DICKINSON, David Earl

September 19, 1941 – February 18, 2019

Dave Dickinson passed away on February 18, 2019, in Calgary, Alberta after a lengthy battle with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s.

Dave was born September 19, 1941, in Camrose, Alberta, the eldest of four children to Don and Elsie Dickinson. After his fathers passing when Dave was 9 years old, the family moved to Calgary. Dave grew up in the communities of Bowness, Montgomery and South Calgary surrounded by life long friends. He attended King Edward School and Western Canada High School. Dave married Barb Dickinson (nee Stuckey) in 1961, and together they had four children.

Dave joined the Calgary Fire Department in March of 1962. Over the next 39 years, he served as a training officer, a hazardous materials officer and worked his way up the ranks, retiring in 2001 as a Deputy Chief. Dad had a great work ethic and worked multiple jobs over the years. He coached baseball, was a Cub Scout leader and in later years he volunteered with the Calgary Stampede Parade Board.

Dave was co-owner of NEWS Travels Travel Agency which allowed him to indulge in his love of travelling the world.

Dave was predeceased by his dad Don, his mom Elsie Lamb, sister Diane Granlund, second wife Marie Dickinson (nee Wright), brother-in-law Ken Lamb, son-in-law Bill Henry and his best friend and companion, his dog Maginty.

Dave is survived by his first wife Barbara Dickinson, his children Criss (Garry) Schaffrick, Don (Jennifer) Dickinson, Trish (Greg) Dunn and Jo-Ann (Harry) Dickinson Siewert. He is also survived by his grandchildren Amber (Keith), Ashley (Gaeten), Alyssa, Alana (Charlene) Hennessey, David, Cody, Victoria, Nicole Dickinson, Will (Marie) and Alex Henry, Chris, Sophia and Lily Siewert, Great-grandchildren Hunter and Riley MacInnis, Hayden, Hayley and Harlow Rose. Dave is also survived by his sisters Gwen Lamb and Sherry (Cliff) Sullivan, his brother-in-law Gerry Granlund and also by many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, Dave has requested that donations be made to the Calgary Firefighters Burn Treatment Society cfbts.org/donate.

A Celebration of David’s Life will take place at the Glamorgan Community Center, 4207-41 Ave SW, Calgary, AB. Drop in between 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  A short celebration and flag presentation by the Calgary Fire Department will be held at 4:00 pm. 

Arrangements entrusted to Cochrane Country Funeral Home, Lawrence (Larry) Slywka, Funeral Director Phone 403-932-1039.

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  1. On 25/02/2019 at 4:44 pm Des Hughes Said:

    My condolences to Barb, Criss, Trish and the rest of the family. Just knowinh some of his kids and grandkids I know hes left an amazing legacy behind. My Thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  2. On 25/02/2019 at 6:03 pm Shannon & Ava Said:

    Take care during this challenging time Dickinson family. We love you and are thinking of all of you. Special hugs and kisses to Jo-Ann, Lily,Harry & Barb.

  3. On 25/02/2019 at 6:14 pm Krista cords Said:

    Peace, love and healing to you all as you fondly remember your dad, grandfather, and friend. Forever in your heart. With love Krista, Ryan, Sophia, and Julian

  4. On 25/02/2019 at 6:34 pm Paula,Joanna, Charlene & Nathaniel Sparks Said:

    We are all sending you our condolences and share the grief you and your family are experiencing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hold on to those amazing moments and memories you have of your father.

  5. On 25/02/2019 at 9:58 pm Audrey Sykes Said:

    Sending love and condolences to you Barb and your family. It was indeed a privilege to have known Dave in years past.

  6. On 25/02/2019 at 11:56 pm Leigh Ritchie Said:

    Barb, please accept condolences from Gary and myself. We remember the fun times we had years ago. So much has happened in the intervening years. Our love and prayers to you and your family.

  7. On 26/02/2019 at 9:17 am Lynn Bell Said:

    Love and Prayers to you Bonnie and your entire family

  8. On 26/02/2019 at 10:35 am Norm and Carol Morrison Said:

    Our thoughts and condolences are with you, Barb and all of your family. We remember the good times from long ago and hope your memories will bring you peace.

  9. On 27/02/2019 at 5:41 am John and Jane Welch Said:

    We are thinking of during this difficult time. Our prayers go out to all of the family. Hugs John and Jane Welch

  10. On 01/03/2019 at 8:35 am Sue Saunders Said:

    Dave and Marie were a big part of my life for a long while. So many laughs, fun activities – GREAT memories!! Dave was a very smart, resourceful and energetic friend. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.

  11. On 01/03/2019 at 10:23 am Shirley Hennessey Said:

    My deepest symphanthy to Barb and all her family my heart goes out to you all at this sad time

  12. On 01/03/2019 at 2:33 pm Pat & Peter Anderson Said:

    Dave and Marie were our neighbors in Red Deer for several years. He made friends with everyone in our close. We appreciated that he kept everyone on our toes. Nobody was going to speed around the close. No one was to leave their garage doors open inviting robberies. He and Marie organized block parties for the neighbors. We miss him and his bad jokes.

  13. On 02/03/2019 at 12:56 pm Myrna Stanford Said:

    Dear Dickinsons
    I am sad to hear of Dave’e passing but also happy for his release. He was an extraordinary guy and we were blessed to count him as a friend, as we are you, Barb, and all of your family. We had some good times, didn’t we? We send our love and pray for your comfort and peace. Hugs to all of you. (PS. What a wonderful photo!) The Stanfords

  14. On 02/03/2019 at 10:07 pm Beverley Parkin Said:

    I am very saddened by the loss of Dave. Will always remember his cheerful smile, bad jokes, and his huge heart. He and Marie were great hosts and always welcomed you into their home, and david loved his little dog so much. Dave would visit us at the 9-1-1 dispatch office, bring us treats, and always backed us up if necessary. Dave was a great man and will be missed by everyone who had the honour of knowing him.

  15. On 04/03/2019 at 12:26 pm Cheryl MacKenzie Said:

    So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. I worked with Dave at Training and we all had lots of fun times and laughs around the coffee table with Dave. Another good man gone who will be missed. RIP Dave.

  16. On 04/03/2019 at 8:14 pm Margaret Pfeifer Said:

    On behalf of the Pfeifer Family we wanted to pass on our condolences on your loss. While we knew Dave for a short time we could imagine he was quite a character in the day. Take care and know your memories will carry you through.

  17. On 11/03/2019 at 11:10 am Calgary Fire Department Pensioners Association Said:

    Our sincere condolences go out to Barb and the Dickinson Family on the passing of “Brother” Dave. Many a good time was shared with Dave, from “D” Shift ski trips, to Turner Valley parties, Training Division functions, and Hazardous Materials calls. Another good guy gone too soon.