Obituary of Daniel R. Dickson

PLEASE SEE: "A Graceful Exit" Written by Daniel at the bottom of the Obituary Daniel was born in Bellingham, Washington on February 3, 1950: a native Washingtonian as he was proud of telling people. His parents, Elsie and Paul Dickson, raised their family on a dairy farm in Everson and Daniel grew up to tell people that because of his farm upbringing, he could fix anything. Most of the time he could. Daniel is survived by his parents, his five brothers and sisters; David, Bonnie, Mike, Linda and Dale, their spouses and a great many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He also left behind his wife, Paulette, sons Thaddeus and his wife Ramona, and Travis and his wife Aundrea. Especially dear to his heart were his grandchildren, Katherine Clare and Daniel True. True was only born the week before Daniel passed away, but was always dear to Daniel’s heart. Daniel also leaves behind his former wife, Alene, who was an important part of his life and good friend. In addition to his biological family, Daniel also leaves behind his adopted family. Daniel loved the community he lived in and always made everyone he touched feel special whether it was work or play. His presence was always known. His co-workers, neighbors and other special friends that he met along the way knew that Daniel cared deeply for them. Daniel also had dear lifelong friends that traversed much of his life alongside him; Norm, Lynn, Phil and Sue, Potts and Laura being among them. Daniel loved the outdoors and nothing was more precious to him than sitting out on his deck and sharing a glass of wine with friends, listening to the waterfall and enjoying the beauty of his pond and backyard. Daniel was the ultimate “project man.” Nothing could be more enjoyable then spending his time working on his projects, whether it was remodeling his kitchen, building a spectacular deck, or creating a beautiful backyard with a pond and waterfall. Daniel found out he had cancer three and a half years ago. Despite many rounds of chemotherapy and radiation therapy; Daniel never allowed his cancer to stop him from enjoying life. He still had more energy than most people and could wear everyone else out with his enthusiasm. He loved a good adventure, whether it was hiking in Zion, swimming in Hawaii, cruising in the Caribbean, or hiking, cycling or driving through mountain passes here at home in Washington. Daniel also enjoyed the adventure of living in different parts of the world. He lived many years in Washington, but then left to live in Georgia, Florida and finally in Europe, where he lived for several years in Amsterdam. He returned in 1999 to Washington, where he resumed a former job with the State of Washington at the County Road Administration Board (CRAB) as a computer systems administrator. Dan loved his workplace and had many dear friends at CRAB. Daniel loved the intricacies of working with computers, whether he was making the computers run at work, or setting up a website for his brother-in-law Ralph for his business. Daniel was always highly opinionated, a true Democrat and liberal. He loved nothing better than a fun sparring match with his conservative friends. Daniel will be greatly missed by his family and his adopted family. His sense of humor, his out-spoken opinions, his power to fill a room with his presence, and his immeasurable ability to love the world will be traits carried forward in memory by those who had the pleasure of knowing and loving him. A Graceful Exit There are many who have passed my way on this journey called life. Each and everyone left some mark, delivered some lesson. For those who stayed I am ever your humble servant…for those who were but a fleeting breeze as we passed along the way, know too, that you added to the texture of this man called Daniel. There are many I leave in this world as I pass into the next. They are family, friends, colleagues and people who have touched my life along the way. My ultimate survival was never your task, but your touch on my life will live far beyond my mere corporeal being. From the oldest to the youngest, you have all given me so much and I am saddened by leaving you behind. Katherine Clare, Daniel True, you have my heart, my soul…carry your treasures with you always into life. I promise I’ll never be far away, just whisper into the night and I will answer. For those to whom I say a fond farewell, grieve not. I have lived a full and wondrous life, one of adventure and experience that only too few have had the chance to experience. For that I am ever grateful and have no regrets. To all of you who have been a part of this man called Daniel, there are no words to express the gratitude that I have for your presence on my journey. You have added texture and substance to the man I became…without you, I would not have grown in the ways that I did. My deepest and never ending gratitude for your participation as I have made my way down life’s path. I will say to you here, that there is not an end to any journey…this is just a resting place, a place to provision for the next great adventure. And so I am…on to my next great adventure. I know not about the journey nor the landing, nor any of the bits in between, but I, whoever, whatever, whenever, that might be, will do as I always have…embrace the changes and spiral ever faster toward the lessons to be learned. In my passing I know I leave behind a wealth of friends and family. You have all touched me in ways both large and small, and each small kindness stays with me. I shall indeed miss you all and perhaps next time I will try to aim better. But for now, know you are held in my heart for eternity. There is not enough room for all to be cherished here in person…but you are not forgotten nor be you ever diminished. Celebrate in your own way…for you were certainly a significant part of mine. Clarity is something that I savored, Lending reason to a worthy cause. An uncommitted life is not worth living, Relinquishing the claims for the rewards, Embracing the illusions of the favored. Remember me as one who never wavered, Obeying stubbornly the highest laws, Defending what had little chance of winning, Not caring for the consequence, or giving Even one brief glance at waiting jaws, Yet loving well the world for which I labored. Ever and Always, Daniel R. Dickson 12.31.2004