With heavy hearts, we announce that Chris passed away on July 31st in St Boniface Hospital at the age of 67 years.

 

He is survived by his wife of 42 years Katherine Dickens (née Newman); son Jefferey; siblings Lindsay Dechief and Michael Dickens, as well as numerous extended family and friends.

 

Chris was born in Flin Flon Manitoba to Charles and Irene Dickens. He attended high school until Hudson Bay Mining called him to suggest he quit high school and come to work for them; which he did.

 

In 1975 while visiting his sister in The Pas he met Katherine Newman. Chris told Katherine that he knew a few days after meeting her that he would be asking her to be his wife. They married December 30, 1977 in Stonewall, Manitoba.

 

On November 5, 1981 Jefferey was born and Chris took on the task of getting the nursey ready before Jeff arrived; painting it school bus yellow and brown, it was so bright that in the evening it looked like the light had been left on. Chris loved being a father, he and Jeff enjoyed fishing, building sandcastles and swimming together.

 

In 1982 Katherine began attending The Salvation Army on Sundays. Before long Chris joined her and in 1985 they found themselves in Toronto to commence training as Salvation Army Officers, they were commissioned and ordained in 1987. As Officers they were stationed in Neepawa, MB, The Pas, MB, Prince Rupert, BC, Winnipeg, MB, St. Catherine’s, ON and Toronto, ON. The high point of Chris career was telling people about God’s love. Chris loved and excelled in his preaching ministry. His favorite book of the Bible was Joshua.

 

Chris was involved with the Rotary organization for many years and used his influence in the community to aide with fundraising efforts. Chris also hosted a radio show for many years that was broadcast in The Pas and Flin Flon. He learned much about the process of creating a pre-taped audio show, and also lent his voice to various public service announcements on the local radio station.

 

Chris loved to spend time at the lake reading (he was an avid reader), swimming and walking. Chris’ knowledge of history and the world was extensive, he loved watching the history and discovery channels and was always learning new things.

 

A man willing to help others including calling Veterans Affairs when he learned of a man living in a Salvation Army shelter who had lost his medals. A special ceremony was held at the shelter where Chris was the Executive Director with Veteran Affairs along with Chris presented the gentleman with new medals.

 

One of his greatest passions aside from his passion and love for Katherine and Jefferey was being a Ham Radio operator. Chris and Jeff studied together and he was very proud of the fact that they accomplished this together. Chris could be found weekends and some evenings on his radio communicating with people from near and far. He continued with this passion up until the last couple of years as his health declined.

 

If so desired, donations may be made in memory of Major Chris Dickens to The Salvation Army Southlands Community Church 85 Keslar Road, Winnipeg, MB  R3T 6A5.

 

A celebration of Chris' life will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 9, 2019 at The Salvation Army College of Officer Training, 290 Vaughn Street, on the second floor.