My deepest condolences goes out to the Dickenson family,  my name is Frank Gaona,  my dad Jose Cruz Gaona ( known as Shorty by all the workers on the ranch), I worked at the ranch with my dad in 1976 and 1977, I knew his dad Don and his grandpa Ralph, I remember going to pick up my dad's check at Ralph's house,  I used to like his house and his sons house on top of the hill, my dad retired in  the late 80's, he lived on the ranch for over 30 years working for Ralph,  then for Bruce,  I was under Bruce when I worked there  with Tom, his brother Richard and Booty at the time, I enjoyed working there,  taking fruit boxes out of the orchards was fun, my dad was in charge of irrigation and worked there for years, I remember Bruce's first wife Phillis and saw his first born when they lived in the white house by the road, we lived next door,  I guess the house is gone now, a brown house,  I was raised on the ranch till I got married in 1977, my dad retired a few years later, great memories i have of Grandpa Ralph,  Dad Don and Bruce, may God give you all strength and comfort,  if u would like to talk me my number is 909-530-0042, very fond memories I have of living on the ranch,  God bless you all,

Janis, 
I am sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. I remember the lunches we all had there at the airport . 
I am sure the fly-by was special for him and your family.
Our family thoughts and prayers are with you during these times.
May knowing  he gave some many people such joy give you comfort.

Janice I am so sorry for your loss.  Thoughts and prayers for you, family and friends. 
❤️ Dolas

I will miss Bruce always. He is a kind soul and loves to talk about anything especially airplanes! He loves his family and friends an will sorely be missed by the aviation and Santa Paula community 
Soar High friend
Jeff Higginson

I first met Bruce back in 1990 when I began working in agricultural pest control. His ranch was one of the groves that we had in membership. I really enjoyed working with him over the last few decades. He was always good to me.  That voice, that laugh, that commanding presence. He will be very much missed. Rest in Peace  friend.

Dearest Janice…I am saddened beyond words to learn of Bruce’s passing.  My love & deepest condolences to you & the family at the loss of your beloved.  ~your cousin, Debbie

I'm truly saddened to hear about Bruce's passing. He had the courage to build and fly an airplane that left others shaking in their boots. He was also one of the few people that I trusted to jump into one of my biplanes and fly it, Beyond all the flying lore, Bruce was good to others. He was very supportive of our operation and offered unsolicited kind words when they were much needed. My sincere condolences to his family. He'll be missed far beyond Santa Paula.

I came to find out in a very short time after I met Bruce was a man of many talents. He was a skilled aviator, a successful rancher, a skilled mechanic, and a great storyteller. But his love of history, particularly the history of KSZP, truly set him apart.

He was a walking encyclopedia of the Santa Paula Airport lore. He knew every detail of the airport's history, from its early days as a dirt airstrip to its current status as a thriving little airport with which he had so much history. He was always eager to share his knowledge with others and was a frequent speaker at aviation events.

In addition to his passion for history, storytelling, and aviation, Bruce was also a man of action. He was committed to seeing it through to the end when he started something. He was instrumental in helping others with the restoration of several historic aircraft at KSZP airport, and he played a key role in developing the airport's museum.

When I first met Bruce, his boisterous voice was intimidating at times, but underneath it all, he had a heart of gold. He was always willing to help others and was a true friend to those who knew him.

I will miss Bruce dearly, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.  He was a true rancher, aviator, mechanic, storyteller, and a good friend to me for the short time I knew him. His impact and passion will never be forgotten at KSZP.

May you find peace and joy in the eternal blue sky, and I know you will be looking down on all of us here in Santa Paula. Janice, I want you to know that my heart goes out to you, and you are in my thoughts and prayers.

My condolences to the family of Bruce.  I grew up in SP with the Dickensons, had Bruce in some classes in high school, he was a great person!

Photo shoot with Bruce, Janice and Mr. D.

Janice,  I am saddened to hear of Bruce's passing.  He will be greatly missed.  My heart goes out to you and your family.  I will always cherish the memory of my birthday flight with Bruce in Mr. Dickenson.

Janice and family,
We are so sorry to learn that you have lost Bruce.  It is a great loss to our community as well.  May you be surrounded by love and fond memories as you find your way in a world without him.

Janice and family,
Matt and I were so saddened to hear of  Bruce’s passing. Bruce was such a beloved member of the family. Matt thought of him as the older brother he never had. If there is anything we can do for you, please give us a call.
Sending love and prayers,
Matt and Terri Basolo

Sending love and prayers to the Dickenson family. I’m heartbroken over the loss of Bruce. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by many.

OBITUARY

Bruce E Dickenson

May 28, 1950 – September 23, 2023

Funeraria del Angel Santa Paula

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