Helen Dick
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Helen Dick on Wednesday, September 14th, 2016 at Royal Columbian Hospital. Helen is lovingly remembered by husband Art, son Richard (Jing), and daughter Crystal Swigert (Steve). She was a loving and devoted grandmother to Scott Reinheller (Laurel) and Tyson Orchison and is survived by sisters Elvira, Rita, Erica, Irma, and brother Hank. She is predeceased by her parents and son Wesley. Born in Russia, Helen immigrated to Canada in 1949 with her family. In 1957 she married the love of her life, Art Dick. They lived for many years in Chilliwack where they raised their family before moving to Abbotsford. Helen began a long career in community newspapers, starting in classified advertising sales with The Chilliwack Progress, then as classified advertising manager for The Abbotsford News. Helen retired in 2004 but it wasn’t long before she missed the working life and returned to The Abbotsford News as an advertising consultant. Following that, Helen joined Habitat for Humanity Upper Fraser Valley where she served as a board director for the past three years. She had a great passion for making other people’s lives better and worked tirelessly towards this goal. Helen was instrumental in making last year’s Habitat for Humanity Gala Fundraiser a huge success when she secured Canada’s astronaut, Col. Chris Hadfield, as the special guest speaker. It is a night everyone will remember. Helen loved cooking, entertaining, gardening, collecting, and decorating. She had a deep faith in God and her family was her world. She was a very generous person and welcomed everyone into her home with open arms. Although Helen struggled with on-going health issues, she never let it get the best of her. She loved being surrounded by family and friends and will always be remembered for her warm smiles and sense of humour. She was, and is loved, and will be deeply missed. A Celebration of Life was held on Thursday, September 22, 2016 at Ross Road Community Church. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Helen’s name to Habitat for Humanity Upper Fraser Valley, Abbotsford. www.habitatufv.ca (click on donate).