I was stunned upon receipt of Donna's call last Wednesday telling us that her dear father, Neil Dickieson had suddenly passed. The next few days were filled with grief and sadness, but the fog is slowly clearing and turning to fond memories of a life well-lived. My Uncle Neil has been a key figure in my life, all my life. From growing up with our great family trips to Canada, spending time together on the shores of Lake Huron, staying with his family on summer vacations in Guelph and many visits to London, to them visiting us for holidays or special occasions in Michigan. One of the lake activities was the Uncle Neil driving school. This involved a young nephew sitting on his uncle's knee and steering a bright new Chevy down two-track sand roads. This activity was not reported to Mom or Aunt Anna, but I believe sparked a lifelong love of cars and discussion of what types should be driven and how fast (always in excess of the posted limit). Police departments far and wide weighed in on this debate over the years as they stopped either Uncle Neil or me to discuss the matter face-to-face. One funny story of the Guelph days was a visit by Miss Mary McGee. She was a neighbor and childhood friend of Donna who had come by for some socializing when I was having an extended summer vacation stay with the Dickiesons. We were in the basement when Mary (maybe 12 years old) announced that she would kiss anyone back that kissed her. What she failed to realize was that at that exact moment, Uncle Neil was coming down the stairs and overheard this proclamation. She was very surprised as he swooped in for the unexpected kiss. A good laugh was had by all. His focus was always family first, and that not only meant his terrific wife of 66+ years, my Aunt Anna - his daughters, Donna, Debbie and Jayne; but also siblings, spouses and cousins. He epitomized the perfect gentlemen, father and loving husband. When he said "hello" and "how are you", they weren't just perfunctory greetings, he sincerely wanted to know. And whatever information you provided went into a detailed memory bank that was both broad and deep. That information was neatly filed away for future reference regarding life goals, accomplishments and the many small and large milestones of life. He truly was the family tree encyclopedia, which was updated constantly. Another important priority for Uncle Neil was support, compassion and love of fellow human beings. Whenever anyone in the family needed help, Uncle Neil and Aunt Anna were there. When my Dad and hero was taken from us far too soon in 1970, they were at the ready to aid and comfort my Mom and us. I have always felt their special love for me and my family. Their compassion was widely known in their church community as well. I remember chuckling to myself when they referred to their many acts of kindness as going out to assist the old folks that needed help. They were in their 80's when this statement was made. And what about the gem of a family Uncle Neil? Donna, Debbie and Jayne have been like sisters to me over many years. Then came their loves, Blair, Ken and Bob, plus children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. A clan of wonderful people like the Dickiesons starts with the special people at the top, My Uncle Neil and Aunt Anna. They helped reinforce the close-knit family values we all share and have served us well. I found the love of my life in Alice Chamberlain about twelve years ago. She was instantly accepted by Uncle Neil and his family as if a lifelong friend and family member. That feeling of acceptance makes me immeasurably happy and can only be believed when it comes from people that are as authentic and genuine as Uncle Neil and Aunt Anna. In fact, Alice's Mom Betsey, another nonagenarian, has also become friends with the Dickiesons over the last decade. In closing, Uncle Neil was a unique person with so many special gifts that it is hard to imagine life without him. I'm sure many others feel this way as well today, so we will grieve together and support each other like we always have. Although he is no longer with us in physical form, his influence and impact on me remains. I am reminded of the old military adage "a hero remembered never dies". My hero Neil Dickieson will be with me forever.