Ansel Reed Dickinson

Ansel Reed Dickinson was born in New Milford, Connecticut, to a family dating back to 1630 in New England. He had a happy childhood with his adored sister Candy and parents, Ansel Sr. and Gladys. He left Connecticut to join the Air Force and never wanted to live in the East again.

He fell in love with the West when he was stationed in New Mexico, where he raised his children Laurel, David and Emily. He earned a Bachelor’s in E.E. the hard way – on the G.I. Bill with a family to support. His career in engineering fit with his love of tinkering. He could fix almost anything and could take things apart and rebuild them too. If he wanted to make jewelry, he read a book and did it. He earned retirement income repairing oscilloscopes and selling them on eBay.

Square dancing led him to his wife Phyllis, who also enjoyed him as a Bridge partner, member of St. Stephens Anglican Church, Clan Cameron promoter, and fellow traveler. They established a home together in 1981 and blended families. Reed is preceded in death by his parents, sister, and two daughters. He is survived by his wife Phyllis; son David (Kelly); stepchildren Bonnie (Vern), Eric (Lisa) and Wally (Carrie); grandchildren Andrew, Pamela, Sheila, Jeffrey, Ian, Erica (Justin), Michelle (Cody), and Stephanie (Patrick); and many delightful great grandchildren.

Rest in peace Grandpa Reed….

Service May 14, 2025, 2:00pm, at Fairhaven in Santa Ana. For a more direct route to the cemetery, please type in "Waverley Chapel" into your GPS. Please note that the only entrance to the location is off of Fairhaven Ave. You cannot access Fairhaven from East Santa Clara Ave. If your GPS does try to send you that way, please drive past it and turn onto Fairhaven Ave. If you need help locating the property on the day of the service, you can call 714-633-1442.