Norman R. Dickinson Sr. Obituary (1943 - 2025)

Fairfield Center: Norman R. Dickinson Sr. was born June 10, 1943, in Skowhegan and passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025. Known for his easygoing spirit and quick wit, Norman lived a life full of adventure, family, and service. Norm worked as a security guard/EMT for S.D. Warren/Sappi from 1980 to 2000, retiring after 20 years. His commitment to public service extended beyond his job as he was a selfless and caring volunteer firefighter and first responder before his career at Sappi. His dutiful and honorable nature was also reflected in his short service in the United States Navy, from which he was honorably discharged due to a medical condition. A beloved local entrepreneur, Norm is a well-known and respected cornerstone of the Fairfield Center community having owned and operated the Fairfield Center Sporting Goods Shop in two different locations and Norm's Superette back in the 70’s. He helped to stand up and establish the volunteer fire department in Fairfield Center. Norman was also a Master Mason, having served over 50 years, and serving as the Siloam Lodge Secretary for over 15 years. Many will remember Norm’s kind spirit and his ability to help, when needed, in a variety of ways. He was predeceased by his oldest son, Norman R. Dickinson, Jr., in 2023, and his brothers and sisters Betty, Sonny, Roger and Shirley. Norman leaves behind his beloved wife of 61 years, Lynda E. (Tantish) Dickinson; he is also survived by his son Douglas A. Dickinson and his wife Melanie Dickinson of Oakland; his grandchildren Valerie, Doug Jr. and Christopher and his great granddaughters Amaya and Cassandra; Norman's eldest brother Robert, along with his other surviving brothers and sisters Evelyn, Gloria, Richard, Ruth, and Pamela, who will forever cherish his memory. The large family has shown incredible support during Norm’s loss. Norm was the middle child with five siblings older and five siblings younger than he was. When sharing stories of the family of 11 children, it was not uncommon for Norm to be referred to as the one that helped keep track of the wild kids and worked awfully hard to support the family in many ways from a very young age. Norm and Lynda made a special point to keep very close with their grandchildren whenever possible. They travelled dozens of times to visit Doug and Melanie for a few days wherever the Navy stationed Doug, including Virginia, Tennessee, California, and Florida. Doug cherishes the one time he was able to include Norm and Norm Jr. on a two day “tiger cruise” aboard the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73). Close childhood friends recall skating on the pond with a burning tire, coming home with black faces and playing crack the whip. He was referred to as the favorite uncle for his patience and understanding and was often cited for his kindness. His quick humor and knack for storytelling left lasting impressions on everyone who knew him. His friends and family remember his ability to light up a room with a clever joke and his unwavering compassion. Though he will be deeply missed, Norm can finally “breathe easy” and rest in peace. The family will conduct a private service, no public services will be held. We found a quote in one of his journals from 2024. He wrote “Afraid of dying? I was there for countless years before I was born, so why be afraid of it now!”.