Erick W. Dickens
March 23, 1946 - January 11, 2016
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Obituary For Erick W. Dickens
On the morning of Jan. 11, 2016, Erick “Rick” W. Dickens Jr. passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home surrounded by loved ones. After receiving an unexpected diagnosis in the summer of 2014, Erick fought tirelessly and honorably against Scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease.
Born in The Bronx, NY on March 23, 1946, to Erick and Arline Dickens, Erick went on to live life to the fullest. He had a gift to cultivate deep and meaningful relationships, and he rarely met a stranger.
Erick found immeasurable joy in his family. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Jane, and their five children; daughters Jennifer Wright (Chris), Eileen Bucklen (Jay), JoAnn Hodges (Jonathan); sons Erick (Jennifer) and Brian. And for those who knew him well, it is no surprise that his greatest pleasure came from his eight grandchildren; granddaughters Claire, Samantha and Ally; and grandsons Jacob, Lanning, Tommy, Grant and Lucas. He is also survived by his brother, Kevin (Marie), his lifelong friend George Kozak (Carol), and his beloved “Just Us” gang.
He graduated from John Adams High School in 1964 and was drafted into the US Army shortly after. He served his country with honor, pride and valor in Vietnam, earning a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star before returning home.
Erick followed military service with civil service as a New York City firefighter. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from California State University Northridge, after moving his family in 1976, when he transferred to LAX with American Airlines. In 22 years with American, he climbed his way to success from fueling airplanes at LaGuardia to managing the hub in Raleigh, where he moved his family in 1987.
Subsequent employment opportunities with AGI and Parsons took him to Atlanta, Abu Dhabi and Miami, then finally back to Raleigh, where he retired for good — only to then pursue his Master’s degree from Liberty University.
He loved history, music, cars, baseball and golf. In 1992 he aced the third hole at Wake Forest Links, his home course. He spent the next 20 years giving back to the golfing community, depositing golf balls in ponds throughout the Southeast, from Raleigh to Myrtle Beach to Miami. We joke because nobody had more fun on the golf course.
He could tell you where he was, the day of the week, and what song was playing on the radio at the start of every memory. He had an infectious smile and a laugh that shook the rafters. He loved the heat and welcoming family and friends into his warm home. But most important, he loved his people. Whether he was your boss, father, brother, family, neighbor, or acquaintance, at the end of the day, he was your friend.
On Tuesday, January 12th from 6-8, please come to Renaissance Funeral Home on Six Forks Road for a visitation with family and friends.
A funeral Mass will be held at St. Luke’s Evangelist Catholic Church 12333 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, NC at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016. Graveside service with military honors will follow at 2 p.m. at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in Spring Lake, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the UFA Thomas Elsasser Fund.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Erick Dickens, a retired New York City firefighter to: http://www.ufanyc.org/funds/elsasser.php
Services
Visitation
06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Funeral Service
09:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Graveside Service
02:00 PM
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Condolences
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January 22, 2023
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September 01, 2020
It is difficult to express how sad I was to hear about Erick's passing today. At the same time, the wonderful memories of working together at American Airlines, as partners creating the RDU & BNA hub operations, and later at Parsons in Abu Dhabi and Miami, will be with me forever. We shared together our stories of Vietnam, of navigating the politics of working at American, and of our mutual pride about our respective families. Erick was a terrific manager, "people person," family member and an all around wonderful guy. It was a privilege to have been his friend!
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September 01, 2020
What a very kind man. He has given service to this country in the military and as a fire fighter. God rest you Eric and may your family find peace.
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September 01, 2020
Lit a candle in memory of Erick W. Dickens
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September 01, 2020
I am so saddened by Erick's passing. He was a joy in every way. Those of us that worked on the start up of the AA RDU Hub worked hard together and built cherished relationships. No matter the issue, Erick always brought a smile to the conversation and had a natural way of uplifting everyone in the room. It was evident, he cared for all those he came in contact. I'll always remember him as a bright spot and genuinely good man. . My condolences to his family.
