Carleton County native leaves lasting impact in province for advocacy for disabled people
On Monday, May 18, beloved New Brunswick disability advocate Randy Dickinson died at the age of 71. His wife, Karen Dickinson, shared the news of his passing on his Facebook page.
In his obituary, Randy was described as a ‘force to be reckoned with.’ His list of accomplishments included attending Camp Rotary as a camper, then counsellor and eventually becoming Executive Director; Executive Director of what is now Easter Seals NB; setting up and becoming the first Executive Director of the Premier’s Council for Disabled Persons until his retirement; being a member of many, many national and provincial boards and committees; and Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission for a number of terms. Randy contributed to the development and passage of the NB Accessibility Act and the Federal Accessible Canada Act, and was named to the Order of Canada in 1999 and to the Order of NB in 2022.
Most recently, Randy was on the Boards of the Human Rights Commission, the Premier’s Council on Disability, the NB Health Council and the NB Accessibility Advisory Board. Randy was a political junkie who was assisting with work in Premier Susan Holt’s constituency office in Fredericton. He also volunteered with the York Sunbury Search and Rescue organization and supported various charities.
Since his passing, friends and former colleagues have shared tributes to a man many call a hero and champion.
Premier Susan Holt, in a statement, said she and her team send condolences to Karen, his family and friends, and former colleagues. She added that she’ll continue his mission to make the disabled community more inclusive.
“Randy will be remembered for the impact he had on people, his compassion, his tireless advocacy, and his unwavering belief in a more inclusive New Brunswick,” said Holt.
“His advocacy and leadership helped shape better policies and stronger supports for many, and his legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.”
Former New Brunswick Premier and long-time friend of Dickison, David Alward, only had words of praise.
Alward applauded Dickinson for using his voice to speak up for people across the province who often didn’t have a voice or access to parts of society that are regularly taken advantage of.
“Certainly, New Brunswick has lost a champion too soon. I think we all have a huge credit to him for that work that he undertook,” he said.
Lieutenant Governor Louise Imbeault took to Facebook to share her condolences.
“I offer my most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Randy Dickinson, a lifelong advocate for the inclusion and equitable treatment of people living with disabilities,” said Imbeault.
David Coon, the leader of the New Brunswick Green Party, described Dickison as his “hero.” He continued to say that Dickinson worked endlessly to ensure people with disabilities were included in a system that historically neglected them.
“His enthusiasm to make change and his determination to achieve it was infectious. He stepped up, spoke out and got things done that changed lives,” said Coon.
“Randy was a passionate and incredible advocate for persons with a disability, and he had a true impact on New Brunswick,” shared Ability NB in a Facebook post.
“And we know heaven will have all accessibility barriers removed by the end of the week. He was loved.”
Randy was born June 23, 1954, in Woodstock, to Wendell and Iva Dickinson. Randy is survived by his wife, Karen Dickinson; siblings, Linda Ferrier, Cathy McGuire (Craig), Wendy Dickinson (Lyse Audet) and Stephen Dickinson; sister-in-law, Nancy Dickinson; brother-in-law, Brent Hoerle (Ann-Marie); sister-in-law, Myrna Derowin (Alan); nieces and nephews, Jake, Amy, Madison, Jordan, Evan, Alexander, Connor and Rebecca; and many, many cousins. Randy was predeceased by his parents, siblings Frank, Kim, and Christopher, and his niece Kelti.
A Celebration of Life for Randy will be held on Sunday, May 31, from 2 to 5 p.m, with Words of Tribute starting at 3 p.m. at the Fredericton Inn Bicentennial Ballroom, 1315 Regent Street, Fredericton, NB. For those unable to attend the celebration in person, a livestream of the tributes will be available at the following link: https://vimeo.com/event/5941033.
At Randy’s request, instead of flowers, donations are encouraged to Camp Rotary, Opal Family Services, Transition House or a charity of your choice.
