Issue 10 • April 2010 •
[email protected] • PLEASE TAKE ME I’M FREE Remembering Bob Dickison By Belinda Allen It isn’t very often in life you have the opportunity to meet and work with someone who has had an impact on so many lives. While working on the homelessness fi le I had that opportunity; his name is Bob Dickison. Sadly, late last year our com- munity lost one of its greatest assets and volunteers. Bob worked for the Salvation Army in their community hous- ing program and was involved in many mental health causes. Although he was a big man with a gruff voice, after meeting him you quickly realized how pas- sionate and dedicated he was to his job. He was always avail- able to answer questions, sit Photo Courtesy of Tammy Calvin on a committee, and assist with Cheryl Brown reading at the fi rst storytent in the Old North End. events. Story Tent Bob was described in many By Shanice Duplessis Photo Courtesy of Carson Durdle ways: a friend to many, wonder- Cheryl Brown has helped children all over the city enlarge their knowl- ful, great, honest, wise, helpful, edge to be a reader. In the summer of 2009 Cheryl asked me to be a kind, humourous, a family man, warm hearted, and trusted. Bob was reader, and without hesitation I agreed. Being involved with the Story always there, willing to lend a hand and help people move beyond. He Tent allowed me to see Cheryl’s great relationship with the children. I didn’t judge and was always willing to give someone a chance (and was amazed at how she did so; she took time to read with the children usually more than one).