The Downey Patriot

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Frederick Dickinson

October 23, 1939 - October 10, 2014 Frederick Dickinson passed away on Friday October 10th 2014; it was very sudden without warning from a major heart attack at the age of 74. He was born in Waterman DeKalb, Illinois. He began life in Aurora, then moved to the family farm in Lee where his adolescent years were spent, and graduated from Glenbard High School in Glen Ellyn Illinois.  Just after graduation Frederick served his country in the Air Force beginning September 1958 and was honorably discharged September 1964, Rank: Airman 2nd Class, two stripes, decorated with a good conduct medal. Most of his time was spent in Alaska at Fort Yukon as a Radar Operator Intercept Control Technician. Upon discharge, having quite enough cold weather for awhile, he moved to Hollywood CA; where he soon met his wife to be- Sandra (whom he is predeceased by). They remained in CA, and had a daughter. He was a very devoted Father and husband, creating a very close network of friends that became more like extended family. Frederick lead a very full, happy life; he was a brilliant, creative free thinker and a very unique, special individual. Just out of the Air Force he found employment as a mechanic, he could build an engine from scratch or fix any problem. From this he segwayed into big rig truck owner/operator, he loved to drive, travel and see the country. In 1974 he shifted gears (no pun intended) allowing his creative side to take the spotlight pursuing a career in journalism. He graduated with Honors from Cerritos College with AA in Journalism, an award in Political Science and was editor of the student newspaper. He then attended California State University Fullerton receiving a BA in Communications. He was an author, photographer, and entrepreneur. Along with several books and short stories (some of which have been published), he wrote and photographed for Boat Race Magazine (covering friends like Rocky Aoki-founder of Benihana), the Herald Examiner, Southeast News and others. After awhile he began Dickinson Photography an independent advertising/photography studio, followed by Creative Communications. Later in life he focused more on pure art photography, winning several awards and selling his art. He has also had more than twelve letters to the editor published in the Los Angeles Times..getting one in would have been a great feat. Not able to stay away from his love of the road and driving, he returned as an Oversized Load Escort Pilot-participating as a support system of the big rigs he once drove. He was also a board member at Temple Ner Tamid, and Masonic Past Master. He certainly kept busy.

Frederick is lovingly remembered and survived by his daughter Pamela, brother Richard, sister Barbara, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; as well as grandnieces and grandnephews.  He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held in Downey California at Temple Ner Tamid on October 26th at 5:30pm. The Temple’s address is 10629 Lakewood Blvd, Downey CA 90241.  In lieu of flowers, donations to Temple Ner Tamid in his honor of his memory are welcome.

 

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Published: Oct. 23, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 28