Thomas Arnold "Chip" Dickison
1952-2024
Chip was someone who truly embraced life in every respect. He loved his family, his friends, and had a genuine interest in everyone whom he crossed paths with: making them feel seen, heard, and most importantly, loved.
An indomitable presence, Chip lived a full life. As a youth, he was a great sportsman: enjoying hockey, softball, football, (Go, Packers!) and rugby. Essentially, any contact sport that required, "Brute force and ignorance," as he would say. He was a wonderful teammate to many; a gentle giant at home and in his personal life yet an absolute force of nature on the field or ice.
His passions included sailing, music, movies, motorcycling, trivia (with a steal-trap Encyclopedic memory) and being in communion with Nature-- particularly cruising the ocean on his beloved boat, 'Nan Fran.' A family man through and through, his main passion was being a dad to his four children and a loving husband to his wife, Pauline.
For many years, Chip dedicated his professional career to the Nova Scotia Boat Builders Association. He took great pride in traveling around the Maritimes, visiting boat shops, training apprentices, networking with shipwrights and mariners across the world. He had a permanent impact on the industry, having played a pivotal role in the development of training programs for apprenticeship.
Chip served his community for over 30 years in various organizations, including his participation in Big Brothers Big Sisters and his active role in the Mahone Bay Chapter of the Lion's Club. Random acts of kindness and community service were a big part of what drove him. His charitable spirit was only outweighed by the sheer zeal he had in working with children, the elderly, and the underdogs. His laughter-- disarmingly childlike in contrast to his hulking Viking build-- was full of unbridled joy.
Chip passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. He regaled many tales of cherished memories during his final days. His good humor and warrior spirit endured until the very end. He is survived by his wife Pauline (and the rest of the Fitzpatrick clan), his children (Ashlee, Ryan (Tangye), Charlotte (Shane), and Julia). His grandchildren (Lawson, Brooklyn and Taysom). His brother Dale (Corinne, Lise, Nicole), and his beloved cat, Hurley. He was predeceased by his father Arnold Dickison and mother Frances (O'Leary) Dickison.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date, TBA. He wanted everyone he loved gathered together to listen to good music, eat good food, and most importantly to, "Remember how to have fun." To know Chip was to love and revere him. He will be forever missed.
Sköl!
Memorial donations can be sent to the Canadian Nature Conservancy (www:natureconservancy.ca) and online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.mahonefuneral.ca