Hope Hospice Grieves Passing of Founder

DUBLIN, CA – With great sadness, Hope Hospice shares the news that Richard “Dick” Martin, one of the organization’s founders has passed away. Dick was instrumental in rallying local support and an all-volunteer workforce when Hope launched in April 1980. He also served as the agency’s first chaplain for many years. A funeral mass will take place on Tuesday, September 20, 10 a.m., at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Pleasanton. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dick’s name to Hope Hospice. Donations can be made online at HopeHospice.com/donate or by calling (925) 829-8770.

Rich Martin, one of Dick’s sons, reflected on his father’s time at Hope: “In the 40-plus years since he founded Hope, he never took credit. He always kept the focus and praise on the volunteers and staff who made it successful.”

“Hope Hospice has been a recognized name in the Tri-Valley for over four decades, thanks in large part to this man,” says Jennifer Hansen, Hope’s current CEO. “We have a strong connection with our community because of the foundation that Mr. Martin laid. He was heavily engaged with his community, which is why so many people stepped up to help him create this organization in a time when many people didn’t know what hospice was. Over time, we’ve had several hundred locals volunteer in various capacities, echoing the compassion and selflessness that Mr. Martin and the rest of the initial team embodied.”