Peter was devoted to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife Marion Howell, his much adored daughters Lindsey (Tolga), Shannon (Erik), Danielle and Tamara, as well as his most cherished granddaughters Emily and Alexandra. He also leaves behind is brothers and sisters Britta (James), Lesley (Robert), Glenn (Mary) and Edward (Kate), his nieces, grand-nieces and nephews, and scores of close friends and colleagues.
Born 1952 in Amersham Buckinghamshire, England to Mai and Jack Edward Dickens, Peter immigrated to Canada in 1954. As young man he developed passions for scuba, cooking and baseball that he would carry with him throughout his life. Peter obtained a Masters in Theological Studies from Tyndale College and Seminary in 2003, and his Ph.D. in Leadership and Change from Antioch University in 2012.
From 1999 – 2005 Peter served as the Vice President of Organization Development at Trillium Health Centre in Mississauga. In 2005 Peter started the Iris Group, a consulting practice specializing in strategic change and leadership development. He also served as Director of the Leadership Centre at Tyndale and has served as faculty and preceptor in the Master of Arts and Leadership at Royal Roads University. Peter`s book, “Leading in Disorienting Times”, written with Gary Nelson President of Tyndale College University and Seminary, was published in 2015.
Peter’s intellectual curiosity and passion for understanding Complex Adaptive Systems Theory became the foundation for his teaching and consulting work. He was able to help leaders discover how to create large system change in times of uncertainty.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 22nd, 2016 at 7:00 pm at Tyndale College University and Seminary (3377 Bayview Ave. Toronto) with a reception to follow.
Special thanks to the dedicated staff at the Southlake Regional Health Centre for their care and compassion.
Donations in lieu of flowers to the Peter Dickens Leadership Award at Tyndale College University and Seminary or the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
Isaiah 43: 1- 2, 4a
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Psalms 73:26 NIV
Arrangements under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home, Aurora, ON.
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