Thomas "Tom" Dickinson

1937 - 2016

Thomas "Tom" George Dickinson was born on March 5, 1937 in Park Ridge, Illinois to Agnes and Clarence Dickinson. He passed away on February 4, 2016 at his home in Boulder, Colorado at the age of 78. He grew up in Park Ridge Illinois in a home built by his Mom's father. Clarence died when Tom was 15, so his older brother Roger helped him out a lot with life in general. Tom attended the University of Denver on athletic scholarship in football and wrestling and graduated in 1963. He worked for Channel 7 for 36 years as a producer/director before retiring. Tom met Ursula, the love of his life, in September 1971 at a dance. "When they started jitter bugging- that was it." Tom proposed almost six years later during a concert at Sloan's Lake. "He proposed when the cannon fired and I didn't hear what he said so he had to ask me a second time." That "shot-gun proposal" led to their wedding on October 16, 1977 at Peaceful Valley Lodge, Colorado in the Chapel built in memorial to her father. It was then that he adopted into his heart her five children: Lynda, Tom, David, Andie and Jennifer. Tom's always contagious smile and humor allowed him to make friends wherever he went. Tom adored children, often playing Santa Claus, a role he took to naturally. As "Papa" he adored his grandchildren Chris, Amber, Jared, Jon, Cory and Brandon and embraced being "Opa" for his great-granddaughters Abigayl and Gracelyn. He was also an amazing uncle for Christine, Theresa, Margaret, Paul, Elizabeth and Kathryn. Tom loved hunting and the outdoors. On those hunting trips, at times, he had difficulty "staying in the saddle" but that never stopped him. Tom avidly supported the arts through the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra, Central City Opera, Opera Colorado, and the Metropolitan Opera Live at the Movie Theatres. He was a devout Roman Catholic and active parishioner at St Martin de Porres Catholic Church. In marriage Tom and Ursula taught us that becoming "one" does not mean losing what makes you an individual. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and brother. He is survived by his wife Ursula Dickinson, five step-children, six grandchildren and two great-granddaughters, five nieces, one nephew and two dear cousins. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM Friday February 12, 2016 at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Boulder. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Tom's memory can be made to the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra 2590 Walnut Street Boulder, CO 80302 or St Martin de Porres Catholic Church 3300 Table Mesa Drive Boulder, CO 80305. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences.