September 28, 1952-February 23, 2024
It is with deep sadness to announce the passing of Richard Clarence Dilts in his 72nd year. Richard went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 23rd, 2024, surrounded by his family in his daughter’s home in Lucan, Ontario after a short, but brave battle with cancer.
He will be deeply missed by his loving partner, Aileen McPhee; his daughters Sarah Tutti (Troy), Diana Kun (David), Joanna Bukata (Mitch), and son Jonathan. Grandfather to Seth, Travis, Kristen, Scarlett, and Rosie. Loving brother to Gary, Terry, and Lisa. Uncle to Zach, Brittany (Finlay), Tyler, Kayli and Lacey. Richard was married to Tracey (Lampman) and raised their four children for 36 years. Predeceased by his parents Clarence Dilts and Leta Dilts (Sider), and sister Janet Lucille.
Richard had a heart for people and his community his entire life serving on various boards across Ontario. He was an active member of the Brethren-In-Christ Church for much of his life, and loved the Lord. He was honoured by the Canadian Blood Services for donating his blood over 200 times. Richard served in the Canadian Armed Forces from 1972-1974 and held his pilot license at the age of 19. Richard was an avid genealogist and historian for over 45 years. He worked in various manufacturing industries including Welmet, Stelco (Stelpipe), Union Carbide (UCAR), Atlas Steel and others. With the closure of various industries, Rick became a PSW for 11 years working at Maple Park Lodge in Fort Erie where he retired in 2020.
Rick attended West Park Church in London and was grateful for the generous men who prayed and supported him through his illness. A special thank you to the great care by Dr. Chris Watling from the London Regional Cancer Program, Dr. Yu Li, PSW’s from the London-Middlesex VON (Mary, Barb, Anu and others), and for the dedicated care throughout his cancer journey from Nader, RN at SE Health. Words cannot express the sincere gratitude and honour it was to share dads last days of his life with (Sarah and her family) Lisa Dilts, and Aileen. The singing, praying, and reminiscing throughout the days and nights were special and will never be forgotten as we cared for dad together.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Lampman Funeral Home in Fenwick. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, February 28th from 2-4, 6-8 pm, and Thursday, 9 am – 9:45. Service will be held at 10 am at the Wainfleet BIC Church, interment to follow at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Wainfleet. Memorial donations can be made to West Park Church in London (westparkchurch.ca) or the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (warplane.com).
“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” – Phil 3:13-14.
I have not had the pleasure of knowing Richard for very long but feel blessed for the short time I knew him. I will miss his sharing in our meetings
So very sorry for your loss our deepest condolences he will be remembered and Mised forever
Our condolences to all the Dilts family. Cherish the memories you have of your times together. Rest easy Richard.
I worked with Richard at Atlas my condolences to his family. Rest easy.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family that will miss him here on earth. He was a well-respected Godly family man. He was patient and kind and a good model and inspiration for others. He was our youth leader at Boyle Brethren in Christ Church in the late 70’s. He will be missed. We’ll see him again in heaven one day.
My deepest sympathy to Tracey and her families. May he rest in peace and free of pain. I sent a donation to the Cancer Society in Richard’s name.
Irene Lampman (Mom,Grandma)
I went to school with Richard and always found him to be a great voice during our times in the primary grades.
Although we never seen each other often in our adult lives, I do remember him being one of the fastest runners on our public school baseball teams in Wainfleet, often beating throws to any base while he was on his way to the next base with lightning speed.
I send my sincere condolences to all of Richard’s family.
Sarah, Joanna, and Diana—So sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. I last saw him maybe 5 or 6 years ago in Dunnville when I was visiting my grandmother in a Nursing Home–and guessing he was visiting someone there too. So many great memories of playing church baseball with him and going door-to-door canvassing for the Toronto Star. Sincere condolences.
My sympathies to Rick’s family. Rick was a dedicated volunteer during the last election and I enjoyed hearing about his careers and interests. May he rest in peace.
Shannon and I only had the privilege of knowing Rick for a few short years but the impression he has made will last a lifetime. Rick was full of energy and spirit and compassion like no other. I was very saddened when he called to say he was ill and moving to be with his daughter outside of Welland. Rick was one of a kind. We are all better for having known him.
Dear Sarah, Joanna and Diana
Our sympathy and condolences on the passing of your father. Sending much love and gentle hugs.
Merv and Lynn Millar
I met Richard during our training in Kingston Ontario in 1973 . A very nice young guy , most of us were impressed with the tremendous fitness and strength he possessed. God rest his soul.