John Stewart Dickey

In Loving Memory of 
John Stewart 
Dickey
age 85
John was predeceased by his wife Anita.  
He is lovingly remembered by his sons
 Brent (Cathy), Scott (Lisa), 
grandchildren Erin, Katrina, Eric, 
Selena & Madison, as well as their families. 

Died
December 31, 2021
Tri Lake Health Centre 
Killarney, Manitoba

Public Memorial Reception 
Saturday, July 16, 2022
CE Centre Killarney Untied Church 
Killarney, Manitoba 
11:30 a.m.

Interment ~ Killarney Cemetery

Donations in memory of John may be made to the Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation, Multiple Myeloma Research, Room 1160-675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg R3E 0V9.

     The family of John Stewart Dickey is sad to announce his passing on December 31, 2021 at the Killarney Tri Lake Health Centre. John was born to Claude and Helen (nee Stewart) Dickey on May 1, 1936 in Hamiota, MB. He was predeceased by his loving wife Anita (Schoch), his parents and sisters, Claudia Kerwin and Sheila Keating.

     John is missed and survived by his sons, Brent (Cathy), Scott (Lisa), grandchildren Erin (Mark) Ryback, Katrina (Curtis) Nichol, Eric (Lanae), Selena (Dylan Shorthouse), and Maddy, and great grandchildren Dylan, Brynn and Carthy Ryback, Kohen, Nash and Luka Nichol, Isla Shorthouse and Vida Dickey.

     John was raised on the family farm just outside Crandall. Over the years, the farm was revisited by John with his sons and grandchildren. During these visits, he shared countless memories of his childhood and teen years, most of which were filled with humorous stories of mischief! Many of these stories involved close friends Bob and Ivan Schoch.  It was through these friendships that John met Bob and Ivan’s younger sister Anita.  It was love at first sight!  John and Anita married and would be together for 60 wonderful years.  

     As a young man, John began his long career with the Royal Bank. John held different positions with RBC  throughout his career.  At the time of his retirement, he held the position of District Manager.  As a banker,  John along with his family, made many moves throughout Manitoba. There were many lifelong friendships that were forged along the way as the family moved from community to community.  

     John began his journey into retirement in 1992, after 38 years of commitment to his career with the bank. John and Anita built their dream lakefront house at Oak Point on Killarney Lake, where they resided for many years. The door was always open to family and friends who were guaranteed the offer of a drink, a meal, a boat ride and above all else, kindness. John had an extensive circle of friends who often stopped by the lake for a visit.  These friendships were cherished throughout the years.

     Community service was a priority for John everywhere he worked and resided. He was known as someone who could be counted on to chair committees, sell tickets, fundraise, and perform any additional duties that would assist the organizations in meeting their charitable goals. He was an active member of both the Elks and Kinsman clubs, giving many years of service.  

     John was an avid outdoorsman with a great appreciation and respect for nature, particularly birds and wildlife. He always had his binoculars by the window looking out onto the lake, catching glimpses of the birds and animals that he loved to view. His love of the outdoors also extended to camping, canoeing, hunting and fishing.  

     John was very fit, continuing to go to the gym and walk at least 2 miles a day until his health limited his physical activity. In his later years, he would comment that he was slowing down, even though he was more active and in better shape than many people half his age. 
Traveling with Anita was a treasured part of John’s life, particularly their annual winter trips to Oahu, Hawaii. They enjoyed building long term friendships there and would socialize with these same close friends year after year. They also traveled to Costa Rica, Australia, and many other locations.   

     John loved his family dearly and felt grateful that he was able to see his sons Brent and Scott grow up, marry, and have children and grandchildren of their own. His grandchildren Erin, Katrina, Eric, Selena, and Maddy were a great sense of pride and joy for John. Their memories of John are of a grandfather who always made them feel special and never denied them his time and attention. They remember their grandpa taking them water skiing and for boat rides whenever they asked, taking them for ice cream at The Beach Hut, hunting gophers in the backcountry, letting his granddaughters style his hair, swimming in the lake, and sharing his bottomless bowl of candy. His great grandchildren also filled his heart with joy. 

     John lost the love of his life Anita in January of 2017. He was by her side and nursed her back to health through several serious medical conditions. He was a devoted and loving husband to Anita and was truly her rock through sickness and health. Her passing was a great loss for John, as they shared a full, active, fun life together. His strength of character and love of life helped move him forward to enjoy his life for the next 5 years until he was reunited with her on News Years Eve, when they will have celebrated the next leg of their journey together. 
Many thanks to the doctors and staff at the Tri Lake Health Centre for your care and compassion.  Thanks also to the caregivers at Cancer Care Manitoba. Donations in memory of John may be made to the Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation, Multiple Myeloma Research, Room 1160-675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg R3E 0V9.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a service will be held at a later date. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Stewart Dickey, please visit our floral store.