Paul Bernard Dickey

1942 - 2023

Paul Bernard Dickey

Sept. 15, 1942 - Dec. 26, 2023

Paul Bernard Dickey was born in Louisville Kentucky on September 15, 1942 to Nolan and Maxine Dickey. He was the middle child, and only boy, between two sisters. His early years were spent in Texas, but after his parents divorce the family settled in Little Rock, Arkansas. To help with family finances, Paul took several jobs during his grade school years.

At North Little Rock High School he excelled academically and was active in choir, band, student government, and service organizations. He was selected to participate in the Arkansas Boys State of the American Legion. These activities earned him an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, class of 1962 - 1965. As a Cadet Choir member, he sang in memorial services for President John Kennedy in the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. He never stopped singing and until just before his death he sang with the First Presbyterian Chancel Choir in Corvallis.

He served as a navigator in the Air Force from 1965 to 1970, in Thailand during the Vietnam war, and stateside in the Strategic Air Command. After completing his service, Paul was an engineer and manager for Procter and Gamble from 1970 to 1999. His first assignment was in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, then Belleville, Ontario, Canada, and finally in Modesto, California.

Paul was a man of integrity and conscientiousness. He kept his promises and always strove to do his best. He had a strong commitment to serve others, especially the elderly and impoverished. In Modesto he served on the vestry of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and was active in the United Way Citizens Review Committee and the Annual Campaign Staff. After moving to Newman, California, he was appointed to the Newman Planning Commission and then elected to the Newman City Council. Immediately after moving to Oregon in 2000, Paul joined the Philomath Community Services Board and functioned as the general contractor for the new building to house the Food Bank and Clothes Closet.

Over the next twenty-three years he was an active volunteer for a wide variety of organizations. Paul was a founding member of the Academy of Lifelong Learning (ALL) and a board member for several years. He joined the committee to plan the ALL "Odyssey" trip to Greece and Turkey in 2004. Paul was a board member and treasurer in the early years of ALL.

He was recognized for 20 years of outstanding public service to the AARP Foundation Tax-Aid program by the AARP Foundation and the IRS. He was a Corvallis-Benton County Library Foundation board member for more than 15 years and also a volunteer in the Philomath Library. From 2002 to 2008 he was on the Supervisory Committee at the Oregon State Credit Union, and a board member from 2008 to 2018. Other volunteer positions include treasurer of the Oregon Heather Society and of the North American Heather Society, member of the Philomath Fire Department Finance Committee, and of the Consumer Power Charitable Trust.

Outside of his volunteer activities he relaxed with gardening, especially caring for his roses, fruit trees, and preserving the apples he grew. He was a home brewer, known for his English style ales that were enjoyed by friends and family. Paul enjoyed running and logged enough miles to circumnavigate the globe. He ran his first (and only) marathon when he was 50. Later, when his knees complained, he began walking with his beloved dogs. Bald Hill was his favorite walk where he made friends both two and four-legged.

Paul is survived by his wife of 37 years, Stefani McRae-Dickey; his two sons Paul T. Fields (Felicha); Timothy Dickey (Lisa Keenan); two daughters, Jennifer McRae (Mike Rhoades); Dulcie Hawley (Matt); five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Sandra Karlovic and Dorothy Hughes (Bob). He will be greatly missed. Paul did not wish to have a memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in Paul's name.