Lasting Memories

D. Ronald Hyde
June 3, 1943-Jan. 6, 2025
Pleasanton, California

Judge D. Ronald Hyde passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025, in Pleasanton, CA, after a brief illness at the age of 81. He was born June 3, 1943 “a very good day”. Ron embodied a lifelong dedication to justice and community service. After graduating from St. Mary's College, he attended Golden Gate University School of Law. He pursued his passion for law and confirmed his commitment to uphold fairness and protect the rights of others by earning his law degree. He was admitted to the Bar on January 15, 1970. He set up his first practice in Dublin, as he predicted that with the improvements to the 580/680 corridor it would be a place of growth and opportunity.

Ron’s legal career flourished as he served the public with integrity and wisdom. He was appointed by Governor Brown to become a Municipal Court Judge on December 22, 1982 for Alameda County. He later was elevated to the Superior Court. He impacted countless lives through his wise and sometimes creative decisions and unwavering commitment to justice. Although Judge Hyde was considered tough on crime, attorneys and defendants alike knew he would do all he could to assist those who truly wanted to get their lives back on track.

Judge Hyde was most proud of his “Kids in Court” program which provided thousands of fifth graders a visit to his courtroom to watch the process of criminal justice in hopes of impacting the decisions they might make in the future. He would first prepare them for what they would see and hear. Then go through the process of reading the charges and arraigning each of the 20-40 persons on calendar that day. Once done, he would take a recess to answer questions and talk with the children about what they saw and experienced. Generations of Tri Valley residents benefited and remember to this day their visit to the Pleasanton Courthouse.

In 1999, Judge Hyde volunteered to participate in East Bay Stand Down which started at Camp Parks, but later expanded to the Pleasanton Fairgrounds. East Bay Stand Down’s primary goal is to help homeless veteran’s access resources needed to regain their highest level of independence. During this four-day event, many services were available to the veterans. Ron was instrumental in adding the “judicial system” as part of the program to help these veteran’s clear their outstanding court cases and he got the ball rolling by adding Alameda County open cases. Ron rallied the District Attorney’s and Public Defender’s offices to volunteer their participation along with his clerk for this first time. Clearing these cases was life changing for these veterans. This ‘first time’ experiment was a success, but he learned a lot about how he could improve the process. The next year he got DMV to have a tent so veteran’s cases could be cleared that day. This would involve adding secure internet. Ron recognized that the veterans may also have outstanding cases in nearby counties so he connected court representatives from other Bay Area counties to assist at the next Stand Down and eventually all nine Bay Area counties were involved. Besides hearing cases, he would get requests to perform weddings. He also would help cook and serve meals during each four-day event. He truly enjoyed mingling with the vets.

In his free time, Ron found relaxation in cooking, playing his piano, gardening, and his love of reading, but his great joy was being involved in service to his community. He was an active member of various civic and community organizations, demonstrating his commitment to service. Beyond the courtroom, Ron was a pillar of his community. As a Cordon Bleu trained gourmet cook, he often auctioned off private dinners to raise money for his charitable organizations.

Ron was a dedicated Rotarian and a charter member of Pleasanton North Rotary, after serving in the Dublin Rotary Club. His decades of service to Rotary International earned him recognition as the Rotarian of the Year twice and the Rotarian of the Decade in the early 2000s. He was honored with the R.I. Four Avenues of Service Award in 2005 for his outstanding contributions. Ron also played a significant role in eradicating polio worldwide, personally traveling to Ghana to inoculate children.

An important part of Ron's life was his involvement with the Pleasanton/Tulancingo Sister City Association. It was through this association and various goodwill trips that he met his true love, Lety, and they were joyfully married in Tulancingo, with many community members in attendance.

Ron is survived by his devoted wife, Leticia Jimenez Hyde, with whom he shared 22 years of love and companionship. Their union was a testament to their shared values, commitment to community, and passion for life. Lety provided unwavering support throughout Ron’s career, standing by his side as he dedicated himself to public service.

He also leaves behind his beloved children, Suzanne, Maureen, Eric, and Meagan as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. His caring nature endeared him to many, making him a loyal friend and mentor.

Judging a person goes beyond their title; it is also about the personal connections they foster and the legacy they leave behind. Ron’s kindness, wisdom, and sense of humor reached beyond the courtroom and is forever etched in the hearts of those he mentored, served, and loved.

A service will be held on January 25, 2025 at 12:00 noon at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, 3999 Bernal Ave, Pleasanton. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rotary International via Pleasanton North Rotary or the Pleasanton/Tulancingo Sister City Association. Ron will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched. His spirit lives on in the values he upheld, the causes he championed, and the love he shared. In his memory, we honor his profound dedication to justice, community, and family.