Obituary of DICKSON – Parker Archibald

February 22, 1927 – August 31, 2010 Parker Archibald (Arch) Dickson passed away on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 83 years of age in Calgary. Survived by June, his wife of 61 years, children Peter (Chris), Margaret, Myrla Bulman (Steve), Barb Homer (Don) and grandchildren Stephanie and Shauna Bulman, and Jeff, Amy and Michael Homer, sister Jean Fox, many dear cousins, nieces and nephews, and Secret, the last in a lifetime’s worth of well-loved dogs. Predeceased by his parents Hugh and Annie Dickson and his brother Hugh Jr. Born in Onslow, Nova Scotia on February 22, 1927, Arch first came west as a teenager to the cattle ranches of his four Gilchrist uncles. Captivated by the scale of the prairie landscape, he convinced June, his bride-to-be, to join him in 1949. After several years working on ranches with cousins and friends they moved to the city. Time as an insurance adjuster allowed Arch to explore the province before he started his own business as a service station operator with BA, Gulf and finally PetroCanada. He was National President of the Automotive Retailers Association during the energy crisis of the mid 1970s and received awards for exceptional levels of customer service and corporate professionalism. His Maritime nature showed in community contribution. He was a founding elder of St. Andrews United Church, a devoted driver with Meals on Wheels and Neighbourlink, and delighted in a year as a chaperone for the Hidy and Howdy mascots of the 1988 Olympics. All those who met Arch will remember his firm handshake and clear blue eyes meeting theirs. He was truly interested in what was happening in the lives of all those he met and cherished strong ties with family, friends and work colleagues. He loved to discuss world and local events over coffee and his thoughtful insights will be missed. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Andrew’s United Church (924 Heritage Drive S.W.) on Saturday, September 18, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Arch’s memory to Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute at the University of Calgary (3280 Hospital Drive N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6) or Calgary Meals on Wheels (3610 Macleod Trail S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 2P9). Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Arch Dickson, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.