Ray Dickinson

Ray Dickinson, aged 88 of Livonia passed away on October 16, 2023.

He was born on March 9, 1935 in Dearborn, Michigan to Lula Arlene (née Weaver) and Leslie Alexis “Lec” Dickinson. He grew up in rural northern Michigan where he attended one room schoolhouses and developed a deep and lasting love for the outdoors. His childhood would later provide an abundance of amusing stories that we would all give anything to hear one more time.

His family moved to Redford, Michigan in his late teens and graduated from Bentley High School in 1952. He met Pat in 1953 on a blind date that appears to have gone very well as they married and have adored each other for the 70 years that followed. The United States Army helped nudge along a marriage proposal by issuing a draft notice in 1957. They were married on June 29, 1957. He then served in the Army as a medic, ambulance driver, and nurse.

Ray is the beloved and devoted husband to Patricia (née Hynes) Dickinson; loving father of two children – Brian (Tracy) Dickinson and Lynn (Donn) Shida; proud grandfather of Kathy (fiancée John Kutschman) Dickinson and Mitchell Ray Dickinson.  He is deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his brother Wayne (Maxine) Dickinson and many nephews and nieces.  He is pre-deceased by his brother Dale Dickinson.

Ray’s long career was as a gravel truck driver however his passion was to learn and develop the skills necessary to create an enormous variety of beautiful, interesting, and creative things. It is difficult to impress upon those who didn’t know him just how broad and varied his interests and talents were. His intelligent and curious mind was able to bring to life objects spanning from the most basic to the very complex out of materials as varied as yarn and textiles to wood and metal. In recent years he taught himself lutherie and we are now surrounded by evidence of his craftmanship and creativity with handmade stringed musical instruments.

The things Ray made for others were an expression of his love for them. The time that couldn’t be spent directly with people he loved was spent making things for them. A lot of the things he made and gave away would have seemed almost insignificant in the moment but will now be treasured forever.

Ray was a powerful presence in our lives, strong in both physical and caring ways, impacting all our lives as treasured husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Please remember him through your experiences with him, as he shared himself through many years with each of you. 

Those who wish to honor the memory of Ray Dickinson are invited to consider a contribution to a charity of your choice.

Please join us in a celebration of Ray's incredible life.

A brief informal gathering will be held Friday, October 20^th from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Schrader Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth, Michigan 48170.

A Memorial Service and luncheon will be held Saturday October 21^st from 12:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. at Corsi's Banquet Center, 27910 West Seven Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152.

We hope you can join us. If you can join us on Saturday, please RSVP to shidapack1@gmail.com