Mr. William John Dickson

ON Sunday, July 29, the Downpatrick rural community gathered in 1st Presbyterian Church, Downpatrick, for a service of thanksgiving for Mr. William (Willie) Dickson, who passed away on Friday, July 27. He was in his 92nd year.

The Rev. Dr. David Steers undertook the service and in his tribute reminded those assembled of a life well-spent.

Mr. Dickson was born at Ballykilbeg on August 25, 1920, and until the age of 14 attended the Southwell School in Downpatrick.

Not altogether uncommon, on leaving school with a good all-round education he began work on his family’s farm. Until recently he could still astound his family on his grammatical knowledge.

Life on the farm would have always been busy and Mr. Dickson’s three sisters, Annie, Margaret and Florence, would have depended on the support he gave to their father. He quickly learned the ways of farming, understood the signs of nature and learned to respect the countryside.

The Dickson family were Non-Subscribing Presbyterians and in 1946 at the age of 26 Mr. Dickson became a Sunday School teacher. Several years later he became a superintendent, a position which he held for the remainder of his life, in later years in an honorary capacity, such was the respect he had earned.

It was at church gatherings, socials and as fellow Sunday School teachers that he got to know Margaret (Meta) Hutton whom he married on June 24, 1953. They celebrated their 50th anniversary before Mrs. Dickson’s death in 2007.

During their marriage Mr. Dickson continued farming and supported his wife in her family business. They were blessed with three daughters, Margaret, Elaine and Wilma, who in turn married and had their own children. This extended family gave Willie many hours of pleasure and he was fortunate in seeing his grandchildren grow in independence.

In 1975 Mr. Dickson was installed as a church elder, again a position he held for life. He undertook his role with dedication and particularly during the pulpit vacancies supported the management and everyday needs of the church and as a trustee in the denomination.

Declining health over the past few years necessitated Mr. Dickson residing in King’s Castle Nursing Home in Ardglass where the minister, elders and family continued to visit. Mr. Dickson was surrounded by his family at his peaceful passing.

During the service of thanksgiving Dr. Steers noted the popularity of Mr. Dickson as borne out by the vast number of mourners.

Mrs. Margaret Ferguson, his eldest daughter, read the lesson from John Ch1 v1-14 and explained that it was this passage which her father had read as Sunday School superintendent at the annual carol service.

Present too were Mr. Dickson’s granddaughters, Louise, Anna, Nicola and Jenny. The three eldest recited verses chosen by themselves.

Mr. Dickson is survived by his daughters, Margaret, Elaine and Wilma, and the family circle.