Hersel Dickinson, age 89, went to be with his Lord March 12, 2017. He died gently and peacefully in the presence of his loving family.
Hersel was born to Leslie Bryan (L.B.) Dickinson and Emma Dickinson (Sumpter) on Aug. 14, 1927 in Buffalo, Oklahoma. When Hersel was 7, his father moved the family out of the dust storms to settle in Lynden.
After World War II, Hersel served in the U.S. Air Force near Tokyo. He moved to Seattle after that, and fished in Alaska. Eventually he worked at Washington Iron Works, and later drove a truck for Western Paper.
Hersel married Eva Brehmer in 1968 and became an instant father of Marla, age 13, and Denise, age 11. Hersel and Eva moved to Mount Vernon when they retired to live between Marla’s family in Blaine and Denise’s family in Stanwood. In retirement, Hersel worked part-time as a driver for Blade Chevrolet.
Several years after Eva died in 2003, Hersel moved to Creekside Retirement Center where he enjoyed new friends and the kindness of the caring staff. He is remembered there for the many ways he helped his neighbors.
Hersel has the continued love of Denise and Jim Karstetter, Marla and Glenn Tuski; grandchildren Amanda, Aaron (Tuski), Dustin, Sarah and Nick (Karstetter); and 10 great grandchildren. Hersel’s brother Roland Dickinson and many nieces and nephews remember him fondly.
Marla and Denise appreciate the great love Hersel carried for Eva, wearing his wedding ring for these last 14 years and looking forward to rejoining her in heaven. At last, they are reunited.
Hersel’s memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, March 25, in First United Methodist Church, 1607 E. Division St., Mount Vernon.
Memorial donations can be made to Skagit Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 1376, Mount Vernon, WA 98273, or First United Methodist Church in Mount Vernon, WA 98274 for their memorial garden fund.
