Obituary of Gerald Carlyle Dimmick

It is with great sadness that the family announces the death of Gerry Dimmick, who died January 14, 2018 in his 78th year after a long battle with Lewy body dementia. Gerry was born in Windsor on November 15, 1940, the youngest child and only son of Gerald and Matilda (Mattie) Dimmick. He was predeceased by his beloved sister Marilyn Menard (2006). Gerry is survived by his wife Joan, his children Margo (Mark), Gerald, Meghan (Lewis) and Jake (Jen), and grandchildren Hamish, Clementine, Matilda and Susannah MacLeod and Mersea Dimmick. Gerry was a history teacher for many years. Teaching was his passion and he gave everything he could to his students. He began his career at Central Collegiate in Sarnia in 1964, before moving back to Windsor and teaching at Walkerville and then Centennial where he became the youngest department head in the city. He worked as a vice-principal at Lowe and Shawnee before becoming principal at Massey. He was a committed coach and mentor who volunteered with many varsity teams, clubs and student councils. He created and taught special classes tailor-made to students who needed extra care and guidance, even while he was working as a principal full-time. Gerry was a champion for the underdog. Giving more of himself was never a problem; it was his instinctive response to all obstacles. He regarded being told that something was impossible as only a suggestion, and he accomplished great things because he was always willing to do more and work harder. He took on a key leadership role with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation and was part of a strike that resulted in a landmark collective agreement that helped teachers gain control of their own pensions and made Essex County teachers the highest paid in Canada. In part because of his involvement with the teachers' strike, he decided to study law. While continuing to teach full-time, he completed his law degree at the University of Windsor in 1976. Despite all his professional success, Gerry's greatest accomplishment was being a generous, kind, and warm-hearted person. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He had a magnetic personality with an infectious laugh and a mischievous sense of humour. He loved deeply and unconditionally and the joy of being with his family and friends was unmistakable, genuine and boundless. He believed real wealth was not measured in dollars but in love. By this standard, he was an incredibly wealthy man and he enriched the lives of everyone around him. He will be sorely missed. The family would like to thank the staff of 1 West at Sun Parlor Home for their years of compassionate care for Gerry and for his family. In his memory, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society or Right to Play. At Gerry's request, cremation has taken place. A gathering for friends and family will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to SIMPLE CHOICE CREMATION CENTRE (519-254-2585). Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.simplechoicecremation.ca