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Gavin Iain Dickie


Gavin Iain Dickie passed away peacefully on September 8, 2012 in the Creston Valley at the age of 64 years.


Gavin never married, he had family and friends who cared about him. He came with his mother and father to Canada from England in 1953.

They settled in Saskatoon, returning to England in 1966 where Gavin remained for a number of years before joining his parents who moved to Nanaimo. Creston was their new home in 1964 but Gavin spent a few years in Riverview Hospital on the coast before moving to Cranbrook where he lived for 19 years. Creston has been his home since 2004.


Diagnosed with schizophrenia at a young age, Gavin’s life by any standard had its ups and downs and challenges. He was a survivor however and made life work for himself, remaining as independent as possible. He took life as it presented itself. Many people enjoyed him. He was generous, intelligent, honest, had a memory for just about everything he’d learned or experienced, he loved to discuss issues and philosophy. He knew his own mind and was honest in what he could and could not handle.

He has longtime friends, especially Dave Uchida who will miss him and Gavin remembered everyone he met. Since moving to Creston he was known from Chatka Restaurant to Tim Hortons, to Renee’s Diner and the Hebrew Café, riding or pushing his bike, walking or accepting offered rides. Church visitors were welcomed by him, and he was grateful for the kindnesses of the Lutheran Church ladies and the folks at New Life Church. He offered his house for people in need, he gave money and cigarettes to others, he loved coffee, music, walking, biking, newspapers and drives in the car. For those in the downtown area he was a familiar sight at almost any time of the night or day, sitting, walking, smoking or drinking coffee. For his caregivers, he was alternately frustrating, funny, surprising, kind, compassionate, fascinating and a friend.

His cousin Mary says of him, ' His indomitable spirit overcame his significant difficulties, he triumphed over great adversity with gentleness, strength, courage and much kindness and care for others'.


Gavin is predeceased by his mother, Irene Dickie and his father Ian Dickie.


He is survived by his cousins in England, Mary Flather and her siblings Vicky and Stephen and cousins Helen and Ruth.


A Celebration of Life Gathering will take place at A Break In Time Caffé, 1417 Canyon St., Creston on Saturday September 22, 2012, 2:00 - 6:00 pm.


Memorial Contributions may be made on behalf of Gavin Dickie to: Creston and District Community Resource Centre Society Building Fund, Box 187 Creston BC V0B 1G0 250-428-5547

Charitable Receipts can be issued.