Dr. James Dickson

Our beloved James died at home surrounded by loved ones on Monday April 19, 2021.

Born in Glasgow, Scotland on May 11, 1928, Jim was the devoted and loving husband of the late Lucila Miller for 60 years, loving father to Christine, Peter, Louise, Anne and Ellen, proud grandfather of Sarah, Tess, Gavan, Vivian, Kira, Liam, Evan and Blue/Bryn and dear brother of Morag Gray and his late sister Rita Smith and late brothers Bobby, Drew and Eric Dickson. Jim was very fond of his four sons-in-law Iain, Keven, Dominic and Ian and loved his sister-in-law Monica (Joseph) Hehir.

Jim, affectionately known as Papa Jim to his grandchildren, was 20 when he saw Lucila for the first time, hearing her play Chopin’s Fantasie Impromptu at a university event. He proposed on their second date - but with no money, they waited six years to get married. During their long engagement, Jim graduated from the School of Medicine at the University of Glasgow in 1951. He completed two years of national service as a medic paratrooper, stationed in Egypt. Jim and Lucila married on December 28,1954. 

Concerned about the lack of opportunities in Scotland, he moved with Lucila and Christine to Newfoundland in 1957 and became the doctor in St. Joseph’s Salmonier in St. Mary’s Bay for four years. Life was quiet, so Jim taught the local children acrobatics. He and Lucila taught them singing and Scottish country dancing in the evenings. Peter was born in the outport. Jim delivered him and a neighbour’s baby at the house that night. Louise arrived 18 months later. After contracting rheumatic fever, Jim put aside the demands of general practice and moved the family to Montreal where he earned his fellowship in anaesthesia. The family, which now included Anne, moved back to Newfoundland, then St. Catharines and finally settled in Ottawa in 1968 where Jim happily returned to general practice and slightly by accident, after the obstetrician took a sleep break, delivered Ellen. He was also invited to be a coroner, a job he did faithfully for 29 years. 

Jim loved his work and his patients and many loved and respected him. He was a dedicated doctor who made house calls and delivered babies at home. Jim was particularly delighted when he was able to bring new life into the world. He retired, a bit reluctantly, in 2014 at the age of 86.

Jim was blessed with a restless energy. He was well-known in the neighbourhood for running along the Rideau River long before the sport became popular.  In 1977 and 1978, he ran the Boston Marathon. He loved cycling, speed skating and cross-country skiing in Gatineau Park and competed into his 80s, proudly winning his age group. Over the years, he ran 25 marathons and dozens of triathlons, joined by - or cheered on by - his children and grandchildren. One of his favourite events was the Winterlude Triathlon. 

In mid-life, the family home was filled with well-loved pets, including his favourite dog Boris. 

Jim and Lucila spent many happy holidays in Stowe and Cape Cod with their grandchildren and visiting Louise in Victoria. 

Jim was a happy man. There was always a twinkle in his eye, a smile on his face, a poem to be recited from memory. He was always ready to peel another potato for a friend to have a meal or pour a glass of wine. Even in his final days, he was concerned for our comfort.

He was so loved by all of us. Our hearts are breaking as we say goodbye to our old athlete.  

Many thanks to Ellen Pazdzior for bringing him treats and making soup “he could dance a jig on.” Many thanks to Peter who looked after Jim in his final years, allowing him to remain in his own house. Many thanks to Ellen for holding his hand and staying with him round the clock in hospital after his fall. Many thanks to Dr. Reg, Dr. Kara Tucker and Benjamin of Bytown Palliative Care who helped us care for him at home. And a very special thanks to daughter Christine and his loving granddaughters Sarah, Vivian and especially Tess, for helping him cross that final finish line. 

A private family funeral and internment will be held on Friday, April 23 at Beechwood Cemetery.