Obituary of Maurice Lawrence Dicks

DICKS: Maurice Lawrence (Moe) Of Goderich (formerly Caledon East) left us quickly but peacefully following a very stubborn struggle with Dementia; in the comfort of Maitland Manor Longer Term Care Residence, on Saturday evening, May 16th, 2020. Dad was born on May 4, 1934 in Teulon, MB to Lawrence and Vera Dicks. The oldest of four children he is predeceased by Ethel and Jack Ireland, and survived by sisters Verna and the late Earl Soper, and Maureen and Les Holloway. Dad married the love of his life, Sondra Switzer (of Sandhill) on September 20, 1958. Together they enjoyed the fun adventure of almost 62 years of marriage. And oh what an adventure we have had. Dad built our first house on 2nd line, Albion Township at the back of Grandpa Switzer's farm. Dad and Mom welcomed four children, and he was definitely the best role model, teacher, and Grandpa/Papa any of us could have wished for. He is survived by Paul (Rachel and Andrew, Matt) of Toronto, Kyle and Kelly (Jesse and Jamie) of Palgrave, Erin and Wayne Winson (Colleen and Abbey) of Georgetown, and Lisa (Greg and Brent) of Alliston. In 1972, we moved to 15 Sideroad, Caledon East where Dad built our second home and stayed until their retirement. Dad enjoyed a 38 year career with Bell Canada as an outside Cable Repair Technician. He worked long hours to make sure he could give his family many experiences and wonderful memories. When Mom returned to work, Dad became our primary weeknight chef. He created many great meals but best of all was his homemade Shortcake served with Strawberries he would stop and pick on his way home from work in the early summer. We enjoyed many trips up to Wasaga Beach; and he was always eager to help set up the big canvas tent in the yard so the kids could enjoy fun summer nights. We were all raised on the back on snowmobiles and spent many winter weekends travelling the fields throughout Caledon. He taught us all to ride a bike, skate on the backyard pond, drive the riding mower (ulterior motive there), kill and clean chickens he raised (while Mom went shopping), change a tire and the oil in a vehicle, fix things, make things, the love of gardening, cooking and how to drive a car. But most importantly he taught us all to be good people, love others, work hard and give to others when we could. Dad was a man of many talents and few words. There wasn't anything he wouldn't attempt to do. He played the accordion, piano, organ, harmonica and attempted the guitar and bagpipes. Speaking of attempts, he thought he would take up carpentry and cut the tips off of two fingers the first night of class - which prompted his retirement from Bell. Mom and Dad enjoyed so many great times with friends. Many crazy snowmobile trip stories have been shared over the years, as well as their trips to sunny destinations. In 1982 Dad thought it would be a great idea to get a motorcycle so he got his licence and bought a Honda Goldwing, and then there were more crazy adventures and they spent weekends touring around southern Ontario. We spent many March breaks in Outdoor Resorts, Orlando with great friends. You could say we were resident Disney experts. Mom and Dad would later spend some winters there. Saturday evenings were spent dancing at Innis Lake and you want to talk a smooth fellow on his feet! The best! Sunday's were spent at Caven Presbyterian Church in Bolton. Both Dad and Mom were members of the choir, Dad an Elder and Superintendent of the Church School. We enjoyed many Christmas Pageants, pot lucks and Church BBQ's and Picnics. Dad was also involved in the Bolton Fall Fair for many years, and again enjoyed great friends during this time. Upon retirement in 1995, Mom and Dad moved to Goderich. Dad enjoyed his dart league, golf buddies, his garden, bingo, social time at the rec hall and many coach bus trips. They travelled to Newfoundland, California, Cape Cod and numerous casino trips. An Alaskan and Caribbean cruise checked off the bucket list as well as an amazing trip to Ireland where they both traced their roots. Dad had another notion strike him and he purchased a travel trailer and took off with Mom to Kamloops, BC to visit and stay with her sister Lynda and husband. They did this not once, but twice. There is the most amazing collection of toy tractors and model cars that Dad collected over the years; proudly displayed in the house. Dad enjoyed his vehicles and we would never know what we would find in the driveway when we went to visit. And speaking of visits - that was Dad's greatest joy upon his retirement. Time spent with his kids and grandchildren as they came for visits. Many weekends were spent on the beach in Goderich. Bike rides, trailer rides behind Grandpa/Papa's tractor, helping in his gardens and playing cards in the evening. Dad was a loving brother in law to Mom's brothers Jack, George and Bryce and sisters - Lois, Ann and Lynda and families. He was a wonderful uncle to many nieces and nephews. As per Dad's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a private family service of interment in Caledon East at a later date. We are requesting that any Memorial Donations be made (by cheque only) in Dad's memory to Maitland Manor Resident's Council. We can not express enough gratitude to the amazing staff and loving care that he received. We are eternally grateful that we were allowed to see Dad and say our final good-byes to him. Although this disease stole you from all of us, it will never take our memories. Thank you for teaching us so much. Dad was Mom's best friend . She will stay strong for him and never stop loving him. He was the only one and the best one. You are so loved! You are the wind beneath our wings. Sleep Well. Messages of condolence for the Dicks family are welcome at www.falconerfuneralhomes.com