Harley Arthur Dickinson – lovingly referred to as Mr. D by his students, colleagues, and biggest fans – passed away on Thursday, March 31st, 2022. Harley was born on April 8th, 1949 in Camrose, Alberta, to his loving parents Arthur and Lila Dickinson. He is survived by his three sisters: Carolyn Andersen, Star (Rod) Haynes, and Sheryl Dickinson Newton. As well as his six children: Garett (Danae) Dickinson, Michael (Deana) Dickinson, Carley (Travis) George, Marayna (Vincent) Dickinson, Dakota (Duncan) Dickinson, and Jay Rymer; plus 5 grandkids he adored with his whole heart. All his life, Harley dreamed of being many things – a mountain man, a cowboy in the Wild West, an eagle that could fly so high and so far, a tall pine tree at the top of a hill, and yes, even Santa Claus. In reality, he spent many years working for AGT, installing communications systems and working overtime to provide for his growing family. Throughout the years, he learned to be a pilot, but would instead choose time with his children over a career that would take him away from them (truth be told, he also got a bit freaked out on one of his flights). In 1989, Harley received his Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary. Combined with his real-world education and his daily daydreaming, he would then finally discover his life’s calling – teaching children and becoming Mr. D (and on occasion, the Grinch); his students were his best friends and the purpose he held deep within his heart for over a 30-year career. While Harley felt he was born 50 years too late, he found passion in so many things; whether it was a fishing trip with his few friends, singing along to his favorite Beach Boy tunes, riding his motorcycle, or looking at the stars on a clear night, his most favorite thing in the world was loving and raising his six children. Harley’s advice for everyone, above anything else, was simply: Be kind. A celebration of his life will be held on his birthday, Friday, April 8th, at the Carstairs Community Hall: 1100 Lackner Way. Doors will open at 11:30 am where we welcome those who are interested to sign his casket (by his request), service will commence at 1pm. Harley would want us all to wear our favorite attire and not be dressed in black – so please dress as though you’re attending a good friend’s birthday celebration. There will be a reception with snacks to follow the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation in Harley’s name.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Harley Arthur Dickinson Thursday March 31st 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Olds, Province: Alberta
To Carley, Mike, Garrett, Arleen and all immediate extended family, my family and I would like to extend our deepest sympathies and most sincere apologies for such a profound loss in your lives. Sadly, we know all too well the hole that the loss of a patriarch leaves in a family. Our hearts are with all of you in the coming days. Keep family and close friends near and share in fond memories to feel close to him knowing that you all very well made his whole world complete. This is a big one that takes lots of time to heal. Be patient with yourselves.
Much love,
Samantha (Hope) and Mike Brook