GERALD (GERRY) EDWARD DICKSON 1957-2013

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GERALD (GERRY) EDWARD DICKSON 1957-2013 We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Gerald Edward Dickson (Gerry), loving partner, loving father of four daughters and one stepson; loving brother, uncle and cousin; and loving personal friend to many. He was also a true entrepreneur and a committed business friend to so many throughout the community. Born May 22, 1957 in Toronto, Gerry passed at the young age of 56 after a long, dignified, and valiant fight at 11:05 on Friday, November 1 Gerry found a way to pass with strength, courage, and a profound wisdom, which he strived to share before he moved on. He succeeded in finding his own personal peace and left this world with grace. His devoted and courageous wife Shawn Nesbitt tirelessly stood by his side throughout Gerry's great battle and supported him until our Lord came and took Gerry to the home that He had built for him in heaven. Gerry is survived by his loving wife Shawn and her son Everest, Gerry's four daughters; Claire, Lizzie, Alexis, and Sophie, and their mother Judith. Gerry also leaves behind Molly Bell, Cathy Gibson (Wayne), and Bill Dickson (Kit). Gerry was predeceased by his father Edward John Dickson, his mother Delores Edmond Dickson, and his brother Bob Dickson. Gerry's formal education took place in Toronto, beginning at Bennington Heights Elementary School, Jarvis Collegiate, and then Ryerson University obtaining a degree in Architectural Technology. In 1993, his family moved to Winnipeg, where he worked for his father's company, Canadian News. Gerry became President of Canadian News. After the company was sold to News West, he pursued a love of organic foods and ventured into buying an organic market, Harvest Collective, located in the Wolseley area of Winnipeg. The store eventually expanded into a second store in the Corydon area, and later renamed as Organza Market. Gerry was on the Board of Manitoba Harvest Fresh Hemp, raising thousands of dollars for the cause. In the spring of 2005, Gerry consolidated Organza Market into one place, at Confusion Corner of Winnipeg. Organza Market very much survives Gerry's death, and remains serving the community under the direction of longtime friend and business partner, Zyg Iskierski. Gerry had a real passion and dedication for the organic foods movement. As such, one of his final wishes was to see that his beloved store carried on for the community in its efforts to supply people with the best possible foods and goods. Gerry worked so very hard at creating this opportunity for many, as he built Organza as his legacy, both for his employees that he cared for very much, and his customers, of whom he constantly appreciated. In his personal life, Gerry loved aviation, and the experience of flight. Every time he would see a plane pass overhead, he would identify it and begin discussing its particulars. It is very fitting that his final farewell and service is being held right on the edge of Richardson Airport. We are sure that he would appreciate the paradox. Gerry was actively involved with many groups involving self-growth, healing and spirituality, always striving to be the best he could be. Gerry won the Rosedale Golf and County Club Father and Son tournament in 1990. He was an avid golfer, ran the Chicago Marathon, and was a hockey player, curler, avid formula one racing fan, and barefoot water skier. He loved sailing with his trusty Jack Russell by his side. He was an amazing windsurfer. He loved boating and teaching water-skiing and tubing to his daughters, not to mention taking them for bike rides, skiing and tobogganing. Gerry loved his daughters very much. The family wishes to thank all of the care team at St.Boniface Hospital Palliative Care for all their efforts and support. They were the gold standard of care for Gerry. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerry's name can be made to the Canadian Organic Growers at COG.CA The formal celebration of Gerry's life will be held 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue (across from Brookside Cemetery). NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 08, 2013