In Memory

John Dickson

John Dickson

Obituary from the Sioux City Journal, January 25, 2003.  Thanks to Gary Armstrong for sending this to us.

John H. Dickson

John Howard Dickson of Pella, Iowa, formerly of Sioux City, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2003, at his residence.

Memorial services will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at Briar Cliff University Theatre in Sioux City.

Mr. Dickson was born in Laramie, Wyo. He was one of two children who were born to Howard Alvord and Marjorie Ann (Clay) Dickson. He graduated from Portland State University with a master's degree in fine arts.

On May 28, 1999, he was united in marriage to Starla J. DeLong in Sioux City. He worked at Briar Cliff College in Sioux City as an associate professor and technical director of the Fine Arts Department for 20 years. Following his tenure, the couple moved to Pella in July 2001, where he was an associate professor and technical director of the Fine Arts Department at Central College. In November 2002, he was diagnosed with cancer and was faithfully attended to by his wife.

He was a member of Siouxland Shakespeare and The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (I.A.T.S.E.). He was interested in all theatrical productions, found enjoyment in fishing, camping and the finer things in life.

He will be remembered by his loving wife, Starla; a sister, Susan Lawson; an uncle, Edward Clay; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Fred and Betty Stinger; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paul and Carol DeLong, two sisters-in-law, Dana DeLong and Stacy DeLong; a nephew, Max; and his cat, Tinsel.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

 



 
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11/28/15 07:00 PM #1    

Jean McIntyre

John was a good friend of mine.  We went through high school and college together.  I had my first legal beer with him at Archer's, 12:01 AM,  on my birthday, 1969.  When our lives took us in different directions, I always thought I'd see him again sometime, somewhere, and it saddens me deeply that I won't.

 

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09/01/16 01:53 PM #2    

Bonnie Ayre

Does anyone know what happened to John?


09/02/16 03:29 PM #3    

Mary Ann Chamberlain (Connors)

John and I attended  EMC; both of us were very involved in the theatre department. Then we went out into the "real world" and lost touch.  John reappeared working in the drama program at MSUB around 1980. Then he disappeared again, I assumed to work elsewhere in theatre. Like Jean, I expected him to one day just show up. He was so talented on and backstage. 


09/03/16 10:34 AM #4    

Kay Beck

It is hard to think that someone just disappeared. I am sorry that he is gone, but  glad that we now know what happened. It sounds like a life well lived--doing what heloved and loved by many.


09/03/16 04:38 PM #5    

Rick Smith

John was one of a kind.  He had a theatric style and wasn't afraid to put himself out there.  He had a natural love of the theatre and it was easy to tell it's where he felt at home.  He had wonderful energy and a playful, fun sense of humor.  One summer long ago, John hired me to be a beer bartender for him at Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde's eatery/entertainment venue.  John was the manager.  There was food, drink and pool tables on the street level in the space once occupied by Sigmund's Furniture (I think).  In the evening the downstairs opened for loud live music and dancing.  It was lots of fun and John made it so.  He was a happy leader, always in high gear and always good for a W.C. Fields impersonation at just the right time. I will miss seeing him, for sure.


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