Obituary for Richard Kenneth Dixon
It is with deep sorrow and much love, that the family of Richard Dixon, announce his passing in Red Deer, Alberta on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at the age of 90 years. He will be remembered as an adored father, grandfather and great grandfather, uncle, and friend. Richard lived with his family in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, before moving to Edmonton, where he was born. The family moved to Peers, Alberta, in 1947 where his dad, a mechanic, opened a garage in town. Richard helped his dad in the garage, worked many jobs such as a storekeeper, and he drove a school bus. In July, 1961, he married Linda Wells and had two children, Connie and Gerald . In about 1969, they moved to Edson where he worked at a Propane station. In 1974, his family moved to Red Deer, where he worked as a construction worker and a groundskeeper until he retired. Richard lived with his son, Gerald, and his grandkids in Red Deer, just four blocks away from the kids, and grandmother and friend, Linda Wells. Richard Lived a simple life and spent all his time devoted with love for his family. His kindness and generosity were much appreciated by all who loved him. He will be lovingly remembered by his son, Gerald Dixon; his grandchildren, Richard Dixon, Nicholas Dixon, and twins, Ethan and Connie Dixon; along with, Aimee and Michael Roberts and his great grandchildren, Jeremy, Damen, and Maddison Pinder and his friend, Linda Wells. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Richard was predeceased by his father, Clarence Dixon, his mother, Nettie Mallard; his brothers, Gordon, William, Glen, Harold and Raymond; his sister, Joan; and his daughter, Connie Lynn Dixon.
Following are impressions and personal stories written from some of his loved ones.
Grandson, Richard Dixon: I have many fond memories of my grandpa. When he would pick me and my brother up, we were still going to school. He would often bring small chocolate bars or portable games to play on the ride home. I don't think I would have got through college without him, as he would wake me up an hour before my bus would arrive, with my earliest class being at 7:30 a.m. Whenever I was unsure if I was able to afford my bus pass, he would give me the money. He often drove me and picked me up, until he decided that he should give up his driver's license. He always looked after me and when he was unable to care for himself at home, I would take care of him. When he went into the Red Deer Hospital, I would feed him and take him his favorite drink, coca cola, and bananas. They moved him to the Ponoka Hospital, and my dad would drive me there every day, and I would bring him his coke. My grandpa was such a wonderful person in my life, and it would take a long list to express the wonderful memories of him. I will keep those memories close to my heart as I continue my life's journey. I love you grandpa and I always will.
Ethan Dixon, age 10. My grandpa was a nice man taking care of the house and his dog, Monster, grand kids and the Cat, snowball. Now he may rest in Peace.
Connie Dixon, age 10: He was a great grandpa, and I will miss him greatly.
Aimee Roberts: I am grateful for all the times I had spent with my grandpa. Without him in my life, I don't think my childhood would be as memorable. My grandpa was my safe place - he was always gentle and patient with me. He taught me many things, like the value of money, how to play checkers and cards, and to believe in myself, no matter what the rest of the world thought. He allowed me to be myself. He was much more than just a grandpa; he was like a second dad to my brothers and I. He supported us unconditionally. We are tremendously lucky to have been able to grow up with him by our sides. He was truly an amazing man, and he will be greatly missed.
Nicholas Dixon: Grandpa Richard was a kind and gentle man. He always looked after everyone in his family and was always checking on you to make sure you were okay. He had nicknames for us, calling Richard, Big guy and me, Tall guy. Grandpa looked after the house and was busy right up until he went into the hospital. He would shovel the sidewalks, mow the lawn, trim the trees, pick dandelions, wash dishes, with Richard, and clean up after us. His favorite dogs, Bubba, Lobo, and Monster were loved and spoiled by Grandpa. We would take Monster (the other dogs passed) to the hospital to visit him, and that would make Grandpa so happy. Grandpa was there to give us advice when we needed it, and we will miss his loving, kind and caring ways.
Gerald Dixon:
My dad was a gentle and kind man who provided me everything I wanted, or needed, whether I deserved it or not. He helped care for Richard and Nicholas when I worked nights. The twins stayed with Grandma. Grandpa was very proud of the boys and equally proud of the twins who were born several years later. He was more involved in raising Richard and Nicholas than with the twins, as he was 80 years old when they were born. Dad gave everything for his family, and we would not have the life we had if not for him. I believe I get the best qualities from him, although I cannot measure up to the man that he was. He came from a generation of parents who worked hard and demonstrated their love by example, and not verbally expressing the love. I only remember a few times of him saying he loved me, but every day he showed me that I was loved, and he loved everyone in his family without using that word. He will be deeply missed by us, and we shall never forget what a wonderful person he was.
