Obituary of Ian John Dickie

It is with great sadness that the family of Ian John Dickie announces his passing on January 15th at the age of 84 years following a courageous 8 month battle with pancreatic cancer. He passed peacefully in Ottawa, surrounded by his immediate family. He will be fondly remembered by his lifelong love and wife of 54 years Rita (Pilon), whom he affectionally considered to be ‘My Everything’. Loving father to Renée Kerr (Matthew Kerr) and Sean Dickie (Adèle Dignard). Beloved Grandad to Julia, Tristan, Isabelle, and Ashley, who will always remember his warm smile, sense of humour and keen interest in everything happening in their lives. Special acknowledgment to Randal Dickie, whom he loved as a son, and his family Gabriella, Jessica, and Rachael. Beloved son of Oran Dickie and Esther Dickie (Katajamaki) and son-in-law to René and Juliette Pilon, all predeceased.  Predeceased by his brother Raymond Dickie, he is survived by his sister Doreen McNabb and brother Brian Dickie.  Brother-in-law to Marc and Doris Pilon, Mary Pilon, Lise and Jack Anderson, Gail Dickie and predeceased by Hélène and Robert Topp, Robert Pilon, Michel Pilon and Larry McNabb. He will be greatly missed by many nieces and nephews, extended family and numerous lifelong friends.   

Born and raised in Sudbury, Ian attended Nickel District Collegiate and later the Haileybury School of Mines.  He then graduated with a degree in mining engineering from Michigan Tech in 1965.  His 40-year career as a mining engineer took him throughout Canada as well as to Pittsburgh, Arizona, and many more remote locations around the world including Algeria and Tanzania. He had a particular fondness for the ‘True North’, having worked extensively near the arctic circle.

After retirement, he relocated to Ottawa to be closer to his children and grandchildren where his endless work ethic shifted entirely to his family. It was in his cherished role as Grandad that Ian was the most fulfilled and content. 

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Rachel Goodwin and staff from the Ottawa Cancer Centre, and Dr. Hacker and Dr. Douglas from Community Palliative Medicine for their exceptional care and expertise. We would also like to thank the compassionate nurses, personal support workers and volunteers at the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice for all their support and kindness shown to Ian and his loved ones during his final days. 
 
As an expression of sympathy, Ian’s wish was that donations be made to the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice (www.hospicecareottawa.ca) in his honour.