Herb Hyde's Celebration of Life and Memorial Fund

Hi, my name is Amy Fleckenstein (Amy Brown for those who knew me from my Camas High School days). I met Herb Hyde in 1990 when he became the theatre director and drama teacher at Camas High School. Herb began his teaching career in Springfield, OR. He later moved to Lake Oswego, OR and then after some time in L.A. moved to Camas, WA. In each of the schools where he worked, he built incredible drama programs from the ground up. He had a special gift for reaching and inspiring kids.

I know that I speak for many of his students and the faculty he worked with, when I say that Herb not only changed and transformed theatre in the schools where he worked, but he did the same for his students and those around him...he made us all better. He loved and encouraged us, fought for us, taught us how to love and trust one another and perhaps most importantly, he taught us how to transfer and use our drama and theatre skills off the stage and into the "real world."

Herb lived a long and beautiful life. He and his wife, Shar, traveled, sailed, and lived in a variety of places throughout the U.S. They made friends anywhere and everywhere they went because they are the kind of people you wanted to sit down with and have a chat over coffee, cocktails, etc. Together, they were what many would call "couple goals." They were always a role model for me, personally, and I know they were for others as well.

Herb passed away on October 14, 2022 surrounded by Shar and several of his kids and grandkids. This is exactly how he wanted to go...in peace, surrounded by those who loved him.

Herb would want nothing more than to know that he left Shar, knowing that she would be taken care of and loved and supported by those around her. Because of their love of travel and adventure, Herb and Shar didn't have solid roots in one particular place. They lived life to the fullest and often allowed the sun and ocean waves to guide their way. This was perfect for the two of them, but now that Shar is on her own she needs to settle into a place near one of her daughters, possibly in the NW near Vancouver or Portland. This fundraiser has two main objectives: a Celebration of Life for Herb (early in 2023) and support for Shar as she finds her path to a new normal. This will include moving expenses and getting Shar settled in a new location. Please give what you can, in honor of Herb and the love and light he shared with us all.