Obituary
In Loving Memory of Rita Mae Dickson
The family is saddened to announce the passing of Rita Dickson on November 4, 2022 at the age of 96 in Creston, B.C
Born Rita Mae Lansing on January 8, 1926 in Daysland, Alberta. She spent her childhood years on the family farm with her five siblings in Viking, Alberta getting their education and doing the farm chores. Rita spent her young adult years living in the Viking area, getting nurse’s aide training and marrying Ralph Brown in 1948 and having three sons.
After the loss of an infant son and the tragic loss of her husband Ralph, Rita moved with her two young sons to B.C., where she worked in Cranbrook at the hospital before buying a piece of property in Yahk, B.C. in 1955. While working jobs in the restaurant industry and loving her new community, Rita met and married her second husband, Thomas Dickson in 1959. The family moved to Trout Lake, B.C., then moved to Revelstoke, B.C. in the early 60’s following Tom’s logging career, returning to Yahk permanently in 1971 after the boys were finished school.
Upon returning to Yahk, Rita and Tom managed the Holiday Haven Motel, and built a home and laundry mat business on their property. Rita took a job with Tourism, B.C. as a supervisor of the local Tourist Information Centre until it’s closing.
Rita will be remembered for her community spirit and volunteerism wherever she lived. In 1971 Rita organized the Yahk-Kingsgate Senior Citizens Society Branch 103 and served as President for seven years. The Senior Citizens organized an Old Timers Reunion in 1975 and after talking to some of the four hundred people from across Canada who returned, Rita had the idea that Yahk needed a history book. After stepping down from her duties with the Society, with the help of Tom’s and other Old Timer’s knowledge of the area, she researched and wrote “The Unforgotten Memories of Yahk”.
Rita’s Retirement years were spent enjoying all facets of crafting from knitting, sewing, ceramics, rock hounding and woodworking projects with Tom. She enjoyed picking berries, visits to the cow camp. Keeping her farming heritage alive and outdoor adventures into the beauty and nature of the area. A number of road trips to Nevada and Bonners Ferry with the Yahk Gals was filled with fun and laughter. Rita especially loved the visits of her and Tom’s many friends and family who never failed to stop on their way through Yahk over the years.
In the spirit of a small community, Rita continued to offer whatever help and support to young and old who needed it.
Rita lost her beloved husband Tom in September 2012 after fifty-three years of marriage. She continued to live in Yahk with the support of home care and community members for eight more years before moving into Crestview Village in Creston.
Rita’s faith in God was important to her and was always with her through the joys and pains of a long life to the end. She will be coming home again.
Rita was predeceased by her infant son (Brian), first husband (Ralph), sister Marian, parents Lawrence and Louisa Lansing, brothers Art, Don and Gordon, granddaughter Kerry and second husband of fifty-three years, Thomas Dickson.
Rita is survived by her son’s Morris (Jill) Brown and Barry (Christine) Brown of Revelstoke, B.C., sister Pat Amundson of Viking, AB. Grandchildren Blair, Courtney, Amanda, and Daniel. Great grandchildren Spencer, Carter, Ellery, Emily and Lucas. She is also survived by Sister’s-in-law Olga Brown, Judy Dickson, and Linda Dickson, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Crestview Village for their care and compassion, G.F. Oliver Funeral Chapel, and Patty Hirsch for her hospice companionship.
A special thanks to neighbours Lisa and Dean Smith for being there in Rita’s last few years at home. Gloria Messenchuk for the love of family and time spent with Aunt Rita.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Yahk Kingsgate Recreation Society (YKRS). PO Box 13, Yahk, B.C., V0B 2P0.
In Memory of Rita Dickson, a Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Rita Dickson January 26 1926 November 4 2022 (age 96)..
Décès pour la Ville: Creston, Province: Colombie britanique