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TERENCE DICKINSON
Canadian Astronomer
November 10, 1943 – February 1, 2023
Cold feet in bed in the wee hours of the morning were my signal that Terry was ending another night of observing and photographing the night sky.
Terry discovered his lifelong passion at a very early age. And being able to share his interest in astronomy by introducing others to the beauty and wonder that he found overhead filled him up.
He spent countless tranquil hours exploring the night sky from his observatory, listening to the spring peepers early in the season and, in summer, the quiet nickers of our horses as they moved about the pasture. Standing under a starry canopy and giving himself over to the mystique and immensity of it all, Terry was lifted out of himself, freed from the distractions of daily living.
Terry was a calm, gentle, thoughtful man who cared deeply about the people in his life. He had a lovely sense of humour and a warm infectious laugh. Time spent with Terry was feel-good time.
He was a voracious reader and had a steel-trap mind for retaining astronomical information.
He loved getting up each morning because every day, he lived and breathed his passion. So captivated was he by the cosmos that he made it his mission to endeavour, through his writings, his astrophotography and his lectures, to impart some of his awe and appreciation of the universe to others.
Although he was physically tethered to this planet, his mind soared among the stars, and the time he spent gazing skyward from a dark country site brought him peace and serenity. Now he’s at one with the universe that enchanted him for a lifetime.
I have been “Terry and Susan” for 58 years, and in my heart, I always will be.
Honour Terry for how he enriched your life.
There will be no memorial service. His ashes will be scattered under a dark country sky.
Arrangements entrusted in Wartman Funeral Home, Napanee, Ontario. If desired donations in memory of Terry to your local Humane Society or to a charity of choice in lieu of flowers would be appreciated. Condolences may be forwarded online through wartmanfuneralhomes.com
Wednesday February 1st 2023
Death notice for the town of: Napanee, Province: Ontario
death notice Terence Dickinson Wednesday February 1st 2023
obituaries notice Terence Dickinson Wednesday February 1st 2023
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Terence Dickinson Wednesday February 1st 2023 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
Susan. My deepest sympathies to you at Terrys passing. He will be gazing at the stars with Stephen and waiting for the day that we will All be together. God be with you and carry you through your grief. Your sister-in-law Lyn💕💕
At Starfest in 1986, I walked up to a refractor. It was pointed at Jupiter. Seeing an absolutely perfect globe suspended in space, I said: “Who’s telescope is this?” Out of the darkness came a voice: “Mine”. My reply: “That’s the best view of Jupiter I’ve ever had”.
It turned out that the voice belonged to Terry, and I was looking through his Astro-Physics 5-inch f/12 Super Planetary refractor. A few years later, at a talk he was giving, he spoke of a sublime night with an even larger telescope, his seven-inch Starfire. It was towards dawn, Mars was at or near opposition, and near-perfect seeing provided him with what to that point in time was a lifetime best view of the planet.
Terry loved his refractors. In 1988, in his ode to the APOs (‘Terry in Refractorland’), he stated: “To me, telescope viewing is primarily an aesthetic experience – a private journey in space and time.” That’s our guy! We have been so fortunate that he chose to share that journey with all of us. His impact was immeasurable, and he will be dearly missed by amateur astronomers everywhere.
It’s through Terry’s excellent books on practical astronomy that I began my journey as an amateur astronomer. What I learned through his writings helped me get engaged in public stargazing parties where I could share what Terry taught me. I’m fortunate to have met him at two public gatherings and saw the kind and gentle man others write about.
Astronomy has become a large part of my life, and I owe so much of it to Terry and his writing. He got me started!
My sympathies to you, Susan, and your family. May the joy he gave to you and so many others bring you comfort.