Eric Jon Dickie
August 22, 1949 - April 13, 2025
In Loving Memory
Eric Jon Dickie
Eric Dickie passed away on April 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and children. Born in Ninette, Manitoba, to Marguerite and Alvin Dickie, Eric grew up on the prairies, which always held a special place in his heart.
Eric graduated from Ninette Secondary School and went on to earn a degree in Math and Physics from Brandon University. Many of the friendships he formed during high school and university lasted a lifetime—bonds he deeply valued.
Eric met Simonne in high school, where they briefly dated. Fate reunited them at university, and they were married in 1971. After leaving Manitoba, they settled in Calgary, where Eric began his teaching career. But the Okanagan called, and they answered—purchasing an undeveloped piece of paradise in Carr’s Landing. They camped in a tent, bathed in a cast iron tub filled with lake water warmed by fire, and built their dream home using salvaged materials from houses they dismantled themselves. It was truly a labor of love. Their children—Michelle, Réjeanne and Chantelle—soon followed. The family remained in Whiskey Cove, where their home became a hub for gatherings and a favorite stop for visiting family and friends.
Eric was a beloved teacher at George Elliott Secondary for over 30 years, remembered fondly by his former students. He had a deep impact on those he taught and mentored. At heart, he was also a businessman with an entrepreneurial spirit. In 2003, he left teaching to establish a geothermal heating company. Retirement was never part of his plan—he continued working passionately until his passing, earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike.
Eric had a love for skiing—both on water and snow. On one especially perfect spring day, he famously skied at Silver Star and water-skied back at home—all in the same bathing suit. He and Simonne spent their winters at the mountain, where he was a well-loved member of the Silver Star community. He couldn’t walk more than five meters through the village without stopping to say hello to a friend. He will be deeply missed at Scotch nights, in ski lift lines, and at neighborhood get-togethers.
A jack of all trades, Eric could fix anything with a toolkit and a roll of duct tape. Calling in a repairman was never an option. His daughters often served as apprentices on his many home improvement projects. No task was too daunting—except perhaps the time he surprised Simonne by cleaning the house interior with a pressure washer and leaf blower.
Eric faced his cancer diagnosis in 2020 with strength and determination. He chose to focus on the positives and was a true example of “living with cancer” rather than “dying from it.” He treasured every moment with his seven grandchildren—Sierra, Nicholas, Hannah, Marie, Peyton, Alex and Connor—and was happiest when surrounded by family.
Eric was, and Simonne and the family continue to be profoundly grateful to the medical team who supported him throughout his diagnosis and treatment. His family will forever cherish the extra time those professionals helped give them.
Eric was a remarkable man whose love for Simonne and his family shone through until the very end. He fought bravely and with integrity. His absence will be deeply felt, and not a day will pass without a reminder of the profound impact he had on those around him.
Arrangements entrusted to
Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-766-4400
Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services:
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Comments: 11
Farewell our friend . We met Eric and Simone maybe 15 years ago and fell in love with them both . There was no doubting how much they ment to each other . The perfect combination of two people who were ment to be together forever. But so sadly this connection has been broken way too soon . Eric was so stoic in his fight for life , that many people didn’t even know he was ill . Our times we shared in Silverstar Star , skiing together , having drinks, and enjoying wonderful meals , and parties with so many laughs and such wonderful friendships will remain with us forever. Our dear Simonne , our hearts break for you , with what you are going through right now, even though you had those bonus extra years together , it’ll never be enough! Eric left you his 3 beautiful daughters and seven wonderful grandchildren, so you’ll never be short of a kiss or a hug and I know they’ll take good care of you . We’re so sorry we are so far away at this time , but we’ll be back in Dec to give you the biggest hug and share a drink or two and share some wonderful times we all spent together . Our Memories of Eric will be cherished, and all our love and deepest sympathy are with you and your girls . Take care Simonne .💔💐
Simonne and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Eric’s passing, but grateful to have known him and seen the grace with which you lived with his cancer diagnosis. Carpe diem.
Dearest Simonne, we were all very saddened indeed to learn of the passing of Eric last week. He fought a valiant battle with courage and resilience. We have so many wonderful memories of times with you at Silver Star over the years with Guy and Pauline and various friends. Eric was such an interesting person to converse with and always very interested in what others were saying. He always had a lovely smile on his face and enjoyed fun times. Although we didn’t meet your lovely family, we knew from how Eric and yourself talked about them, what a close knit, supportive family you are together. You will get through this by bolstering up one another on your bad days and sharing lovely memories and thoughts. Personally, I can’t stop thinking about Eric and yourself, Simonne. Sending our love to you all. Wendy
Eric and Simonne were our first friends when we moved to the Okanagan. Introduced by Reid and Lily. Eric had a passion for life we have rarely seen. He made every occasion memorable. Eric was warm, considerate, friendly, fun and extremely kind. We are grateful we got to spend a wonderful evening at Ex Nihilo at the Ukrainian dinner. Rest in peace our friend you will never be forgotten.
With love Mike and Maddy
So sorry to hear of Eric’s passing. He was a beloved teacher for our son Matthew and we all appreciated Simone as well. A wonderful loving family. He will be missed!! May you continue to know God’s comfort and peace as you have through the journey of his illness!
My sincere condolences Simonne and Family.
I truly appreciated Eric’s kind presence at gatherings in Silver Star in my time here. His love of the community and strong commitment to others will be well remembered and truly missed. All my very best thoughts.
We first met Eric shortly after we bought our Lakestone lot. We were happy to hear that he and Simonne would be “living on the Ledge” just a few houses down from us. Both have proved to be instrumental in helping to guide and shape our growing community.
Eric was a great storyteller. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the family’s early days on Whiskey Cove and his diverse life adventures. Being new to the Okanagan, we appreciated Eric’s insights and knowledge of the Lake Country area.
To Simonne, Chantelle, Peyton, Alex, Connor and family we send our heartfelt condolences. He will be missed.
Simonne and family, please accept my heartfelt condolences on Eric’s passing. He was such a smiley, kind, sweet person that I was privileged to know through your unwavering support of Reachout Counselling
Over many years. You both are in my thoughts and prayers.
All my love
Sharon
Simonne and family, we are certainly going to miss our dear friend Eric. Our hearts are filled with sadness at this time. Having had the privilege of knowing him and your family for close to 40 years since moving to the Okanagan has been a blessing. Reflecting on all the good times, including GESS staff parties to kick off the school year, family getaways at Silver Star, the many dinner parties , Eric and Simonne were always gracious, inclusive, vibrant and just plain fun to be around. The countless memories are so very precious to us and we will forever keep them close to our hearts. We cannot thank you enough for allowing us to be a part of your lives over the years and will miss Eric’s physical presence, however his amazing spiritual presence will always be with us.
Love always
Rob and Deb
My dear Simonne and family,
My heart aches for all of you, and please know you remain in my thoughts, in my heart, and in my prayers. I always remember Eric as such a kind and caring man, a gentle soul with such a strong presence in the hearts and minds of all those privileged to meet him. The obituary was honouring of his character and the many precious facets of his life, loves, and experiences.
I hold you all in a very special place in my heart.
Love and blessings🙏💜🙏
Colleen K.
Dear Simonne,
We are thinking of you at this very sad time and fondly remember the happy visits with you and Eric in Australia.
Yvette & Murray Swanston