Mr. Hector George Dickens

Hector George Dickens was the second born of eight children to the late Mr. Albert and Mrs. Zeporah Dickens in St Ann’s Bay, Jamaica. He grew up among his three brothers and four sisters. Growing up Hector was fascinated at the science of politics and marveled at the mechanics of the automobile. From an early age, Hector was moved by the politics of his country and he often debated with fellow countrymen as to the economic status and impact Jamaica would have on the world economy. His other passion, the love of the automobile set a framework for a life-long vocation. In his early teens, he worked as a mechanic apprentice at one of the largest vehicle repair facilities in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica. Hector soon became known by his superiors as talented, passionate and gifted in the field of automotive mechanics. By the time Hector reached the age of 18, he moved to England with the help of his eldest sister, Esline Lafayette, already living in London. When he arrived in England, he found gainful employment as a mechanic with the Rootes Group, a prominent automotive service establishment for some of the best British automobile brands produced by the United Kingdom.

While in London, Hector enjoyed dancing and attending social activities often held at nursing schools. One nurse, Cassilda Dickens, won his heart and on his birthday, July 1, 1961 they married. They were life mates for 62 years and welcomed their son Jason in 1967. After living in England for 17 years, Hector and Cassilda made the transatlantic journey to Hartford, Connecticut for the next chapter of their life adventure. Hector worked as a skilled and masterful mechanic for Balch Pontiac, Wilson Town Line Garage, his brother Edmund’s independent repair facility, and finally Stephen Worlds of Wheels working on the Queen’s Cars including Jaguars, Triumph, Spit Fires and MGs. Hector was passionate about the automotive repair industry as evidenced by his 55-year career. He was a hard worker, exercised extreme patience in completing the most complex of repairs and helped others along the way as an instructor within the industry. Hector became so well known as one of the “coolest” mechanics of the auto repair community because complex repairs were no mystery to him. His method of approach required exercising the correct degree of patience and perseverance to any task, both of which he possessed in great depths. Hector became affectionately known as “Kool Cat” for his even-keeled demeanor and never became flustered when chaos entered the scene. Whether he was at work, home or at play, he carried this philosophy though all aspects of his life.

Hector enjoyed quality close-knit relationships. His intimate circle of family and friends included siblings and country kinsman, many of whom completed the migration from Jamaica to England and finally the United States. Despite living outside of Jamaica, Hector loved his country, his people and the family that surrounded him. Hector would often say “Where I come from, we were a poor people, but if my father and those before us could see how far we have come, they would be quite pleased with the accomplishments that were achieved.” Hector will be dearly missed as he touched the lives of many with a warm heart of open invitation.

Hector was preceded in death by his brother Edmund Dickens and sister Pearly Brown. He is survived by his wife, Cassilda Dickens of Grapevine, TX; son Jason (Adrienne) Dickens of Southlake, TX, step-daughter Elaine White of Fuquay Varina, NC; siblings Esline Lafayette of Arlington, TX, Stedman Dickens of Port Charlotte, Florida, Winnifred (Clarence) Brooks of Harlesden, England, Linette (Barry) Coombs of Ealing, England and Arthur (Delores) Dickens of St. Ann’s Bay Jamaica; grandchildren Elina Dickens and Chais Dickens.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gwspencerdirs.net for the Dickens family.