Roy Byron Dickinson

On January 29, 2019, Roy Byron Dickinson passed away in the Lake Wenatchee home he and his wife, Patricia Marie Dickinson, built. Their home was on the same lakeside land where his parents, Lawrence (Dick) Dickinson and Marie Brown Dickinson, had built their pioneer home. There they raised Byron and his two brothers, Leland, who passed as a child, before Byron was born, and Bruce, who was Byron’s constant childhood companion. Byron, a natural athlete, began competitive skiing in high school. He was awarded a full scholarship to Seattle University; and his 1953/54 ski team was inducted into the Seattle University’s Hall of Fame. He was invited to train with the US Olympic team, but with a family to support, he decided to join the Army instead. Byron became an Army officer specializing in flying helicopters and fixed wing airplanes.  He served two tours of duty to Vietnam.

After his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel from the Army, Byron returned to Lake Wenatchee and became very active in the community. He led the formation of the District 9 Fire Station at Lake Wenatchee, and was also instrumental in the creation of the Lake Wenatchee Water District. In both agencies, he continued to serve as a commissioner for many years. 

Always a fan of outdoor adventure, Byron did a lot of fishing off the coast of Florida and Hood Canal. He loved year-round high-country camping with his two best adventure buddies, his brother Bruce and their life-long friend Dal Hope. The three of them rode horses (or in Byron’s case, mules) in the warmer months and in the winter, they snowmobiled into remote areas. Byron passed on more than just DNA to his 10 direct descendants--soon to be 11 when his great-granddaughter joins us. He passed on a legacy of humor, playfulness, and practical (sometimes impractical) jokes. He also passed on a tendency to feed hungry animals; not just dogs, ducks, and raccoons, but also the occasional bobcat or bear. But Byron’s most important legacy was his love of family. He was a great father to his four children, Suzan (Sue), Karen, Roy, and Diane. Above all, he loved his wife, Patricia. They started dating as teenagers and had been together ever since. Byron lived a life full of love of family and good friends, adventure, service, and a whole lot of fun. 

Friends and family are invited to Byron’s Memorial Service on February 23, 2019, 2 p.m., at the Pine River Ranch, 19668 Highway 207, Leavenworth, WA 98826. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be sent to Lake Wenatchee Fire District 9 Station.