Richard Deerhake Obituary

Dr. Richard (Dick) Henry Deerhake

Richard (Dick) Henry Deerhake, M.D., 80, of Findlay, passed away Saturday, March 28, 2026. Dick was born October 25, 1945, in Findlay, to Lucille (Buckloh) and Vernon H. Deerhake. He graduated from Findlay High School in 1963, University of Rochester in 1967, and Medical School at The Ohio State University in 1971.

During his medical education and training, Dick served his country as a First Lieutenant in the US Army Reserves. He completed an internship program at Riverside Hospital in 1972 and his residency program at The Ohio State University, Riverside Hospital and Children's Hospital in Columbus, in 1976. He was part of the "Columbus Ten," a group of doctors from Ohio State who moved to Findlay upon completing their training to begin their medical practices. Dick went on to practice at Ohio Orthopedics from 1976-2004. Dick was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church, where he served in the Chancel Choir for 40 years and regularly chaperoned their youth Summer Work Camp. He served on the Board of the Easter Seal Society and Associated Charities. Dick also served as the head of the Profession Division of the Annual United Way Campaign. He was a member of Hancock County Medical Society, Ohio Orthopedic Society of Surgeons, and the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, where he served on the AAOS Board of Councilors. Dick was a dedicated member of the Preservation Guild of Hancock County and supporter of Hancock Historical Museum. He was also a member of Fortune Hunters investment club and the Hancock County Master Gardeners. Dick had many hobbies, including golfing, gardening, woodworking, and wood carving.

Dick is survived by brother, William (Beverly) Deerhake of Houston, Texas, sister, Ann (Steve) Banbury of Mt. Vernon; former wife, Barbara Deerhake of Pittsburgh, PA; daughter, Amanda (Michael) Rost of Pittsburgh, PA; grandchildren, Ellie, Caroline, Will, and Charlie Rost; as well as partner, Carolyn Maa of Findlay.

He was preceded in death by his son, Dr. Jacob Deerhake.

A memorial service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 9, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church, Findlay, with a reception to follow. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Richard and Barbara Deerhake Family Fund at Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, 101 W. Sandusky St., Suite 207, Findlay, OH 45840.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.coldrencrates.com.