John Dickson Obituary

DICKSON, JOHN CDR. USN Ret. March 3, 1924 to Sept. 1, 2004 One could not find a more loving, kind and dedicated husband or father. He was always there for his family in the best and worst of times. John received his wings and commission in February 1945 at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, after completing flight training. He served as a flight instructor until 1946 at Corpus Christi, and later Atlanta, Georgia. In July 1946, he entered the University of Southern Calif. for the five term program, and upon completion in July 1948 received orders to Comfair Westpac. While on the west coast he served with VC-21 at NAS North Island, VC-25 and VS-25. His next tour was with VA-195 at NAS Alameda. In 1950, he was assigned to NAS Sand Point, at Seattle, Washington, as Personnel and Administration Officer. In 1952, he was stationed at NAF Oppama, Japan and in September 1954, General Line school at Monterey. After completing line school, he was assigned to BAR Burbank as Navy acceptance pilot for Lockheed. His next tour was as Navigator, Air Officer and Operations Officer aboard the USS ORCA, AVP-49. In 1960, he was assigned to VA-95 as Executive Officer. A tour as Training Officer and Executive Officer in TRARON THREE proceeded CDR. Dickson's going to TRARON FIVE as Commanding Officer in Pensacola, Fla. In 1965, after serving 23 years in the Navy, John and his family returned to their home in Coronado. For fifteen years, John worked for General Dynamics and the past several years was a docent at the San Diego Aerospace Museum where he offered his expertise to thousands of children as well as adults on tours explaining and answering questions about the history of flight which he loved. He was a member of the Coronado Yacht Club, Coronado Round Table and the Aerospace Museum. John is survived by his wife Delma of 58 years, and sons Gary, Terry, Randy, Ricky and daughter Kandy. Also grandchildren, Rebecca, Michelle, Emily, Ben, Stephen, Bonnie and great-grandson Isaiah. John will be so deeply missed by his family and all who were blessed by having the privilege of him touching their lives. Take your wings & soar, Daddy. Forever, your loving family. Memorial services to be held Saturday, September 11, 1 p.m. at St. Paul's Methodist Church in Coronado. Donations may be made to the American Heart Assoc. or the Aerospace Museum. Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com