Rick (Harvey) Dickson

Rick (Harvey) Dickson was born in Tampa, Florida, to Molly Parrott and Harvey Dickson on April 18, 1950. He grew up in Florida and Virginia, with several cherished visits to Molly’s family in London. He served in the U.S. Army as the crew chief on a Chinook helicopter and later worked in all manner of mechanical endeavors. Rick married the love of his life and very best friend, Jan Harmon, on August 4, 1979, on Buck Mountain near Charlottesville, Virginia. They welcomed three girls over the next ten years: Elizabeth, Jenny, and Anna. His smile was never brighter than when he was surrounded by his girls. 

In 1980, Jan and Rick moved to St. Charles, Missouri, to live and work close to family. He spent the majority of his professional life with HASCO International as the VP of Materials Management. He was actively involved in the lives of his daughters, hosting and facilitating any number of adventures and trips for the girls and their friends. Rick also never missed a moment caring for his parents and in-laws. 

In retirement, Rick kept busy, brokering small business sales, and ultimately, he and Jan moved to Denver, Colorado, in 2011 to be near their daughters and their daughters’ growing families. Rick’s broad knowledge was put to work in a new community, fixing anything that needed tending in the homes of friends and neighbors. Jan and Rick played an integral role in partnering with their daughters and sons-in-law in the start of a church and school in Denver. His skilled hands and entrepreneurial spirit anchored the efforts of the young community. There is no question that Rick’s physical hands have literally touched the lives of countless friends and family. 

Rick was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2017. In the last years of his life, Rick found great joy in working in his yard and spending time with family and friends. Jan and Rick enjoyed travel, especially to see their youngest daughter, Anna, and her family’s farming adventure in Michigan. Rick was regularly surrounded by his 10 grandchildren, who called him “Poppin.” Poppin was an active ski coach, golf instructor, game player, and loving companion for every member of his family. 

Rick passed away on June 7, 2024, surrounded by his girls and wife of nearly 46 years. He is survived by his wife, Jan; daughter and son-in-law Elizabeth and Jason Jones, and their children Sean, Piper, Martyn, and Raymond; daughter and son-in-law Jenny and Brian Brown, and their children Hays, Molly, and Carson; and daughter and son-in-law Anna and Joel Parker, and their daughters Edna, Lucy, and Jane.

We will be gathering to worship Jesus and celebrate Rick’s life on Monday, June 17 at 11:00 a.m. at Park Church (3025 W 37th Ave Denver, CO 80211). All are invited to join us. 

Memorial: contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association: alz.org 

Flowers: Rick loved to cultivate whatever ground was in front of him. In lieu of cut flowers, his girls request perennials, annuals, or anything with roots that can be put in the ground and enjoyed for months or years to come. Please send to Park Church (3025 W 37th Ave., Denver, CO 80211).