A well-known community supporter and long-time Black Press employee passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 14 at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster.
Helen Dick’s career in community newspapers began in classified advertising sales with the Chilliwack Progress, then as classified advertising manager of the Abbotsford News.
She retired in 2004, but missed working life and returned to The News as an advertising consultant.
Helen also joined Habitat for Humanity Upper Fraser Valley, where she served as a board director for the past three years. She was instrumental in making last year’s Habitat for Humanity gala fundraiser – featuring keynote speaker astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield – a huge success.
Randy Blair, chief operating officer for Black Press’s B.C. division and a former publisher at The News, said Helen possessed a “positive outlook and a quiet determination.”
“Helen’s professionalism and compassion for others earned her the respect of her peers, customers and the many community groups and organizations she worked with over the course of her career,” he said.
Blair said Helen saw the world more clearly than most and her colleagues could always depend on her for words of encouragement or sometimes just to listen.
“Helen made a tremendous contribution to the lives of everyone she touched and while we are going to miss her more than words can express, she has left us with many wonderful memories of what it means to be a friend and colleague,” he said.
Blair extended deepest sympathies to Helen’s husband Art, daughter Crystal, son Richard and their families. Helen is predeceased by her parents and son Wesley.
A celebration of life was held yesterday (Thursday) at Ross Road Community Church in Abbotsford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen’s name to Habitat for Humanity Upper Fraser Valley (habitatufv.ca).