Thomas Ray Hyland, 74, of Belvidere, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2013 at OSF surrounded by family, following a courageous 13-year battle against cancer. He was born on September 19, 1938 in Belvidere to Art and Irma (Pierce) Hyland and graduated from Belvidere High School in 1956. He married Penny (Wayman) Hyland on December 12, 1980.Tom was well-known among friends and family as having a strong commitment to his community, his work and his church family. He learned from a young age the fulfillment of being productive and working hard. Tom farmed as many as three farms at a time for most of his adult life, raising livestock and growing corn and soybeans. He was recognized as an early conservationist including a Farmer of the Year award from the Jaycees, for using innovative farming methods. He was also a Pioneer seed sales representative, earning several achievement awards over the years. After his farming days, Tom worked with his brother, Art, in Hyland Construction Company, drove a school bus for School District 100, shuttled trucks for Rockford Truck Sales and cars for several dealers. Reluctant to retire at age 68, Tom took on a truck driving position with Todd Transit, where he maintained an impeccable attendance record, working full-time until just one week prior to death! In all of his jobs, Tom took a personal interest in his co-workers and was an exceptionally dependable employee.Tom greatly valued being part of his community and seemed to know everybody! He worked with numerous committees and served with many community organizations, gaining a reputation as someone who could be counted whenever a need arose. A life-time ticket holder, a highlight of Tom's year was attending the Boone County Fair, where much of his time was spent catching up with friends and chatting about farming and family. Tom was on a bowling team at Dodge Lanes in Belvidere for many years, where life-long friendships were made. We believe he kept a secret calendar of all church turkey dinners, pig roasts and grange meals in the county and was a faithful patron of many buffets!A member of First Evangelical Free Church, he came to know Jesus as His Savior in 1980. For many years he faithfully drove the church bus for the Caring Ministries on Sundays and was a long-time member of the Mosaic (formerly Hand-in-Hand) Sunday school class. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Art and Irma Hyland.He is survived by his wife, Penny Hyland; ex-wife Janet (Greenlee) Hyland; children: Gregory Hyland, Daniel (Anna) Hyland, Amanda Hyland; step-children Lori (Chris) Beyer, Jim (Tausha) Markell; grandchildren: Tanner Hyland, Cooper Hyland, Cam Beyer, Kenzie Beyer, Jim Markell, Erin Markell and Keaton Markell; brothers and families: Artie (Virginia) Hyland, Bob (Sharon) Hyland, Dell Hyland and Don (Julie) Hyland.The family wishes to express special gratitude to the staff of UW – Madison Medical Center and St Anthony hospital for their exceptional care in Tom's cancer care and final days.

Memorials can be given in care of First Evangelical Free Church or the Belvidere Lions Club in Tom's memory.