Richard (Dick) de Blicquy

Ninety-one terrific and interesting years have come to an end; he "...has slipped the surly bonds of earth". 

Born in Winnipeg in 1930, Dick followed his father's footsteps, messing with boats and radio control model airplanes in Sioux Lookout, Trois Rivieres and Montreal.  He eventually served as a navigator in the AirForce where he realized that flying was really his passion. 

Taking to the skies in the High Arctic, across the DEW Line and crisscrossing the northern edge of most provinces he flew alongside the pioneers of Canadian Aviation.   In the 60's he spent Canadian winters flying helicopters in New Zealand and returned for summers in the High Arctic based out of Resolute Bay. 

Marrying fellow pilot Lorna in 1962, they continued seeing the world using NZ and the Arctic as home base until daughter Elaine joined the family in Timmins. 

Aviation being the way of life for Dick, he continued flying with First Air in the North and famine relief in Ethiopia and Kenya. He spent time in Saudi Arabia in the 80's and flew down the West Coast of South America for a salvage mission almost getting to Antarctica. 

Gliding, sailing, skiing and telling great flying stories were his hobbies. 

Dick's retirement saw him living with his great friend Margaret in Wales for several years, then settling in Uxbridge to live next to his daughter. 

He'll be remembered in Uxbridge as a reliable house sitter for many snowbirds, an avid cyclist, an eager tree cutter, a persistent Scrabble enthusiast and a huge devotee of the written word: particularly as the Uxbridge Public Library might provide.   He wished to learn endlessly; he researched wind solar and tidal energy as the needed future for energy

Tens of thousands of flying hours later...he so enjoyed making and meeting friends in Uxbridge at Trinity Manor, the Downtown Shops, the Rotary Club members, book lovers and many other community connections.  

The flight plan is closed, switches off, the journey is over; remember him well. 

Cremation has taken place. There will be no service. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Low & Low Funeral Home, 23 Main Street South, Box 388, Uxbridge L9P 1M8 (905-852-3073).