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.
Livre de visiteurs
Jennifer Faguy
Anna Gough Power
To all the Dickson family,
Sincere condolences on the death of your beloved father and grandfather. We were blessed to have him as our doctor and neighbour in St. Joseph’s , Newfoundland and he and your Mom enriched our lives by sharing their many talents with us. They were very involved in the community and put off many concerts delighting us with music and comedy skits. 60 years later people still share wonderful memories of the time they spent with us and our friendship continued for all those years. “Step we gaily on we go” as heaven rejoices as he was united with your Mother.
Sincerely, Anna and the Gough family
Gertie Daley
Sending condolences to the Dickson family on the death of your father and grandfather. A life well lived.
Moira Dexter
sending love and hugs to Louise and family on the loss of their beloved Poppa Jim.
John McCauley and Mary Gusella
We are deeply sorry for your loss. He was a good and compassionate doctor. As a neighbour he was inspiring, with his boundless energy for walking, running, skiing, biking and paddling. We would see him along the Rideau and be motivated by his energy. Jim will be missed!
Bryan Miller
Our condolences love and prayers always. For Uncle Jimmy and family
Sarah Birnie
So sorry for your loss of your dad and grandfather. Everything I heard about him was so joy-filled. What a man who lived life to the fullest. My deepest sympathies are with you at this time. Will keep you all in my prayers.
Paul LeBrun
A colleague , a friend and an inspiration; can still hear him whistling to work every morning.
My deepest sympathy to Peter and family.
Fiona, Ronald and Minnie with John, Andrew and Finlay
So many rich memories flow among us, hearing that Jim is gone. Sending heartfelt condolences to you all.
With much love from us.
Kathy Lee
I remember well the concerts he coached us in as a Primary student. He would make house calls any house of night, his dedication to his calling shone through. He and his wife did indeed bring music and dance to our small community. May he rest in Eternal Peace.
I would like to extend our condolences to the family of Dr. Dickson who was our family doctor for many years. He saw us through many things and I remember his belief that "Nature will take care of it." When he was in his 80s I remember he was doing marathons and memorizing poetry, he said, to keep his mind active.
When I was not responding to care in hospital for a back injury in 1978 or so, the attending specialist wanted to do an exploratory operation on my back. I remember weeping when Dr. Dickson came on his rounds and telling him that I really was frightened of an exploratory operation. He said in his terse Scottish way, "There will be no exploratory operation." It just took a little longer to heal on its own, and at that time, Nature did take care of it.
I remember overhearing a telephone conversation in his office, he was the coroner at that time, and his saying, "The family doesn't need to know; just put down that it was an accident." A kind, compassionate man.
We were indeed fortunate to have known him.