Malcolm Knight Dick
March 14, 2022
Peacefully passed away at home with family by his side on Monday, March 14, 2022, in his 94th year. Beloved father of Margaret (David) Gomez, Susan (Michael) Shields, and Barbara (John) Newell. Proud grandfather of Amy Loughlean (Nathan), Norman, Kevin, Robert, and Dale (Lisa). Malcolm will be missed by many nieces, nephews, family and friends.
He lived a spectacular long life, and never grew up. My hero. (P. Sifton).
Dad touched many people’s lives.
On Kingspark Crescent, it was the kids; Mr. Dick was the dad in the street playing/coaching bike riding, badminton, kite flying or trampoline (which he built), and swimming (he built the pool).
As an Elementary school teacher, he inspired many with his love of music, science and phys ed.
Dad was proud to say that in the 1960s, he introduced winter alpine ski trips to TVDSB’s London Elementary School system via Northridge Public School.
March Breaks at Blue Mountain with the Moores were also a wonderful tradition.
Dad enjoyed water skiing; from weekend waterskiing at Wildwood to his cherished two weeks at Beachwood Lodge in the Kawarthas. He was forever proud of that dry slalom dock start and finish.
Dad’s wife Mary predeceased him by exactly 20 years. He credited her with supporting all his endeavours; the purchase of every ‘toy’, him getting his pilot’s license, packing for every trip, assembling every crazy Halloween costume, sharing his stories and shenanigans, inspiring every poem and correcting his spelling.
He was an avid storyteller of mischievous times growing up with his brother Johnny and his sister Kay (King), whom he cherished. Most inspiring to Dad was his own father, Norman; fabulous joke-telling, inventions and poem recitations (Cremation of Sam McGee, Flanders Fields).
In keeping with Malcolm’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no service will be held. Friends who wish to make a memorial donation in memory of Malcolm are asked to consider the London Regional Cancer Program.
Much appreciation to:
Bob Curtis and the Retirement Research Association (RRA) crew;
Jack Nash Terrace neighbours and friends (special thank you to Kathy, Wendy, and Barry);
Riverbend: the view, the billiards, the cards. (Thanks Paul and Louise).
Much enjoyed were the wonderful staff/friends at:
Canada Trust (Hyde Park and Oxford)
Final Score
The Hillside
Riverbend Gatehouse
Scotia Wealth (thanks Mary Alix and Ryan)
Byron Metro Pharmacy (special thanks to Charles for outstanding professional support and safety information)
Other sources of pride for Dad included:
Scuba diving with Marg
Singing with Sue
Beating Barb at cribbage
Golfing/Saturdays with Bill
Masonic Lodge
Shrine Club
Oriental Band
Kiwanis Club
Western Alumni Association
Boy Scouts
St Aidan’s
CNIB
“There are strange things done in the midnight sun
By the men who moil for gold;
The Arctic trails have their secret tales
That would make your blood run cold;
The Northern Lights have seen queer sight,
But the queerest they ever did see
Was that night on the marge of Lake Lebarge
I cremated Sam McGee.”
– Robert W. Service (excerpt, The Cremation of Sam McGee)
Leave a tribute for Malcolm Knight Dick
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Barb, Sue ,Marg and Families Malcolm was the greatest guy to have as our next door neighbour. We will certainly miss those fun impromptu times sharing a beer(s) on the porch or driveway. He was always holding court with his great tales. He was a classy guy who never wanted to bother or ask of others. We truly miss him! Fondly, Barry and Kathy
So sorry to hear of your wonderful Dads passing. He lived a wonderful life and inspired many children including his own. Love and Prayers to Susan,Margaret and Barbara. Went to Oakridge Secondary High School with these ladies.
We moved onto Kingspark in 1991 and Malcom was one of the first to welcome us. That started over 30 years of laughs, friendship and his correcting our grammar! Our son played those first video games in their family room and our daughter learned how to ride a two wheeler with his help. So many memories over the years …to name a few…Malcom’s love for dogs, the infamous pool fill in, ham radio, electric bike, Red Lobster, cars, great conversations and recounting a life well lived. Grateful we had the privilege……we will miss him…..
