Don Robert Dickson 1925 ~ 2011
LOVING FATHER AND EDUCATOR After several years of deteriorating health, Don Robert Dickson died on March 2 at the Utah State Veterans Nursing Home. A gentle soul, Don was known for his warmth, his patience, his humor, his intelligence, his generosity and his great love for his family and students. Born May 19, 1925, in Devils Slide, Utah, he was the oldest child of Bert Stoddard Dickson and Grace Toone Dickson. In 1952, he met his wife and much-loved "Myra Dream," to whom he remained passionately devoted until his death. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple October 1, 1953 by Elder Spencer W. Kimball. A member of the "Greatest Generation," he was a World War II veteran, who served in the Army Air Corps and was injured in the line of duty -injuries that he suffered from his entire life. He received three Bronze Campaign stars, the Air Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon, the Good Conduct Ribbon, and two Purple Hearts. An alumnus of the University of Utah, he held various teaching/ research positions around the country, including at the University of New Mexico and Oklahoma State University and was a physicist at the U.S. Geological Service before joining the University of Utah's Meteorology Department. He was a professor there for 30 years, and department chairman for nine years. He loved teaching and was a tireless advocate for his students. He was a faithful member of the LDS Church, and held many positions -his favorite being a stake missionary. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Myra Dean Crouch; children Mary (Keller Higbee) Dickson, Donna (Stan) Harbuck, David Dickson, Susan (Bruce) Holman, Douglas Dickson, Julia (Douglas) Meredith; brother Ray Dickson and sisters Merriam (Tom) Rogers, Diane (Ed) Myrup, and Connie Dickson; John (Lynda) DeBirk; and Dorothy (Bud) Boyd; 20 grandchildren and 10 great-grand-children. He is preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Ann Dickson DeBirk and his great-grandson, Logan Eric Emery. The family would like to express its gratitude to the many compassionate and caring staff members at the Utah State Veterans Nursing home and to the members of Bristol Hospice who helped ease the pain of his final days. Thanks also to the branch presidency at the nursing home and to the Canyon Rim Third Ward. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 12 at 11 a.m. in the Canyon Rim Stake Center, 3051 South 2900 East in Salt Lake City. The family will receive visitors Friday, March 11 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, and at the church Saturday morning from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. preceding the funeral. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. Messages and tributes to the family can be posted at: www.holbrookmortuary.com Farewell, good man. We will all miss your love, your grace and your great sense of humor. Your kind spirit will remain with us always.