Northpinellas: Humanitarian's name to grace health center

ST. PETERSBURG -- More than 30 years ago, Richard Hosking began his career in public health by crawling through restaurants looking for rat droppings.

Later, as a venereal disease investigator, he hunted for infected people's last sexual partners in local taverns. One time a gun was put to his head.

Over the next 30 years, Hosking ascended the ladder in public health, at one time serving as acting director of the Pinellas County Health Department. He later became assistant director of the Pasco County Health Department.

The Clearwater man raised two children, had a loving wife, was active in his church and had about three years until retirement.

But on May 22, 2001, Hosking was shot to death after surprising a robber in his home. A member of his church, William Scott Lang, was charged with breaking into the home and shooting Hosking, who was 55. Lang, 18, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.

On Wednesday morning, the Pinellas County Health Department unveiled its sprawling new building in downtown St. Petersburg. The building will be named after Hosking.

"We're really proud and honored," Hosking's wife, Lauren, said after a ceremony at the facility. "We're glad something good came out of this tragedy. I think this is a fitting tribute to Richard. He loved public health. It's just fitting that his name is on the building that serves Pinellas County."

The last 19 months have been difficult for Lauren Hosking and her daughter, Katie, both of whom returned home that afternoon to find Lang in the home with a gun and the body of their husband and father lying near the door covered with a sleeping bag.

Lang held both family members hostage before fleeing in Hosking's car. He was captured four days later in Georgia.

The Hoskings said that Wednesday was perhaps the happiest day they've experienced since then. Though there were some tears during the ceremony, family members smiled and snapped photos afterward.

"I just think it's such a neat tribute that he has a building named after him," Katie Hosking, 16, said. "I just think it goes to show what a great person he was."

Though he kept his residence in Clearwater, Hosking began working in Pasco County several years ago. Dr. Marc Yacht, a gregarious man, was Hosking's boss.

While Yacht dealt with public issues and meetings, Hosking was the inside man, the guy who kept the coals on the fire. A man who kept to-do lists, Hosking was as efficient as a timepiece.

"Richard was the kind of guy who at 7:30 in the morning would be in his office," Yacht said.

"Richard was my alter ego," Yacht added. "Richard was very good at the mechanics of things."

Hosking's workmanship made Wednesday's dedication resonate for Yacht.

"It's very meaningful," he said. "This is a very significant event to bring joy to everyone affected by Richard's passing."

Hosking's efficiency and organization were apparent at a young age.

"We shared a bedroom, and he was neat and I was messy," said his older brother, Phil, 60. "I can remember him folding his pajamas, patting them and putting them under his pillow."

Richard Hosking worked at a funeral home during high school and received a degree in mortuary science from the University of Minnesota, his brother said.

During the Vietnam War, Hosking worked in the mortuary, often handling issues with the families of dead soldiers. Hosking balanced the resolve and delicacy needed for that job with aplomb.

"He cared about everybody," his wife said.

But he later decided that public health was his calling.

"Richard was a consummate professional, a great guy, a good father and husband, and a great friend," said a wet-eyed Roy Magee, the current health services supervisor for Pinellas, who worked with Hosking for more than 25 years. "And we miss him."

Though he was at times strict and straightlaced, Hosking also showed a playful side. He often pulled practical jokes or lightened meetings with silly shenanigans.

Hosking was active in his church, Hope Presbyterian, in Clearwater. In fact, Lang was a young man whom Hosking and his family had tried to help through the church. Hosking at one time let the teen stay at his house.

Hosking's family members said his name on the health department building will continue his legacy.

"They're putting his name on a building that will be helping others," said his son, Michael Hosking, 25, "so in a way he'll still be helping others, even though he's not here. He loved helping other people. He's going to continue doing that."

-- Chris Tisch can be reached at 445-4156 or tisch@sptimes.com .

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