Richard Lee Hubbard

Richard L. "Rich" Hubbard, age 60, of Dixon, died peacefully Friday, May 30, 2014, in his home surrounded by close family and friends. He was born July 18, 1953, in Freeport, the son of Dorothy (Straub) and Lawrence Hubbard. He was Director of Technology for Amboy Community School District 272, since 1999. He was also active in Boy Scouts of America and an avid photographer. Rich married the love of his life, Jeanette Kutz in Dixon in 1985. Not many people knew he was fighting for his life,from the dreaded disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) per his wishes. He refused to let this disease dominate him and worked up until a few days before his death. Pity is unbearable when it's staring you in the face. The details are now trivial when you lose in the end. Do know that he was not alone in his fight, and the time of his death was not expected by anyone. Rich took pride in everything he did. His step-father Bill always told him, "It doesn't matter what you do, just be the best at it." He worked extremely hard and in the end realized it was half responsible for shortening his life. One regret was not seeing a doctor sooner. Chicken soup and aspirin do not cure it all. His wife Jeanette, son Richard J. (Sarah), and grandson Richard C., were the greatest loves in life. He just wished he had a couple more years to express the extreme pride and joy they brought to him. Also surviving him are his mother Dorothy Shearer of Lanark; siblings Larry (Darla) Hubbard of Lanark, Brad (Dana) Hubbard of Oregon, Sherry Hubbard of Mt. Carroll, and Melvin (Becky) Hubbard of Shannon; his father Lawrence Hubbard of Lanark, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his step-father Bill Shearer. Rich had a very good heart and a strong personality. Like with family, you either liked him or you didn't. Most everyone did. He didn't mind one way or another. That was just Rich. Call him what you want, as long as it is not "Good ol' Boy," he disliked that old cliché. No funeral services will be held, per his wishes. He didn't want the display. Most traditional info has been omitted, because dead or alive you knew how he felt about you. He didn't mince words. His spirit lives on just like in his favorite song "Spirit in the Sky." Rich will be forever loved and missed, family pet Bella included. A Celebration of Rich's life will take place on July 18, 2014, at a time and place to be determined. A memorial has been established.

Richard Lee Hubbard

July 18, 1953 - May 30, 2014