Dickinson, Richard James
Richard James Dickinson
With broken hearts, the family wish to announce that Richard James Dickinson (or Dick as many knew him) passed away on Thursday, November 10th, 2022 after a short battle with cancer.
Richard was born on July 21st, 1949 to Jim and Edna Dickinson in Moose Jaw, SK and had a wonderful childhood playing with the neighbourhood kids and many friends he made over the years. In his teen years he learned to play the guitar and played in bands which he really loved. That was the start of his lifelong obsession with the Beatles ☺. He had a very adventurous spirit and after meeting and becoming friends with Peter from Italy, they went to Italy on Richard’s 19th birthday. Richard then travelled for a year in Europe and even worked for awhile at a hotel in London. He saw Italy, France, England, Spain, Morocco, Switzerland and many more places. That trip changed how he thought of the world and made him very curious about other cultures and people.
Richard started R.J. Painting in 1977 and grew it to be a very successful business. The guys who worked with him became lifelong friends.
Richard’s greatest joy came from “his girls”. He married Eileen (Ewen) in 1977 and together they enjoyed many good times at the cabin at the lake and many trips skiing, two more trips to Europe, New York City, California and many more places. Hawaii was a particular favourite in more recent years. Leah was born in 1972 and Kendra in 1982 and he was a very doting and devoted dad. As the years went by, grandchildren were added to the mix, and he enjoyed hearing about their activities and watching them grow.
In 1994, Richard suffered a devastating accident which left him disabled for the rest of his life, but his spirit, humour and positive attitude never wavered, and he adapted without any complaints and made the best of things. He was an inspiration to many.
Left to somehow try to fill an incredible void in their lives are Richard’s wife of 45 years, Eileen; daughter, Leah (Greg) and grandchildren Sierra and Rio from Whistler, BC; daughter, Kendra (James) and grandchildren Jayden and Kasen of Moose Jaw; mother, Edna Dickinson of Victoria, BC; brother, Don (Kathleen); sister, Carolyn; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Glenda and Ron Hagan; as well as nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends from all over.
At Richard’s request there will be no formal funeral service. A get together social to celebrate Richard’s life will be held on Sunday, December 4th, 2022 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the banquet room at the Grant Hall Hotel in Moose Jaw, SK. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Richard’s name may be made to The Moose Jaw Humane Society, Box 1658 Station Main, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 7K7. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Michelle Ellis, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Oh Eileen i am so sorry for your loss. Dick was such a wonderful fellow who will be dearly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. My deepest condolences to you and your family
Thanks very much Neil
Eileen and family
My deepest condolences on the loss of Dick. He’s had a hell of a life and still continued to smile. I have fond memories of our mountain ski trip that will never be forgotten. We all know now that he will be living life to the fullest again. RIP Bud
Thanks Stu.
We are deeply saddened by this news. Gord and I spent our youth running around Moose Jaw with Dick. Many adventures and laughs were shared as we grew up and we’ll forever cherish the memories and stories from that time of our lives.
Hugs from Gord and Brenda Shabbits
Thank you Brenda and Gord
Don, Kathleen, and family, sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. My thoughts are with you. May he RIP.
Eileen and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you and your family; our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Thank you Brenda and Cal
Eileen and family,
Sincere condolences on your loss.
Thanks Karen and Larry
Farewell my dear brother.How I loved you. I remember waiting for those exciting phone calls coming in from across the waters. I remember how you thought of me when you brought me home those italian wooden sandals and the beautiful snake ring with the ruby for an eye. I remember as a child how you loved to give us a good scare. The gas mask with glowing green eyes . The lunatic escaping from the asylum . I remember Dad yelling dick don doickie buster carolyn . I remember the hot hot tacos and the best italian pasta .I remember norwegian wood and the pandas playing the coolest music in the childhood basement. I remember our walk to fort street and back and your strength that carried you there. I remember your courage and wisdom that graced us all. How I loved you dear brother May Dad have greeted you on your walk home .Love you always
So sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. Dick gave me guitar lessons from Kwan’s Music on Main Street when I was a youngster. The lessons apparently didn’t do me much good! It was great to watch my “teacher” playing in bands at the YMCA, Natatorium and other teen dances. Great memories. So sorry for your loss. God’s speed, Dick!
Thanks Bill. Whenever we would run into your Mom, she always thanked Dick for teaching you guitar 🙂
Eileen we so deeply regret not coming over to see you guys. For years we thought you moved to B.C. and only recently found out you still lived in Moose Jaw. I remember such good times living with Dick, attending University and of course working with him as my boss. What a great guy to work with as he made everyday so enjoyable for Q-tip and I. I learned so many things about painting that he taught me, a skill I used throughout my life. So many fond memories! I will never forget him. You are in our prayers and we are thinking of you.
Thank you Bob and Debbie
Our deepest sympathies Eileen and family on your loss of Richard. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
Thanks Neighbours
Hello Eileen,
I was both shocked and surprised upon receiving the sad news about my oldest cousin’s death from his younger sister my youngest cousin Carolyn. Dick, or I should say Richard was so young and ever full of life. Apart from knowing him way back in the days when the Dickinson family was living in the Clifton Avenue house in Moose Jaw when he had his band; his Rock and Roll group and his love of the Beatles, and then as the years went by both I and my Mother Mary Louise Dickinson (Dick’s Aunt) lost touch with him until more than 30 years later we visited with him in his house on Grace St. and then learned of his unfortunate accident and the other circumstances which put an end to what would otherwise have led him into a brilliant career as a lawyer like our Grandfather “Grampa” and his older cousin, my older brother Richard. To put it to you Eileen, among the few relatives including yourself and daughter Kendra, and the friends of his who may still be left in Moose Jaw, and in Regina, Dick/Richard will be sorely missed.
Dear Eileen, We are sorry to hear of the passing of Dick. Even though we didn’t know him very well personally, we know that you loved him dearly and are grieving his loss. May your fondest memories of him remain with you as you carry on your life without him. May our Lord God give you peace and strength at this time. We send you and your family our sincere condolences and love.