Linda Wells
Thank you, Richard, for all the kindness and love and support you showed to your family. You were the exemplification of a family man by the generosity, love, loyalty, kindness, and dedication and commitment to your family. You will be missed.
A Graveside Service will be held at the McLeod Valley Cemetery and a Celebration of Life will follow at the home of Mona Roydhouse in Peers, Alberta, later in the year. An invitation will be sent out at that time. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.
Following are impressions and personal stories written from some of his loved ones.
Grandson, Richard Dixon: I have many fond memories of my grandpa. When he would pick me and my brother up, we were still going to school. He would often bring small chocolate bars or portable games to play on the ride home. I don't think I would have got through college without him, as he would wake me up an hour before my bus would arrive, with my earliest class being at 7:30 a.m. Whenever I was unsure if I was able to afford my bus pass, he would give me the money. He often drove me and picked me up, until he decided that he should give up his driver's license. He always looked after me and when he was unable to care for himself at home, I would take care of him. When he went into the Red Deer Hospital, I would feed him and take him his favorite drink, coca cola, and bananas. They moved him to the Ponoka Hospital, and my dad would drive me there every day, and I would bring him his coke. My grandpa was such a wonderful person in my life, and it would take a long list to express the wonderful memories of him. I will keep those memories close to my heart as I continue my life's journey. I love you grandpa and I always will.
Ethan Dixon, age 10. My grandpa was a nice man taking care of the house and his dog, Monster, grand kids and the Cat, snowball. Now he may rest in Peace.
Connie Dixon, age 10: He was a great grandpa, and I will miss him greatly.
Aimee Roberts: I am grateful for all the times I had spent with my grandpa. Without him in my life, I don't think my childhood would be as memorable. My grandpa was my safe place - he was always gentle and patient with me. He taught me many things, like the value of money, how to play checkers and cards, and to believe in myself, no matter what the rest of the world thought. He allowed me to be myself. He was much more than just a grandpa; he was like a second dad to my brothers and I. He supported us unconditionally. We are tremendously lucky to have been able to grow up with him by our sides. He was truly an amazing man, and he will be greatly missed.
Nicholas Dixon: Grandpa Richard was a kind and gentle man. He always looked after everyone in his family and was always checking on you to make sure you were okay. He had nicknames for us, calling Richard, Big guy and me, Tall guy. Grandpa looked after the house and was busy right up until he went into the hospital. He would shovel the sidewalks, mow the lawn, trim the trees, pick dandelions, wash dishes, with Richard, and clean up after us. His favorite dogs, Bubba, Lobo, and Monster were loved and spoiled by Grandpa. We would take Monster (the other dogs passed) to the hospital to visit him, and that would make Grandpa so happy. Grandpa was there to give us advice when we needed it, and we will miss his loving, kind and caring ways.
Gerald Dixon:
My dad was a gentle and kind man who provided me everything I wanted, or needed, whether I deserved it or not. He helped care for Richard and Nicholas when I worked nights. The twins stayed with Grandma. Grandpa was very proud of the boys and equally proud of the twins who were born several years later. He was more involved in raising Richard and Nicholas than with the twins, as he was 80 years old when they were born. Dad gave everything for his family, and we would not have the life we had if not for him. I believe I get the best qualities from him, although I cannot measure up to the man that he was. He came from a generation of parents who worked hard and demonstrated their love by example, and not verbally expressing the love. I only remember a few times of him saying he loved me, but every day he showed me that I was loved, and he loved everyone in his family without using that word. He will be deeply missed by us, and we shall never forget what a wonderful person he was.
Linda Wells
Thank you, Richard, for all the kindness and love and support you showed to your family. You were the exemplification of a family man by the generosity, love, loyalty, kindness, and dedication and commitment to your family. You will be missed.
A Graveside Service will be held at the McLeod Valley Cemetery and a Celebration of Life will follow at the home of Mona Roydhouse in Peers, Alberta, later in the year. An invitation will be sent out at that time. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.