing him almost every morning when he passed me on his bike on his way to school. I had him for 2 years and always felt a sort of bond with him. He will truly be missed and the world has lost an incredible man.

Mr. Hyland,

You were a good man and a smart man. I'll miss you.

I'll pray for you and for your family.

He was an an amazing teacher. He is huge part of the reason I decided on Edcation as a college major. I would like to remind the family to stay strong
God Speed Mr. Hyland

Dear Joy, Joanna, and Jason,
We are so sorry for your loss. We are better people for having known John. Our garden will have a special place for him this summer. I bet the tomatoes and cantaloupes will be beautiful!
Love,
Pattie,Jeff,Kate,Courtney,Nick & Erin

Dear Joy, Joanna and Jason,
We are so sorry and saddened by your loss. We are better people for having known John. Our garden will have a special place for him this summer. I have a feeling the tomatoes and cantaloupes will be beautiful!
Love,
Pattie,Jeff,Kate,Courtney,Nick & Erin

John was my daughter's teacher and she thought the world of him and when I met John, I understood why she liked him so much. He will be missed. My prayers are with your family. May God Bless You.

Mr. Hyland was possibly one of my favorite teachers ever. He was such a sweet man and I felt as though he really cared about what I learned in his class. My fondest memories of him were in his Honors U.S. History class, and all the amazingly funny stories he told us that always made us remember the lesson. And, of course, I could never forget his spatula that he used to point at things on the map (and occasionally hit a student or two that were asleep).

He will be missed so much, and I send his family my greatest sympathy.

It's really sad to lose someone so special, Mr. Hyland was without a doubt the best teacher we had and the teacher who I was able to always go to and talk to even if i didn't have him Senior year. He was always there for me and I was always there to help him out if he needed any help with History Fair and other technical things. He devoted his life to teaching and did a "spa'awn" job at it. I will always and forever miss Mr. Hyland and may god bless his soul.

I unfortunately never had Mr Hyland as a teacher, because My Doyle taught the same subject, I had him both junior and senior year. But I did have him a couple times when he was filling in. He was an amazing man, whenever I saw him in the school halls, he always had a smile on his face, and greeted you (even if he didnt know you). He will be greatly missed, its a shame that we had to lose someone such as himself. And its unfortunate that there are a lot of students that will never get to be taught by him. May he rest in peace.

I will miss the "Professor", his smile and laugh always made my day. He will never be forgotten because he was truly one of God's angels and we all loved him, but God's loved his best.
Family be encouraged, because John is in heaven looking out for you.

Mr. Hyland is truly the greatest man I have met in my life thus far. He has inspired me and has truly touched my heart. Of all the teachers I've come across, none of them even compare to Mr. Hyland. Going to History class always brightened my day. Mr. Hyland has made a mark in my life as well as hundreds of other students. I will forever remember Mr. Hyland, his spatula, and his mismatched shoes. He will be missed dearly and will forever remain in my prayers. I send my deepest sympathy to all of his family and friends.

Dear Hyland family,
I am so sorry for you loss. Mr. Hyland was an amazing teacher and person. I know that he will be missed by all of his students. He always made every school day a little brighter.

Dear Hyland Family , We are so very sorry for your loss. In these coming days may you all be comforted by your Faith, Family & Friends.Love, Aunt Bette Ryan,& Marcy & Tom Dignan

Mr. Hyland was an excellent teacher. He always was able to brighten and excite my otherwise melancholy day at school. His creativity and free personality did wonders. He will truly be missed. Best wishes to the family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead. Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Cork and "The Kids,"

The world is just a little less interesting today with John's passing. I had not seen John since he was in 8th grade (when he tried to run me over several times while I was holding a tackling dummy at a C.K. football practice) when he, Cork, Nancy and Mary Ann were kind enough to attend my Mom's wake/funeral in July 2005. But when I spoke with John that day, it was as if I had seen him yesterday: that ever-present twinkle was still in his eye. When he was a kid, that twinkle usually meant "beware" but as an adult, it signified a joy of life that was obvious and truly infectious. May that joy of life be his legacy to Joanna and Jason. To Joy, Joanna and Jason, to Mary Ann, Dick, Nancy, Pat, Chris and your respective families, and especially to "My Second Mom," my heartfelt condolensces. John's courageous battle may be over but his spirit lives on.

I know Cousin John will be sitting right next to Uncle Dick this Sunday to watch the Super Bowl. And since the Bears are playing, we all know who Uncle Dick will be sitting next to.
We're gonna miss you Mr. Mountain.