Michael W. Dickson

Michael W Dickson, 70, passed away on December 15, 2022, at the Cenex Gas Station in Limon CO. He was born April 24, 1952, in Peoria to William D and Rose Mary (De Sutter) Dickson.
He is survived by his wife, Kate Shattuck; 3 sisters, Michelle (Rich) Hancock, Marsha (Tim) McDonough, Terry (Rick) Traver; and one brother, Kenny Henard. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Linda (Ed) Pumphrey.
Mike had many interests; basketball (including a scholarship to the University of Missouri), automobiles (including Formula racing and co-owner of Kauth and Mayeur Service Center in Peoria), scuba diving, fishing, bicycling, education, and travel. He earned his Bachelors in Education from WIU, and a Masters in Software Engineering from the University of Strasbourg in France. He made his career and reputation in technology and education, designing networks and implementing distance learning throughout the US and Pacific. He was the founding Director of the Center for the Application of Information Technology (CAIT) at WIU, and then Special Assistant to the President for Technology, also at WIU. In 2001, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the United States Distance Learning Association.
Mike was an animal lover and always had a house full of cats and dogs. He is survived by 2 dogs and a cat. And many koi! Mike was introduced to the fascinating world of koi as a young boy living in Japan. At the age of 4, Mike set out on his own to visit a Japanese General's private koi pond he had heard of. Although his adventure got him into a bit of trouble, he never forgot those koi, eventually building his own ponds once he settled in Macomb.
Mike never forgot the people he met along the way either, maintaining lifelong friendships. He is missed by his many friends, family, and colleagues.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to WIU Tri States Public Radio or the Humane Society of McDonough County New Shelter Campaign fund. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.dodsworthfh.com.
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