Cecil Demitri Dickinson

Cecil Demitri Dickinson passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 27th, 2013 at Cascade Lodge in Chilliwack, BC at age 79 years. He was born September 11th, 1933, in Dalton Mills, Ontario to Marie (nee Biriukova) and E.R.S. Dickinson.

Dick, as he was called by his family, will be sadly missed by Frieda, his loving wife of 48 years, daughter Maria (Ken) Friesen, son James Dickinson, daughter Alexandra (Larry) Campbell, son Roger (Heather) Dickinson and ten grandchildren: Melissa, Breighton, Karlaya, Jonathan, Marcus, Khaim, Cameron, Aubrie, Christopher, and Ryan. He will also be missed by his siblings Julia Hampton, Roger (Philomena) Dickinson, Mary Pye, Patricia (Ken) Beaumont, as well as extended family and many friends.

He was predeceased by his sister Elizabeth Campbell, brother-in-law Don Campbell, brother-in-law Robert Pye, brother-in-law Robert Hampton, and nephew Cashman Mason.

Dick lived in a number of different places growing up. Life started out in a lumber mill town in the back woods of Ontario, followed by time in Toronto, ON. Once his father was in service for the Canadian navy they lived in Halifax, NS, Victoria, BC, Comox, BC, and Esquimalt, BC.

After graduating from high school, Dick spent some time in the Navel Cadets, went to Millar Bible Institute in Saskatchewan, and then went to the University of Victoria to receive his teaching degree.

Dick enjoyed teaching, especially high school Math. He taught at Mount Newton, Parkland, Stelly’s Secondary, as well as overseas in Trafalgar, Australia and in Ukarumpa, Papua New Guinea (PNG). All of his children had the opportunity to be taught by him.

Dick was a long-time resident of Saanichton, on Vancouver Island. He impacted many people throughout his teaching career, church and Christian camp ministries. He was passionate about his family, faith and sailing. Many summers were spent volunteering at Camp Qwanoes near Duncan, BC, helping run a sailing program. Dick built two catamarans, one of which he donated to Camp Qwanoes. The other, the “Lisa-Maria”, was enjoyed by the family for many years. Fond memories of sailing and camping on the gulf islands, as well as many trips to Sidney Spit, are cherished by the family.

Dick was active in church leadership. Through the years he worked in youth ministry, taught Sunday school, and served as an elder, preaching on occasion. Dick and Frieda’s long-time home church was Saanichton Bible Fellowship.

Dick, Frieda and their son Roger spent three years in PNG with Wycliffe Bible Translators. Dick taught at the international high school for missionary children in Ukarumpa. It was an interesting and memorable experience.

After serving overseas Dick and Frieda officially retired to their home in Saanichton at which time Dick began his lifelong dream to build his fourth and most challenging boat, a trimaran. Due to Alzheimer’s Dick was unable to complete his boat, and eventually moved to Chilliwack to be closer to his daughter Alex and her family. The family is very thankful to Alex and her family for all of their care in his final years. They are also grateful to the Birchwood and the Cascade Lodge staff for their compassionate care. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, August 1st, 1pm at Central Community Church, 46100 Chilliwack Central Rd, Chilliwack, BC, and Saturday, August 3rd, 2pm at Saanichton Bible Fellowship, 2159 Mount Newton Cross Road, Saanichton, BC.