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Richard Dion Obituary

Published by Vancouver Sun and/or The Province on Feb. 3, 2009.

DION Richard (Rick) Joseph October 22, 1942 to January 30, 2009Born in Montreal, Que?bec. Son of the late Gerard Dion and Irene Fortin. Loving him and missing him; wife Pearl, children Steve (Stacey), Sandy (Kent) Blackwell and Chris (Melanie). Wonderful grandfather to Kayla, Keaton, Kayden, Katrina Dion, Chelsea, Tyler and Sierra Blackwell. Also survived by brothers Denis (Louise) and Robert (Ce?line), sisters Audrey (Archie) Aubin, and Mireille Dion and aunts and cousins in Montreal. Rick was a very dedicated Maintenance Engineer for Air Canada, where he rarely missed a day of work over a career that was his passion for 36 years until his retirement in 2003 because of failing health. "Ranger Rick's" other lifelong passions were repairing, building, tweaking and flying small aircraft, which he did everyday, rain or shine. Rick has just left for his last solo flight. He loved life immensely and lived it intensely. He fought a losing battle against cancer for 7 years but never gave up or lost his sense of humor. Rick, have a clear blue sky along with a good tail wind to join those who are waiting for you and wait for those who will take a later flight. Rest in peace Rick - you deserve it. AU REVOIR A Celebration of Life will be held at Ladner Baptist Church, 5624 Ladner Trunk Road in Delta, B.C on Saturday February 7th at 2:00 pm, reception to follow. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Surrey Memorial Hospital fund. Delta Funeral Home (604) 946-6040

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Recent Activity

March 4, 2009

Sandy Dion - Blackwell posted to the memorial.

February 11, 2009

Rick and Roberta (Charlie) Ulmer posted to the memorial.

February 10, 2009

Ashley Dion posted to the memorial.

32 Entries

Sandy Dion - Blackwell

March 4, 2009

Dad,
I miss you soooo much...
You will always be in my heart.
Love forever

Rick and Roberta (Charlie) Ulmer

February 11, 2009

Pearl and family,
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
love leaves a memory no one can steal.
(From a Headstone in Ireland)
Our sincere sympathy,

Ashley Dion

February 10, 2009

I dont know where to start other than saying my uncle Rick was a very special man, I will always remember his smirky smile and touching voice, I have nemourous memories of him even though i am and always have been many miles away,there has always been a special connection in my heart for the whole family. I am sorry to you all for your losses, but we know he is in a better place,
My true love goes out to you all,
xoxoxoxo

Brendan Doyle

February 9, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

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D M

February 7, 2009

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

Robert Dion

February 7, 2009

Rick
Afther this first week of your departure
I would like to say to you
Someone you love is waiting for you
If your not already with them
Rick you will never be alone since
One day will be there with you
With this new beginning
With all our love Rick please
Stay close, be our angel

Bob, Celine, Sarah et Caroline

Mary & Tony Swain

February 6, 2009

Rick old friend... We'll really miss your cheerful presence.
Rest peacefully... Our hearts reach out to your dear wife Pearl, and your wide circle of family & friends...

Your friends,

kathleen giroux

February 6, 2009

25 years ago you introduced me to who has turned out to be my best friends, Lyne and Kenny. I thank you for that. It looks like you have had many yourself from all the kind words from your dear friends and family.
My condolences to you Pearl, Sandy, Steve and Chris during this difficult time. May you rest in Peace, Rick.
Kathy

Barry and Annie Hill

February 6, 2009

Rick, you have been an outstanding friend all along, we have shared sooooo much together.
Aurevoir "Ranger Rick"
We are missing you so

hank smulders

February 6, 2009

It was always a pleasure to work with Rick at AC and looking after small acft at St Lazare.His constant good humor was contagious and he was always happy to impart whatever knowledge he could to anyone who would listen.He will be sadly missed by his friends.Rick you set the bar high for the rest of us

OR WHAT

February 6, 2009

Pearl and family,
As well we too mourn the loss of Rick.In an earlier time both you and Rick became that of family rather than just friends and that has passed the test of time.
You will surely remember us with smiles and good memories and know we stand beside you at this time.

The "OR WHAT" Fishing Club

Bill Humby,Bruce Routledge,Ted Fowler,Pat Doyle

jennifer gunn tannahill

February 5, 2009

dear pearl and family' we're so sorry for your loss. even though we didn' t see you often when we did it was always fun. rick always seemed to make you laugh and have such interesting stories. i always got to follow you lives through mirielle and audrey. every once and awile we get to see the movie they made about the flight that he saved the day. we refer to it as "the rick movie". that always brings on discssion on about how fun he was. billy and i talk about how he got everyone to go to the demolition derby the day after mirielle and my dads wedding. he seemed to be a man that lived life to the fullest and enjoyed every moment. i hope you and your family continue to do so yourselves . love jennifer and billy

John Chow

February 5, 2009

Pearl:
It was an honor and pleasure to have worked with Rick at AC.
He was always good humored and inspirational and will be sadly missed... My deepest condolences to you & the family.
John Chow

Mel Newman

February 5, 2009

Rick's love for life,his love for family and friends and is knowledge and love for aircraft may be equaled but never surpassed
He will be missed by all that knew him

Kerry-Anne Arrowsmith

February 5, 2009

I have many memories of Rick because I spent so much time at the farm in Vaudreuil when I was growing up, but the ones that stand out most in my mind are; late night pizzas at Restaurant Vaudreuil after he picked Sandy and I up somewhere and those great plane rides over our home town. Thanks for those great memories Mr. Dion.

