REV. DR. (EMILY JESSIE) IRENE DICKSON

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REV. DR. (EMILY JESSIE) IRENE DICKSON On July 16, 2011, at Parkview Place in Winnipeg, Irene Dickson, beloved daughter of the late Frank and Emilie Dickson and dearly loved sister of the late Joyce Dickson and Gladys Sim, passed away at the age of 90 years. She will be missed by her friends and neighbours, especially David, Wayne and Joanne, as well as former colleagues and students with whom she still kept in touch. Her father's career with the CNR took the Dickson family from Sioux Lookout to Fort Frances and, finally, to Winnipeg, where Irene studied at United College (now the University of Winnipeg) as well as the University of Manitoba. She began her teaching career in 1942 in the rural schools of Baldur and Shoal Lake, MB, before accepting positions at several Winnipeg schools, including Riverbend and Kelvin High School. Irene was 42 years old when she decided to study theology at Knox Presbyterian College in Toronto. After her graduation she became an Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at Ewart College, the Presbyterian Christian Education College in Toronto, where she remained until her retirement in 1990. She was an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church and was also granted an honourary doctorate from the Presbyterian College in Montreal. Former students recall her amazing ability to open the Scriptures and encourage a love of Biblical scholarship. Her teaching career spanned 58 years. Irene returned to her home in Winnipeg 10 years ago to live with her sister, Joyce, who died in 2004. In 2008, Irene decided to compile bits of poetry she had written over the years into a self-published book entitled 87 poems from Irene aged 87'. She donated all proceeds from the book to The Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. Irene loved dogs, especially miniature schnauzers. She loved to read and write and work in her garden. She was a longtime member of the University Women's Club of Winnipeg. I shall press this leaf hide it in a book I shall press the flower remember the scent when I grow old the sight and scent will forever recall the joy and beauty of this hour. now, I stare at a leaf brittle and cracked yes, I did indeed press the flower but all details are now forgotten lingering scents no longer recall events and I wonder today where on earth I ever picked the flower. - Irene Dickson We would like to thank the staff at Parkview Place, especially Judy, for their care and compassion, particularly in the last weeks of Irene's life. Cremation has occurred and a celebration of Irene's life was held on July 20, 2011, at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home. Donations in memory of Irene Dickson may be made to The Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 23, 2011