September 3, 1922 – December 10, 2018
The song has ended. The melody will linger on.
Wilfred was born in Pointe St. Charles, a suburb of Montreal, a place he so fondly called
“The Pointe”. Wilfred passed away peacefully with family by his side, at Riverview Health Centre at the age of 96.
He was predeceased by his parents, Wilfred and Mary Ann, beloved sister Mary, brother Clifford in infancy, grandson Jamie Long, his first wife Stella Lefebvre and nephew Richard Vincent.
Wilfred will be missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Eunice (Davies), children Louise, grandson Dan and his family, Elaine (Brian Taylor) and her family. Also survived by Eunice’s family, Deb (Ron Skrabek), Sharon (Greg Slater), James, Len (Lee-Ann King), Gord, Kyle and Eunice’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Missed dearly by his furry friend Maggie. As well, extended family in Picture Butte, Alberta.
Wilfred will be missed by his nieces in Montreal, Lyanne, Celyne and Suzelle. His humor, musical talent and great wisdom will sadly be missed. Having him in their hearts and souls forever will provide them memories and provide them comfort and serve as guidance for all of them who loved him dearly.
Returning home once the WWII was over, Wilfred was employed at CN Rail as a Yard Master and Engineer and settled into retirement. He received a call from VIA Rail asking him to come out of retirement to work for them, he did and after three years he officially did retire. In 1996 Wilfred packed up and left Montreal for Winnipeg. He volunteered his piano playing at Fred Douglas Lodge. After residing in Winnipeg for two years, Wilfred was ready to head back to Montreal. He received an invitation to go out for coffee one evening, and this is where another story began. Wilfred not only remained in Winnipeg, but married Eunice and they were happily married for 20 years.
During the Second World War, Wilfred joined the 7th Reconnaissance Regiment (17th Duke of York’s Royal Canadian Hussars) and trained in Montreal and Dundurn, Saskatchewan. He was chosen to be a dispatch rider, a hazardous job delivering messages by motorcycle which he performed, often targeted by enemy snipers, from the Normandy landings until the end of the war in the Netherlands. Wilfred became a volunteer at the Fort Garry Horse Museum, cleaning and repairing firearms, and organizing the collection of badges and insignia, where his eye for detail and fine handwriting made for a well organized and accessible collection. His easy and unassuming manner made him fit right in and the rest of the staff greatly enjoyed his stories and recollections of his service. The museum allowed him to connect with other wartime veterans and he laid a wreath on behalf of his regiment at the annual Remembrance Day ceremonies and attended several of the FGH Association’s D-Day dinners, where his piano playing was a great hit. He is remembered as the definition of a gentleman and will be missed by museum volunteers Cam Scott, Gord Crossley and Greg Kostefko, Master Corporal Will Hatton, Fort Garry Horse Corporal Emmanuel Cardozo, 31 Engineer Squadron as well his friends in the USA Randal Hovey and Cheryl Shrey. They are thankful God enabled Randal Hovey and Cheryl to meet, know, and love Wilfred Dickey, a Canadian 17th Duke of York’s Royal Canadian Hussars WWII dispatch rider – motorcycle courier, and his beautiful wife Eunice. Common interests in history and service brought Wilf into their lives. Not only was Wilf a fellow-veteran, he was a dear friend and adopted family member to Randal and Cheryl. Several years ago, at a Fort Garry Horse Remembrance Day service Wilf asked Cheryl why an American, was so nice to him. Cheryl replied that she no longer had any grandparents, so God was letting her adopt Wilfred. Visits and phone calls with Randal and Cheryl were too far in between yet forever treasured. Thank you, Wilf, for letting us into your heart and allowing us to love you. You touched our lives more than you know and will live forever in our memories and the images we captured. As a blessing from above and an angel lent to us, I pray God holds you and your family and friends close and blesses everyone who has had the privilege of knowing and caring for you with comfort, love, strength and understanding not only today but for eternity. As tears wash our face, I pray God blesses you on your journey home with fair winds and following seas, my friend.
God Bless and “Bash On” Wilfred
Thank you to Dr. Harandi, for always taking the extra time to just sit and listen to Wilfred and for the special care that he provided. Words cannot express the gratitude for the compassionate care that was provided to Wilfred by the staff on 3E at Riverview Health Centre.
As per Wilfred’s wishes Cremation has taken place, and no formal service will be held. Donations can be made in Wilfred’s memory to Prostate Cancer, Manitoba Division.
Rest in Peace dear Wilfred “41”.
