Richard Brandt Huisman

August 10, 1947 – November 25, 2017

Richard Huisman passed away peacefully at home with his adoring wife Joanna at his side on November 25, 2017.  Richard, also known as Rick N6DQ, to his ham radio buddies and as Ryk Houseman to his acting friends, was a fun guy with a sharp intellect.  If you can envision a confident, good-looking man with a bright smile on roller stakes wearing skinny jeans and a Hawaiian shirt, then you might have known Rick.  Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Richard was a graduate of Purdue University in 1970 with a degree in electrical engineering.  He relocated to Southern California in 1976 with his family to pursue his profession and worked for several companies including Rockwell.  After winning his first health battle with Non -Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1980, Richard charged ahead in life with renewed vigor. He jumped into community theater in Southern California and renewed his lifelong passion for ham radio.  Life was great and he enjoyed time with his children and roller skating along the coast in Huntington Beach.  Health issues again emerged in the late 1990s and Richard moved to Northern California to be near Stanford University Hospital where he underwent a heart transplant in 2000.  Richard and his new heart got along great and he was again energized to make every day count.  Fast forward to 17 years later and Richard had two great married children, two beautiful granddaughters, and a new wife 28 year his junior.  His passion for life was high.  His loves included amateur radio, Morse code, puns, music, singing, acting, electrical engineering, antenna design, Purdue, driving, Boeing 787s, Starbucks, Pike Place coffee and walking the hills of San Carlos.  Richard was a member of Saint Charles Parish in San Carlos. He sang with the Symphonic Chorus at Stanford and acted with the Santa Clara Players.  Rick was passionate about ham radio. He obtained his amateur radio license in 1963 and was proud of never having let it expire.  He loved Morse Code and thrived on preparing amateur radio antennas and stations for large events such as Field Day, the California QSO Party and Pacificon. Health issues however, would strike a third time in 2016, when he was diagnosed with an inoperable Glioblastoma brain tumor.  With his loving wife, dedicated sister, supportive children and grandchildren at his side, he continued to live everyday with passion, a smile and determination.  Richard is survived by his wife Joanna Dilley, his sister Nancy Handel, his daughter Sharon Chappell and his son Mark Huisman.  Services have been held.