MISSOULA - Dick was reunited with his beloved wife on Monday, May 10, 2010, at St. Patrick Hospital, with his family by his side.
Jerome Dixon was born in Inglewood, Calif., to Nettie and Rollo MacDougall on July 6, 1923. Because his father died when Dick was only 4 months old, his mother moved back to McVille, N.D., with a toddler and a baby.
Dick was a printer by trade and operated several small-town newspapers with his mother and stepfather. After he graduated from high school in Leeds, N.D., he went to a year of trade school in Wahpeton, N.D.
He met and married Ethel Kippley in 1944. They had 47 wonderful years together and were blessed with three daughters.
Dick and Ethel owned and operated The Terry Tribune in eastern Montana for eight years. After selling the newspaper and moving back to Missoula, he worked for the U of M Journalism Department, and later for Artcraft.
He was a survivor of 70 years of Crohn's disease, which required a great endurance and willingness to accept a severely limited diet without his favorite foods. We were all lucky to have him with us as long as we did.
Dick was very talented and a clever problem solver. He became a proficient carpenter, electrician and mechanic. He put up his own kitchen cabinets using a large car jack when he was in his 70s. He also built a six-car garage when he was 80. He could do just about anything he set his mind to. He loved old cars, company, his place in the country, and extended family gatherings. He treasured the MacDougall Clan reunions. He was an active member of the Old Car Club for many years.
He maintained a strong ethic of fairness and honesty his whole life.
Dick was preceded in death by his wife Ethel, an infant son, his parents, a son-in-law Ron Weber, and one grandaughter, Kamela Weber.
Survivors include a brother, Robert Douglas (Doug and Ingrid) in Mandeville, La.; daughters, Candyce Weber at his home, Sandra O'Rourke (John) of Vancouver, Wash., and Moira MacDougall (John Cramer) of Missoula; nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 21, at St Ann Church in Bonner.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Poverello Center or to the charity of your choice.
Posted in Obituaries on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 2:00 am
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