I taught with Malcolm at Ryerson P.S. for several years in the late 70's to 80's. Although we taught in different divisions , our paths crossed at assemblies, staff meetings, and the staff room. I have such fond memories of those years at Ryerson. Malcolm was a gentleman and always had a smile on his face. My condolences to his family. Suzanne Hartleib
I am sorry to hear that Mr Dick has passed away and I offer my condolences to all his family and friends. He was a teacher at Ryerson Public School when I was there in the 70s. Mr Dick was not my teacher but he left a very positive impression. He used to drive us all to the baseball games in that incredible car he had with the broad round back window. We loaded the bat bags and our gloves in the trunk then all squeezed in - probably no seatbelts and definitely more than the car was intended to carry. He always had the radio on. I remember on one journey with half the girls' team squeezed into that car when the song 'Shannon' came on. Sad song about a dog that gets lost at sea and drifts away and drowns. We were all in tears and then subdued as we arrived at the ball park - hardly the revved up mindset needed to win the game! I remember being impressed by Mr Dick's kindness and his 'right' view of life. He had this car that he clearly cherished but it was not merely to be admired it was put to good use driving us kids around to extracurricular activities. Reading the obituary I see the he lived a long and good life. He had many people he loved and who loved him, and he was of service in his community. A blessed life indeed.
Mary, Susan and Barb, and families. We were so sorry to hear about Uncle Mac. What fun times we had growing up. I was always pleased to see you guys come to Beachwood as your Dad always let me use his car for the evening get aways and I cruised downtown Peterborough. He also taught me to jump off the dock and ski on one ski. So much patience! He lived a very full life and after all these years is back with Aunt Mary. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. 🥰
We are saddened to see the loss of Malcolm . Thinking of his family at this time. We remember his beautiful voice in the choir at St Aidan’s church. There was always a good chat to be had, at the Byron Legion when speaking with Malcolm about many topics. He is remembered with fondness Heather and Henry Mills
Malcom was one of the first fellows to greet me when I joined the RRA exercise program and was a good friend. We will all miss him!
Dear Marg, Sue and Barb and families We were so sorry to hear about your dad. He was a special person and Uncle. Had alot of good times with him and your mom at Beachwood Lodge and Minden. He was like my dad always full of pranks. He was fun loving and enjoyed life. I will miss his phone calls on my birthday each year. He is at rest with his mon, dad sister and brother in Heaven now. Thinking of you all
Memories of Oh Shenandoah are filling my head these days. Lots of other good times as kids at Deer Bay and Blue Mountain. Mr. Dick was "one of a kind"! My condolences to all of you.
Thank you Mr Dick for making Kingspark such a fun place to grow up.
Malcolm was my grade 5 teacher at Hillcrest Public School back in 1964/65. I met him again when I was in grade 11 when a friend and I had landscaping business and Malcolm was a customer. Then we crossed paths again 42 years later when I was hosting a billiards game at our home in RiverBend Golf Community. Turned out Malcolm was one of the players. I never knew his first name - he was Mr. Dick to me - so at the end of the billiards play I asked him if he had been a teacher at Hillcrest. He said yes and I said “ guess what, I turned out okay” Since that time we would see each other many times and Malcolm was always my partner for the games at our annual RiverBend “ street party”. My wife Susan took a real shine to Malcolm - what woman didn’t. Malcolm was a fine man, a great teacher and a real gentleman. He will be missed.
Malcolm and I were on the teaching staff at Northridge PS back in the ‘sixties. Malcolm was an excellent teacher who cared deeply for the students. Malcolm was an interesting guy—always innovative and helpful to anyone who sought him out. I remember Malcolm telling my that the knot in my tie wasn’t current. He told me to use a Windsor knot and showed me how it was done—I still use that knot to this day. A few years back, Malcolm came down to Windsor with his good friend, Billy Gaskell and we went over to a Tiger game in Detroit. It was a fun time and we met after the game with a former student of Malcolm’s who now lives in the Windsor area—good times. Malcolm’s was a life well-lived and he will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him. My most sincere condolences to Malcolm’s family. Ross Spettigue, Windsor, ON
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Such a life well lived. Malcolm most definitely will be fondly remembered by many. We shared so many wonderful Kiwanis memories. Our most sincere condolences go out to the family. With sympathy, John and Mary Longworth
~ John And Mary Longworth