Obituary of Ronald Graham Dickson

Ronald (Ron) Graham Dickson passed away peacefully on Friday, November 12, 2004 in Calgary, AB at the age of 85 years. Ron is lovingly remembered by his wife of sixty years, Margaret Jean Dickson; his sons, Gary (Arlene), and Bruce (Gisele); and his precious grandchildren, Lynn, Jennifer, Michael, and Stephanie. He is also survived by his brothers, Douglas and Russell (Shirley). Ron was predeceased by his parents, David Burns Dickson and Johannah Dickson; and by his sisters, Jean Dickson and Joyce Tetachuk. Ron was born in Didsbury, AB on September 18, 1919. His adolescence was spent on the family farm near Alhambra, AB and then in Lake Louise, AB, Portland, OR, and Vancouver, BC. He started pre-med at the University of British Columbia but then enlisted at the commencement of WWII. After one year in the Army, he transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force where he became a Flying Officer. He served as a flight instructor in the Commonwealth Air Training Program at High River, AB, Claresholm, AB and Yorkton, SK. At the end of the war, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree and entered the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Alberta. He graduated in 1952. At that time he moved with his young family to Drumheller, AB where he practiced dentistry for the next twenty-seven years. He and Jean moved to Victoria, B.C. in 1979 and he practiced dentistry there until approximately 1995. He was enrolled as a Fellow of the International College of Dentists. Ron served as Chairman of the Board of Drumheller Valley School Division #62, President of Kinsmen and K-40 clubs. He was a member of the Board of Stewards of Knox United Church. Ron taught Sunday School and served as a Boy Scout leader. He was also a member of the Senate of the University of Calgary. Ron loved dentistry and contributed to his profession in numerous ways. He served as President of the Alberta Dental Association, as a member of the Board of the Canadian Dental Association and as President of the Alberta Dental Service Corp. Ron was a pioneer in the use of hypnosis in dentistry in Alberta. He trained and mentored countless young dental graduates, dental hygienists and dental assistants. Ron taught dental assistant students at Camosun College in Victoria. He had a wonderful sense of humour. This was evident even during the later stages of his illness. He had an abiding affection for children. He was a gifted storyteller. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Crowfoot Chapel (82 Crowfoot Circle N.W.) on Monday, November 15, 2004 at 2:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alzheimer Society of Calgary, #201, 222 – 58 Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2S3 Telephone: (403) 290-0110. The family is grateful for the heartfelt support provided by his companion Virginia Pettigrew and the staff of Bow View Manor who cared for him with compassion and sensitivity for the past six years. In living memory of Dr. Ronald Dickson, a tree will be planted at Nose Creek Valley by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 Crowfoot Circle N.W., CALGARY, TELEPHONE: (403) 241-0044