Roger Dickinson, in his 85th year, passed away on Thursday, August 29th, 2024 at Headwaters, Orangeville, after a short illness. Loving husband of 36 years to Nina Szymanska, proud and loving dad of Fiona Dickinson and Sarah Beckett (Clive Beckett) and grandad to Hannah and Alfie Beckett.
Above all, Roger was an engineer, involved in engineering throughout his career as a project manager. He started his career in the petrochemical industry, working in Scotland, then England and emigrating to Canada in 1981. Work took him from Sarnia, Ontario to the oil sands of Fort McMurray, Alberta and then, having met Nina, he moved to Toronto in 1986. They both worked in Western Australia for a year before returning to Kleinburg, Ontario.
Roger was a lovely, gentle man, generous with his time and knowledge. He was a real character, a good friend to many and could be good at making insightful observations. He was involved with many community associations such as Binder Twine (Kleinburg), Humanity First food bank and was a strong environmentalist. He was a wonderful husband and best friend to Nina, enjoyed many sports including golf, squash, scuba diving and wind surfing and loved a home-brew beer with his favourite Miss Vickie’s chips. His loss has left a big hole in many hearts and will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.
A Celebration of Life Reception will be held at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street South, (Hwy 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) on Tuesday, September 10th from 12 to 3 o’clock.
For those unable to attend the memorial reception in person and would like to view the reception via livestream, please click on this YouTube LINK
Or copy to your browser www.youtube.com/live/5Opvou_sdXs
You can view the memorial reception live at the time scheduled or you can view it at a more convenient time for you.
Roger would have enjoyed his friends and family coming together. As this will be an informal celebration, casual attire please (no black, no suits) and the family request no flowers. Please do make a donation in Roger’s memory to the Lewy Body Dementia Research being carried out by the University of Western Ontario using the gift link: https://www.westernconnect.ca. Select the ‘Other’ option, the field below should be ‘Lewy Body Dementia Research Fund’ and dedicate your donation to Roger Dickinson as the ‘Honoree’. Please also choose ‘Yes’ to send notification to Roger’s family of your gift.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Patty Somerville
Dear Nina,
I was saddened to learn about Roger’s passing. You and Roger were such an integral part of every gathering … offering lighthearted humour and a helping hand. The two of you did so much together that you have created a treasure trove of memories. They will help in the days ahead. I am sorry to have to miss the celebration of Roger’s life. The stories will be wonderful. Please extend my lovely remembrances of such a kind, thoughtful man to his family. Patty S.
Sue Wilson
Dear Nina n Family. I’m am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that I am thinking of you n the pain of Roger not there by your side. Time will help n memories will keep you grounded. Lean on all family, friends n loved ones I am extremely sorry that I can not attend Roger’s celebration of his life. He was truly a gentleman. Love Sue
Lea Rutherford
Dear Nina,
My heart goes out to you and Roger’s family at this sad time….remember all that you did to help him have his best life. You were tireless and proactive for everything that would help him….I am so happy you joined us in Legacy Pines……it is a wonderful place to recover. Roger was a great guy and you were so happy together. Know that your memories will give you comfort at this time and help you in the days and weeks ahead.
Love, Lea
Mark
A life lived. I’ll remember the oh so infectious smile, reassuring handshake and our shared love of butter tarts. Go well Roger.
“We are the Pilgrims, master; we shall go,
Always a little further; it may be, Beyond that last blue mountain barred with snow.”
Sue Amedeo
Dear Nina,
I was so very sorry to hear about Roger’s passing. Please know that I am thinking of you and your family.
Love from Sue Amedeo
Carol
Dear Nina and Family, My deepest condolences on your loss.
Roger and Nina, were our personal ‘Welcome Committee’ when Paul and I moved in across the street 25 years ago, offering us a bottle of homemade wine, their contact details, and encouraging us to attend, and volunteer at!, the annual Bindertwine Festival.
You two always seemed to have a perfect partnership – whether it was travelling the world, entertaining friends, or working together out in the garden. I remember how you welcomed us into your home for your Christmas Open House, and on other occasions, with Roger standing happily behind the bar.
Life has changed for both of us Nina, and we are no longer neighbours but I’m happy to have you as a friend. You are in my thoughts during this difficult time. Treasure your memories.
Love, Carol
NORMA CURTIS
Roger Hosting with Nina the 2015 Woodbridge Horticulture Garden Tour.
NORMA CURTIS
Kleinburg Binder Twine Parade Marshall
NORMA CURTIS
Kleinburg Old Boys Plant Sale
NORMA CURTIS
Roger with the repainted Binder for the Kleinburg Binder Twine Festival.