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September 01, 2020
We are so sorry to hear of Erick's death. He was a good neighbor and friend. We plan to attend the funeral tomorrow. Sharon Olson
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September 01, 2020
I worked with Erick when we were kids back in 1982. He was. Great friend and incredible colleague. He had a permanent grin, just like the photo. He was one of the three AA GMS of Bakersfield too. I opened it, then Erick and then the man child Curt Reimer. I was e-mailing with Curt the night before last, Erick was the best of all three. No doubt. God is happier, and will be laughing with the angels now. Art Torno
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September 01, 2020
My thoughts and parayers are with Erick's family. Erick and I also met in the 80's, as he was working with my father in LAX. My dad alsways spoke highly of Erick, his demeanor, his professionalism, and his love of family. As I got to know Erick through the years, I could certainly unuderstand why he was so successful in work and life. I was fortunate to have lunch with him a couple of times while he was in Miami, and we shared memories of the LA days, my dad, and his family. He is missed, but not forgotten. Phil Olivieri
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September 01, 2020
Erick had a smile that went on for miles, from LAX to BFL to RDU, he filled the room with laughter. I am grateful to have you as a friend. Rest in peace. God bless Jane and all the family. Celeste Dettle
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September 01, 2020
Rest in peace, my old LGA friend. You always had such a beautiful smile - it will be missed. Condolences to your family.
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September 01, 2020
We will miss you dear friend.
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September 01, 2020
Erick..you will be so very missed! What a wonderful friend through the years! We love you... John and Jennifer Makvoy
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September 01, 2020
Erick, your smile and laugh will always make me smile. The friendship that you and your entire family shared with all of us will remain with us always. Pete and Alice Ellis
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September 01, 2020
Lit a candle in memory of Erick W. Dickens
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September 01, 2020
Words can not express how much sadness I feel today. Loved, loved, loved working for you at LAX. Was so happy to have reconnected these last few years. Will miss your huge smile and your contagious laugh. Rest in peace, my friend. Hugs, as always, Cher
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September 01, 2020
There is only one person with such a big heart and a willingness to give the world a good laugh at every turn - we shall miss you brother Erick in so many ways. To Jane and the children, your husband and father made this world better. God bless you all.
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September 01, 2020
I will miss Erick so much, I met him as we helped start up the RDU hub along with a few others. We worked and had a lot of fun doing it. As Erick said on many times we made it look so easy, but it took a lot of hard work and many hours. Both Erick and myself became very close and dear friends. I will miss him, my thoughts and prayers go out to Jane and the children.
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September 01, 2020
Erick's been a good friend through the years. We worked together at RDU from 1988 - 1995. I will long recall the morning Muhammad Ali came through the airport. I asked if he would be willing to drop in on our morning debrief session. He accepted the invitation. Upon entering the room, Erick immediately stood, raised his dukes and offered to spar. Needless to say, it was a memorable moment for us all. We'll miss you Erick, your feisty nature, and infectious laugh. Jane, you and your loving family remain in our prayers. Stephen & Barbara Boyd
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September 01, 2020
Peace, light and love to our dear friend Erick and his family at this difficult time...Let the memories, stories and laughter will go on forever.
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September 01, 2020
We just recently learned of Erick's illness and were very saddened to hear of his passing yesterday. I have many good memories of our time together in RDU along with Chuck Manchester, Stan Roberts, Jim Loftin, Bob Ciminelli, MaryAnne Cipperly and John Makovy to name just a few. It was a great group of people who genuinely cared about each other. RDU was successful because of Erick's leadership, knowledge and ability to inspire everyone to work together for a shared goal. You will be greatly missed! Sending love and prayers to Jane, children and extended family. Lynda and Dave Kennedy
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September 01, 2020
Erick will be missed, he provided support and strength to me when the odds were against me in ways that many would never understand.. Rest in paradise my boss, my manager, my friend.. Donald Brumfield
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September 01, 2020
It is true how one life can change so many.. I'll never forget the first time I met your dad. We were so young and proper, button down AA Ticket Agents in LA.. When comes roaring down and parking in front of the terminal a motorcycle and a man wearing jeans, tee shirt and black leather jacket introducing himself to all the agents as the new AA Supervisor, and I though "There goes the neighborhood"..The neighborhood was never the same after that, and we are all the better for him. He will never be forgotten . Bon Voage my friend. Anna and Richard Prisaac
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September 01, 2020
Jan and I had the pleasure of working at LAX "with Erick", (he would correct us if we said "for Erick") and later at RDU and AGI. We had similar backgrounds - from the Bronx, Vietnam, AA and AGI veterans. We have stayed in touch over all these years, and we still smile when we think of his distinctive laugh. He was one of a kind - proud of his family and lucky to have so many friends. He will be greatly missed. Jan and Don Dauphin
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September 01, 2020
I knew Erick from working at AA- LAX. No matter what 'rank' he had he was always approachable and showed that he cared about everyone. He never took things too seriously but got the job with everyone. He expressed so much love and pride for all of his family. He was definitely unique and will be missed all over by many. Linda Landau
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September 01, 2020
So sorry to hear about Erick, I worked with him in LAX-AA and he was well liked and respected. It is hard to believe we all shared many great times and lots of fun together. He was terrific to work with we all got things done, it was a great family at LAX. Vicki Collins
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