Kenneth Lynn Dickson

Kenneth Lynn Dickson was born November 20, 1943 in Jacksboro, Texas and died Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at home in Aubrey surrounded by family and friends. It is hard to encompass a life as rich and broad as Ken's. What resonates most strongly with friends and family, however, is the way he lived his life as one of compassion, generosity and of deep connection.

Ken treasured the memories of his Jacksboro childhood and the many people who influenced his first 18 years - his parents, Charley Douglas Dickson and Willie Mae Phillips Dickson, his brother Jerry, friends, classmates, teachers, and coaches. Ken excelled academically and athletically, graduating from Jacksboro High in 1962. Under the mentorship of Dr. J.K.G. Silvey, Ken earned a B.S. in Science Education (1966) and M.S. in Biological Sciences (1968) from the University of North Texas. Ken earned his Ph.D. (1971) in Aquatic Ecology at Virginia Tech.

In 1978 he began his distinguished 32-year career in teaching, research, and service at UNT. Through his 225+ publications and $20,000,000+ in research funding, Ken focused on the environmental connections between water, energy, agriculture, natural resources, and sustainability always with an eye toward opening doors for his students, just as doors had been opened for him. His commitment to connection inspired the EESAT building on the UNT Campus, bringing together the offices, classrooms, experimental and educational spaces where scientists and faculty across the range of environmental studies can exchange ideas and inspire the next generation. As Founding Director of the Elm Fork Education Center, Ken created space for young children to experience the excitement of learning and discovery.

Ken's involvement with the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, EPA's Science Advisory Board and his close collaboration with the City of Denton Water Utilities and Solid Waste helped to expand his influence beyond academic settings. Ken loved Denton and had deep connections within the community through involvement at First United Methodist Church, Habitat for Humanity, Greenbelt Alliance, Upper Trinity Water Conservation Trust, to name a few.

Ken's deepest connections, however, were with his family. Ken married Eva Owen of Jacksboro in 1966 and together they had two children, Chad and Kelly. His later marriage to Jan Hansen in 1989 brought Eric into the family. All three children stayed with him closely through his last days, just as he had supported them through the many joys and challenges of growing up. Ken and Jan's 35-year loving partnership included worldwide travel, wonderful gatherings at their home, gardening, ranching, camping, backpacking, fly fishing and birdwatching. Even in Ken's last days, trips to their cabin in Jacksboro added times for enjoying the peace and beauty of nature.

Ken is predeceased by his parents and brother. He leaves behind his wife Jan, children Chad (Kendra) Dickson, Kelly (Pam) Dickson Barnes, Eric (Ceres Brandenburg) Hansen, grandchildren Kaiden Dickson and Owen Dickson, sister-in-law Stephanie Dickson, niece Jody Dickson, nephew John (Mary) Dickson and many cousins and dear friends.

A Service of Remembrance and Celebration will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 28, 2024 at UNT's EESAT Building, 1704 W Mulberry Street, Denton. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to UNT in Ken's name through the Division of University Advancement, 1155 Union Circle #311250, Denton, TX 76203, or to local missions of First United Methodist Church, 201 S. Locust, Denton, TX 76201.

Although toward the last Ken struggled with expressing himself in language, he was always able to say, "I love you." His connections remained strong to the end.