Yamada , Dr. Richard Hideo

Dr. Richard Hideo Yamada, 77, died peacefully at home on October 20, 2020. He was born at the Minidoka relocation center in Hunt, ID on November 12, 1942. After living in post-war Japan where his father worked for the US Army as a translator in the war crimes trials, the Yamada family moved to Chicago to start anew. As a child, Richard delivered newspapers and enjoyed being a Boy Scout, achieving the highest ranking of Eagle Scout and developing a deep and lifelong appreciation for the outdoors. He also was an accomplished swimmer, specializing in the butterfly, and used his aquatic talent to lifeguard along the Chicago beachfront. Upon graduation from Lane Technical High School, Richard earned a scholarship to the University of Illinois College of Dentistry (Class of 1966). He followed dental school by completing his graduate periodontal training at Boston University. Richard moved back to Chicago in 1969 to start his practice, Periodontics LLC, where he and his partners succeeded in building a national reputation for periodontology. For 45 years, Richard loved his profession, the people with whom he worked, but most of all his patients, many of whom became close, personal friends. In addition to private practice, he held teaching positions at the University of Illinois and Northwestern University, was on staff at Michael Reese and West Side Veterans Affairs hospitals, and belonged to many professional organizations. Throughout his life, Richard would find ways to reconnect with the outdoors whether it was competing in triathlons, skiing in Colorado, or fly fishing in rivers and streams throughout the world, especially with his beloved wife of 54 years and favorite fishing companion, Mildred (nee Kawanaga). In a pair of waders standing in a stream as the sun was setting, he was most at peace. Richard is survived by Mildred; his children, Keith (Wendy) Yamada, Christine Yamada, and Brian (Alicia) Yamada; and his brothers, Mitsuru (Rosa) Yamada, Robert (Kathy) Yamada, and Paul (Karen) Yamada. He also took great pleasure in his role as grandfather to Haley, Adriana, Trevor, Simone, Jaxon, and Dylan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ken and Kiyoko Yamada. Due to complications stemming from the worldwide pandemic, a small private service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org). To send condolences to the family, please visit his tribute wall at Donnellan (www.donnellanfuneral.com). Info: 847-675-1990.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Oct. 25, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Yamada

Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.

11 Entries

Leslie Heffez

August 19, 2022

Regrettably, I only learned of Dr. Yamada's passing today. While I had limited professional interaction with him, his name in the community is synonymous with the highest professionalism and still invokes the highest praise. My very belated condolences. I hope his family and friends have weathered the storm well.
All the best,
Leslie Heffez

Denise Bowles

November 7, 2020

Dr. Yamada was such a professional and so very pleasant. I was a patient of his for over 40 years and trusted his good advice always. I send my condolences to his family and hope they will soon be comforted by many great memories.

Nicole A Margonis

October 29, 2020

To the family of Dr. Yamada,
My deepest condolences!! While I did not have the privilege to work with him, I have the honor of working in his practice he established in Skokie. I was in awe and slightly intimidated to work in such a highly regarded practice in the field of Periodontology. I was pleasantly surprised at how welcoming and warm the group is, and what an amazing group he put together. I am honored to be able to say I work at his office. While we never worked together I have met and talked with him many times on his visits.
He was a kind and gentle soul. Be blessed in the memories of years before.
Prayers for all of you!!
Nicole Margonis

Elliot Bacall

October 28, 2020

Dr. Yamada was an outstanding professional. He'll be sorely missed.

Richard & Marilyn Marinello

October 28, 2020

Dear Keith , Christine & Brian ,
Marilyn and I wish to offer our condolences to your family on the passing of your father. We admire all those wonderful qualities that made him the special person he was. He had intelligence, wit ,charm and a caring heart.
Sadly there are a few people like that in the world today.
I Personally will always be grateful that I befriended him while in dental
school, his encouragement to pursue his specialty and a partner in the practice. In the many years together I never heard an I’ll word spoken of
him. All Who have known him will be inspired by his actions and things said while he was alive. He will live in our memories.
Sincerely,
Richard & Marilyn Marinello

Richard Hirschtritt

October 28, 2020

I continue to this day to do what he advised to maintain a healthy mouth. He was truly one of a kind and will be sorely missed.

Mrs Libby Hoffman

October 28, 2020

Having been a patient of Dr. Yamada I appreciated the manner in which he treated his patients. Not only did he excel in his profession but he was a pleasure to be in his company. The family was lucky to have him as a relative.
Stay safe Mrs Libby Hoffman

Laura L Ogren

October 27, 2020

So many Great memories we experienced with this kind and generous man from water skiing at our parents summer lake and snow skiing in Vail. The children of Dr. Jean Paul Jacobi and Lillian send our prayers at this difficult time.. With love, Laurie Ogren, Janet Madden and Jonathan Jacobi

Anne Livingston

October 25, 2020

My sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Yamada. A finer man did not exist.Christine, I met you at Joe’s last February! “Did I have a periodontist in Chicago?” I felt your connection immediately. I am sorry for your loss.

Jeremy Goldberg

October 23, 2020

My heartfelt condolences to the Yamada family on their loss---- One that leaves a deep void!!!" Richard stood apart in his field and I often said to him ---"Richard ---There are periodontists ---and then there is Dr.Richard Yamada "An opinion shared by many. Rest in peace dear friend--- I will miss you ---- Jeremy Goldberg

Renee Wishner

October 23, 2020

Keith, Christine & Brian you have our deepest condolences.
I’ve known your Dad for over 45 years. I remember my brother Douglas sharing his excitement, respect & admiration for your Father with our family over his new partnership & career alongside your Dad.
My husband Allen & I were along for the ride.
We didn’t know your Father & Mother well back then & didn’t invite them to our wedding. That didn’t deter them from being so thoughtful & generous in gifting us our complete set of crystal wine stemware.
Through the years we vacationed several times at your family’s vacation home in Vail which gave us many wonderful memories. Allen also enjoyed several trips with Dick, Douglas & their friends.
Dick was a kind, warm & gentle man with a oh so soft sense of humor & a twinkle in his eye.
We were honored & privileged about 7-8 years ago to be invited into Keith & Wendy’s home to be part of a celebration of our friend Dick’s life.
I have always referred to your Dad as a “Prince of a man.” I always will.
We will miss your Father, our friend Richard Yamada.
Renee & Allen Wishner

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