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DICKSON, John R.

October 7, 1946 – December 7, 2010


It is with deepest regrets that we announce that John passed away on December 7th in Comox, B.C. surrounded by his loving family after a short battle with cancer.


John will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Carole, daughters Catherine Allen (Tyler), Vernon, Leslie (Brian), Vancouver, son Michael, Comox and his brother, Richard (Susan), Vancouver, as well as many extended family members and friends.


Born in Calgary to George and Janet Dickson, John grew up in Vancouver’s Dunbar area, graduating from Lord Byng Secondary School and attending U.B.C. where he earned a Bachelor of Arts, a Diploma in Special Education and later a Master’s in Education.


John took the motto “lifelong learner” to heart: devoting most of his professional life to education as a teacher, vice-principal and principal in the Prince Rupert and Terrace school districts.


Before finally settling into teaching, other jobs included work in a paper mill, a mine, construction, as a social worker and as sales manager in Prince Rupert and Kitimat for Skeena Broadcasting.


After retiring, in 2003 John and Carole moved to Comox, a place they both grew to love. His retirement was short-lived, however, much to the chagrin of his children, who urged him to relax, as John became a professional volunteer – giving his time to many local groups, including Elder College, C.F.Y.C., Meals on Wheels, and was one of the founding committee members of the Comox Dinghy Sailing School.


His passions included - family, skiing, golf, dinghy sailing, kayaking, biking and reading. An enthusiastic amateur athlete, John loved to play baseball, tennis and even basketball when he could convince his family to play. He doggedly worked on his golf swing and perfected his turns on many ski hills over the years.


Family was incredibly important to John. He was a wonderful husband, a supportive and engaged father, a caring brother and a true friend.


John’s family invites you to share a tear and a laugh at a celebration of his life at the Crown Isle Resort in Courtenay, B.C. on Sunday, December 19th at 2 p.m.


In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s memory to the Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Centre or a charity of your choice.



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