Dr. Paul Richard Dyken, former professor and chair of neurology at the University of South Alabama, passed away on Sept. 11, 2017, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.A memorial service will be held on Sept. 19, 2017, at Springhill Avenue United Methodist Church at 3:00 p.m., with visitation starting at 2:00 pm.
Dr. Dyken was a distinguished physician, specializing in pediatric neurology. He served as the chair of the neurology department at USA for 10 years, retiring in 1994. He previously practiced at Washington University, the University of Chicago, Indiana University, the Medical College of Wisconsin and the Medical College of Georgia.
He also performed sabbaticals at Harvard University in the early 1980s to study the new field of electron microscopy and in Saudi Arabia in the 1990s to further his lifelong study of the rare neurological disease SSPE.
Dr. Dyken was a past president of the Child Neurology Society, founded the Southern Child Neurology Society in 1975, and published numerous academic papers, chapters, and a textbook in his field of expertise.
After retirement, Dr. Dyken continued his lifelong love of learning through educational pursuits at USA, Springhill College and home-based video seminars. He discovered a talent for art, and enjoyed painting. Dr. Dyken was known for his adventurous spirit, integrity, and his love for his family. He was active in physical fitness and ran several marathons. He was a member of Springhill Avenue United Methodist Church and enjoyed watching Indiana University basketball, Atlanta Braves baseball, and Alabama Crimson Tide football. He also traveled extensively and enjoyed seeing the world on several cruises with his wife and other family members.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Linda (Bertsch) Dyken; three children, Michele "Shelly" (Dyken) Nimtz of Mobile, Jason R. Dyken and wife Renee of Gulf Shores, and Jill (Dyken) Baska and husband Harold of Decatur, Ga.; as well as five beautiful grandchildren, Cora Nimtz, Jace Dyken, Landon Dyken, Colton Dyken and Carmon Dyken. In addition, he precedes his brother Mark Dyken, Jr., wife Beverly, and their six children. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute or Springhill Avenue United Methodist Church.
