Memories of Don
Don loved stories and would often start a meeting by asking someone to tell a Habitat story. If no one volunteered, he would volunteer them! Here are few stories for you - friends remember Don Dickinson.
Bob Ryley, Habitat's Director of Construction, says that he wouldn't be working at Habitat today if it were not for Don Dickinson. Bob remembers a time in 2003 when he was working at the Danver's Way construction site. Pat Taylor has asked him to build one set of stairs so other volunteers could see how they went together. That winter happened to be a very snowy one, and the build site was frequently covered in one or two feet of snow. Bob started work on the stairs and stayed to finish them, even through a blizzard. As Bob tells the story, suddenly a man appeared, "looking like Ichabod Crane." It was Don Dickinson, who had come out despite the blizzard to make sure that Bob was all right and had everything he needed.
Leedara Zola,
Land Acquisition and Project Permitting, says she thinks almost daily about what Don gave to Habitat, how he paved the way for our current achievements, and how his mission and vision shapes what we do. Leedara says, "As the person coming into Habitat and taking the baton from Don, I truly touched and felt his work; his shoes were indeed large shoes to fill."
Rev. Phil Mitchell, former chair of Habitat's Faith Relations Committee, knew Don years before they both ended up as Habitat volunteers. Don was a parishioner at the First Congregational Church of Binghamton, N.Y., where Phil served as the pastor. Phil remembers Don as a man with a caring spirit. Phil says, "I think of him as a gentle man with inner strength, and a real sense of direction. As far as Habitat is concerned, he dreamed big. He had a practical side, but he also had the will to dream."
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Greetings!
It is with much sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Don Dickinson, a man with talent, vision, and heart.
|
 Don Dickinson: In Tribute and Appreciation
Vicki Goldsmith, Executive Director Today we remember with love and gratitude our friend, Don Dickinson. Don was the Habitat President who hired me in 1999. At the time, with Eileen Brady as Vice President, we were a close-knit trio, in daily communication about all matters related to Habitat. He was my mentor and closest professional friend. Along with many others, I will miss him dearly. An architect by profession, he signed up as a construction volunteer during our first (only) build in his hometown of Sandwich, Wendy Oslund's home in 1995. Later he would joke about his swift promotions. Over the course of many builds and many years, he served at various times as Project Manager, Chair of the Design Construction Committee, Chair of Land Acquisition, Board Member, and President. He was part of the Leadership core during Habitat's volunteer blitz build in Yarmouth in 1996. For many years Don was the Volunteer leader-visionary of our affiliate. His retirement life was a purposeful life. He would say that it was his time to "give back." For most of his 15 years with Habitat, Don was the face of our organization to town leaders throughout the Cape. Always cognizant of the unmet housing needs of local families he constantly pushed our affiliate to raise its capacity to do more. While most of us celebrated achievements and those we succeeded in assisting, Don continued to worry and focus on the applicants for whom we had no home. Among the initiatives and measures he spearheaded: -
Utilizing Chapter 40B zoning variances and an affordable deed rider as early as 2001 (key to our success with land acquisition).
-
Using a two-family (zero lot line design) for greater density in appropriate circumstances.
-
Adopting (after a two-year study) the USDA's 1% interest mortgage. This allows us to generate more funding so we can build more homes for more families.
Don was a volunteer who dedicated himself to Habitat's work virtually full-time for most of his second "career." He loved a good celebration with fellow volunteers, especially if it included ice cream. He stepped back only when his energy failed him. There was no joy for him in half-measures. Don was honored for his volunteer service with three awards during his lifetime. Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod's Everett Stoyle Spirit of Service award; Cape Cod Philanthropy Partner's Volunteer of the Year; and Massachusetts Housing Partnership's Housing Hero Award. We refer you to his obituary for his family's remembrance and his personal legacy. His legacy with Habitat lives on in the scores of lives transformed by his work. And so, we mourn the passing, and celebrate the life of a kind, altruistic, smart and diligent gentleman and true friend, Donald S. Dickinson.
|
|
Condolences
A private memorial service will be held for Don at a later date. Visit here for online condolences.
|
|
Don Dickinson Loved a Good Story
Maybe you have a story about Don, or a story about Habitat he would have appreciated. We hope you will share it with us.
Contact
|
|
|
