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.