Adele Boy
Dear Nina and family. My heart goes out to you all. The little I knew Roger, he was always kind gentle and an interesting conversationalist, being involved in so many things.
He will be missed by many
Deepest sympathies, Adele Boy
Louise Zembal
Dear Nina,
I am so sorry to hear about Roger’s passing. My deepest condolences.
Louise Zembal
The Savournins
A wonderful man, Roger was such fun. Always ready to use his engineering skills on visits to the cottage. And gardening was always enjoyed, even if it meant you had to build a raised flower bed first! He was so proud of his achievements in Kleinburg. We have always enjoyed your visits Nina and Roger and have fond memories. We have heard so much about the lovely family members. You will all be in our prayers for guidance at this sad time. Dee and David
Anna Silveira Ross
Rodger was a sweet, sweet man. The short time I knew him he always had a smile to share. He was very charismatic and had the most likable character. He was so agreeable and pleasant to work around. He will be missed. My deepest and sincere condolences to you Nina and all his family and friends who cared for him all his life. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad and hard time. May his memories bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Donna O'Brien
Dear Nina and Family! Michael and I send our deepest condolences.
We had such a short friendship, but powerful, welcomed and comfortable.
It was an honour to share insights with this friendship.
Warmest hugs….Donna & Michael
PAUL & JULI ROSLIN
Nina & Family,
We send our deepest condolences to you & your family on Roger’s passing. The few times that we met Roger, it was always a treat because he was truly a gentleman. He will be greatly missed by his family & friends & even those he met only once or twice.
Tony and Sharon Felice
Nina and family
Roger’s rather sudden passing sadly left a void in the circle of friends who knew him for so many years. There is no need to dwell on Roger’s achievements in this space. All those who knew him knew them well. Suffice it to say that Roger was a gentleman, great contributor to community service as a member of the Kleinburg Old Boys and an intelligent conversationalist. He was also a fellow golfer.He will be missed. Sharon and I extend our deepest condolences and sincere sympathy.
Fox Family
Nina and family,
One of our greatest gifts when we moved to Kleinburg, was having you and Roger as our backyard neighbours. You both welcomed us in so many ways. Your partnership and love for one another was evident in everything you did for your neighbours and for Kleinburg. We will always remember Roger’s kind, smiling face, and his generous spirit. Always a gentleman, always ready to lend a helping hand, and always finding humour in any given situation. Much love to you during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you.
Ryan & Suzanne French
Nina,
We were so saddened to hear of Roger’s passing.
He was a wonderful example of a true gentleman, an intellect, and a kind hearted soul. He even maintained a wonderful sense of humour in the face of difficulty. I’m sorry for the loss you no doubt feel, but am grateful for the connection that you two had – a beautiful one to those of us that engaged with you.
Ryan & Suzanne
Marilyn Rice
Dear Nina and Family,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of Roger, your family patriarch. We met you both since becoming neighbours here at Legacy Pines. You both brought infectious smiles and short stories of your years spent in Kleinburg which was a warm welcome and your love and knowledge for horticulture was well appreciated. Roger shared explanation of his recent diagnoses and faced it with dignity and pride. Nina, you were a shining example of the love and commitment to your soul mate. May the many memories you built together comfort your family in the days to follow.
Dan & Marilyn
Egan Funeral Home
Nina,
My heart goes out to you and your family on Roger’s passing. One did not have to be around you and Roger for long to recognize the love, friendship and respect the two of you had for each other. Roger was so proud of you, Nina. I hope the precious memories of the past 36 years bring you comfort at this difficult time.
Thinking of Roger brings a flood of fond memories… of you and Roger, Ron and I travelling together to the West Coast, Alaska and China; of decades of opening and closing our Chesley Lake cottage together, celebrating birthdays, playing charades, visiting gardens, exploring the lake, laying our beautiful flagstone walkway etc. Roger, with his resourceful, insightful and engineering mind was an excellent “project manager”. Many tasks were accomplished, amid much laughter. Roger had a delightful sense of humour and was always fun to be around.
My life is richer for having known Roger. His passing has left a large hole in my heart.
Vera Davison
Nikki Pascetta
Nina and family,
My deepest condolences for the loss of such a lovely man and such knowledge about everything!
Roger was so very kind and generous with his time and DIY expertise.
I’m sorry the last year or so had to be such a bumpy ride.
Rest in Power.
Love xx
Nikki and the four leggeds
Peter Hawkes
Hi Nina,
Sad to hear about Roger’s passing, he was a fine and dignified man who reminded me of his expertise of reading “the destructions”.
Our hearts go out to you and your family.
Sincerely, Pete and Janet
Joy
Dear Nina, my sincere sympathy to you and Roger’s family. You and Roger were my great Neighbour’s on Donhill and always willing to help. Joy Treadwell