Celine Tardif

February 5, 2009

Rick

What can we say what can we do
God came to bring you home
Whit all our love to join all our lost love

Le voyage de ta vie ce termine ici
Mais je te dis encore merci
Pour avoir fait parti de notre vie

Bon Voyage, have a nice Flight
Où que tu sois, Whereever you are
You will always be part of our crew

With Love from Celine, Sarah, Caroline et Robert Dion

Louise (Loulou) Grenier

February 5, 2009

Hi Rick: My memories of you go back a long time. Remember that summer job at Denis Cola, across the street from where we lived. You would have lunch with us sometimes; remember my mom’s spare-ribs, one of your favourites. I also have great memories of the day you took Michel and me on a flight in your airplane when you were living in Vaudreuil. That was a very special day for me. And one of my fondest memories was the joy and warmth in my heart on Mimi’s wedding day, when you marched her down the aisle. I could go on and on, but I will leave room for other people to pay their respects. You did live your life to the fullest, and never gave up. You will always be in my heart and in my thoughts. May peace and serenity be with you.

Patsie and Bill Arrowsmith

February 4, 2009

It is with a saddened heart that I write this letter of condolence.
Bill and I met Rick and Pearl years ago when our daughters went to school together.
Kerry-Anne and Sandy were more like sisters than friends spending a great deal of time at each others homes.The Dions were like a family to Kerry-Anne and both families have many stories to share about our girl's teenage antics.
Just last week Bill was telling a group of friends here in Florida about Rick and how instrumental he was in the safe landing of the AC 767 at the abandoned airforce base in Gimli, Manitoba.
Bill was proud to say he knew Rick , Pearl and the Family.
The roads of life are full of twists and turns .The way Rick negotiated them was praiseworthy.
Memories are life's treasures and Rick has left his family and friends with many.

Audrey & Archie Aubin

February 4, 2009

Hi Rick - just a word to let you know you might be out of sight but you will never out of our thoughts. We are grateful for the short period of time you were with us. We will miss your sense of humour & your fighting spirit - in the meantime you will be in our prayers till we join you. Rest in peace & au revoir

Richard Fortin

February 4, 2009

I had the chance to work with Rick in Montreal just before he transfered to Vancover. He always inspired me and gave me the pride I neded to feel part of the big Air Canada family. Thank you Rick. My sicere condoleances to your family.

Martin Gabelier

February 4, 2009

Sincere sympathy to all the family .
Thanks for sharing your knowledge & spirit
M.G

Jacques Leduc

February 3, 2009

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Meagan, Loryann, Patrick & Roxanne

February 3, 2009

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Michelle Esau

February 3, 2009

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Keith Mason

February 3, 2009

Goodbye Rick,
It was good to know you and share time with you at Air Canada. Your humour and positive outlook on life will be missed.

Ken Regan

February 3, 2009

Have'nt seen you in along time Rick ...the next time will be upstairs

Mimi Dion

February 3, 2009

Rick, my big brother, I miss you already, and my heart sinks at the thought of never again hearing your voice or receiving an e-mail from RICK DION about the things that fascinated you so much… mostly vintage cars and airplanes.

Although you were far away from us here in Quebec, we never lost touch and I will miss you very much. You will forever be in my heart. Rest in peace and watch over us.

Love and kisses,

Pierre Adrien Depatie

February 3, 2009

Have a good flight Rick, you will be missed.

alain motard

February 3, 2009

My condolence to the Dion family
I work with Rick several years ago at Air Canada. I was always impress by this guy he knew everything and willing to teach you something, well respect individual by both union and management rank. His experience and knowledge of the B767 was instrumental to the conclusion of a safe landing for the passenger of the Gemli glider.
He will always be part of my cherish memories

Denis Dion

February 3, 2009

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Three Brothers Playing Pool

Denis Dion

February 3, 2009

Rick, was the one who got me started in Air Canada in 1970. He was in the accessory shop, at the time, and told his forman that I was looking for a job, and was eagar, and willing, to learn the trade. I had an interview and was hired for the summer period, on a temporary basis, but was told that there was always a possibility, that I could be transfered to an other department, if I wanted to stay in the company. Well, I moved around for a couple of years but, I never did leave until 2003 at 55 years of age, with 33 years of senority. I will always thank and remember him for this. This was the story of his life. He was always trying to help people if he could, and put in a good word that might just give you a chance. Many of his friends here in Montreal and in Vancouver, can confirm this. I have recieved numerous e-mails offering their condolences from many of his co-workers and friends. He was loved and respected by all that knew him. He did not deserve his long fight with this horrible disease, but we cannot dictate what the future will bring to us and Rick, fought his disease to the end. May he now rest in peace.

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