Dr. Richard (Dick) Ito was a public health dentist, an assistant professor, and an outdoor enthusiast who lived a full and meaningful life despite being diagnosed with ALS. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery and Masters in Science-Dental Public Health from the University of Toronto and worked for various health units in Ontario as a dentist, a manager, and a consultant. He taught dental public health at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, and was the Chief Examiner in Dental Public Health for the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. He loved cycling, movies, theatre, the arts, and taking adventurous vacations like climbing Machu Picchu in Peru. Growing up, he was fascinated by science fiction and enjoyed reading authors like Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, Robert Heinlein, and Ray Bradbury, who took him to far-off places and times. He was a son, a brother, a nephew, a cousin, and a special friend to many who admired his compassion, excellence, and courage. He passed away peacefully at the age of 67 after battling ALS with grace. His ashes are going to the moon as a tribute to his adventurous spirit and his passion for exploring new horizons.
