Malcolm Dick

AGE: 85 • Convent Station

Malcolm Dick of Convent Station passed away on March 14, 2013 at Morristown Medical Center, after a long battle with cancer. He was 85 years old.

Born in New York, New York, Malcolm has lived in the Morristown area for 61 years.

He earned his B.S. degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1949. He also earned his M.S. in Structures, Hydrodynamics and Vibration from Stevens Institute of Technology in 1959.

Malcolm worked for thirty-eight years at Gibbs & Cox, Inc., New York, New York - a firm of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. He started as a specialist in Hull Structure Design and was promoted through the years to engineering supervisor, Project Manager for design of the DX destroyer, Division Head of the Hull Division, Vice President - Naval Architecture and then Executive Vice President. He retired in 1989 after serving for ten years on the Board of Directors and as President of Gibbs & Cox. In these capacities, he oversaw the design of most U.S. Navy surface combatants launched in the second half of the 1900's. Before joining Gibbs & Cox, Inc. he spent two years as an Engineering Assistant - Hull Drafting at Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co in Newport News, Virginia.

Malcolm served two years in the United States Army in the Corp of Engineers attached to the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, North Carolina where he earned his jump wings. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Lieutenant in 1952.

Malcolm was a long time member and past Commander of Morgan's Rifle Corps, the Brigade of the American Revolution, New Jersey Arms Collectors Club, The Washington Association, Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers and the Early American Industries Association. He was an organizer and past president of the Convent Area Residents Association.

Malcolm had a long history of volunteerism starting in the 1960's as an instructor for the Morristown Junior Rifle Club. He was a volunteer in numerous capacities with the Morristown National Historical Park for over 40 years. In the 1980's and 90's, he could often be found at Jockey Hollow in period garb explaining to visitors the life of a soldier there during the Revolutionary War or demonstrating the craft of a period carpenter. He would also speak to groups of elementary and middle school children in their classes about the life of a revolutionary war soldier. He was full time volunteer and member of the Board of Trustees of the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts in Madison NJ throughout the 1990's and up until his death continued his volunteerism as a museum archivist at Washington's Headquarters in Morristown. His last project, recently completed, was to use his drafting skills to take the lines off an 18th century officer's field liquor chest for reproduction purposes.

He was an avid reader from childhood until his passing, instilling that passion in his children. He also passed on his life-long love of boats, ships and sailing, particularly to his older son who also made ships his passion and career. An accomplished wood-worker and gun-smith, Malcolm created several reproduction Kentucky rifles. In his last years, he mentored several young members of Morgan's, instructing them in creating their own long rifles.

Malcolm is survived by his son, David H. Dick and his daughter-in-law Dr. Heather G. Dick of Harpswell, Maine, and his son Andrew G. Dick and his partner Brett Williams of Hopatcong, New Jersey. He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Mary Lithgow Dick, his parents George and Helen Dick and his younger brother Richard.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday March 20, 2013 at 7:00pm at Burroughs Kohr &Dangler, 106 Main Street in Madison, NJ. Internment will be at the discretion of the family. He will join Mary in peace at Restland Memorial Park in East Hanover, N.J. Donations in lieu of flowers to either of two non-profit organizations doing the work Malcolm loved: Development Office, Maine Maritime Museum,243 Washington St., Bath, ME 04530 or to make a donation to Morgan's Rifle Company, please make the check payable to Morgan's Rifle Company and send the donation to Mrs. Mickey Clair 9 Club Road, Newton, NJ 07860.