HANCOCK AND LAKELAND, FLA.
Richard E. Dickson, 75, died peacefully on Jan. 5, 2019, after a brief illness with his adoring wife of 45 years, Karen, by his side.
He loved to hunt and fish. He was an avid Atlantic salmon fisherman and enjoyed his many trips to Canada with his buddies — even though there may or may not have been any fish. Richard had a successful career in banking and retired as vice president. In between his financial careers, he experienced his most favorite job of all in law enforcement. He started as a patrolman with the Ellsworth Police Department and then as chief deputy of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office. He has entertained many friends, both old and new, with his many stories of his time on the job. He served as selectman for the town of Hancock, was the first president of the Union Salmon Association and was a member of the David A Hooper Lodge No. 201 AF & AM.
He is survived by his wife, Karen; his daughters, Kelli Mellion (Kansas) and Elizabeth Hale (Maryland); sisters, Joan Hildreth of Hancock and Jean Dickson of Holden; his nephew, Carle (Colorado) and nieces, Jessica (Rhode Island) and Rebekah (Massachusetts) and their children. He was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Arlyne Dickson of Bangor and his sister Jane Pezzullo of Providence, R.I. As his niece will tell you, Richard knew it wasn’t all about studying hard or working hard, it was also about having lots of fun and driving fast cars.
A special thank you to the staff of Good Shepherd Hospice for their caring and compassionate attention. If desired, donations can be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, 3470 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, FL 338805.
A private service will be held at a later date.