Obituaries

Richard (Rick) Hamilton Dykes
July 21, 1947- January 20, 2025

Richard “Rick” Hamilton Dykes age 77 of Winnipeg MB passed away January 20,2025.

He was born in Winnipeg MB in 1947 to John “Jack” and Bertha “Bert” Dykes (nee Grose).

Rick was predeceased by his parents and oldest brother John.

Rick grew up in Charleswood in his family home at the edge of the Assiniboine Forest. He and his brothers John, Ross and Donald spent endless hours across the street and in their backyard,which led them to have a deep love for wildlife and nature.

Rick married Charlotte Aileen Dykes (nee Tesarski) on August 3, 1974. They had 3 daughters Robyn Kusko, Tricia Drake and Janey (Shawn) Watkinson.

Rick and his family lived in Starbuck MB, where Rick was a member of the Starbuck Masonic Lodge for 35 years until, with the kids grown, Rick and Charlotte moved back into his childhood home in Winnipeg. Rick would talk to everyone on the street and in the forest where Rick and Charlotte spent many hours walking the dog and enjoying nature. He introduced neighbours to each other and made many new friends.

Trucking was Rick’s passion. He spent many years in the trucking industry and took great pride in the all the semis he owned. He always worked hard to support his family and provided them with many activities including camping every summer, winter vacations and trips to Toronto and Edmonton in “The Big Truck”.

Rick and Charlotte both quit their jobs when they got married and embarked on their month long honeymoon to Alaska in a ‘69 GTO convertible and a 2 man pup tent, a memory they talked about often and couldn’t believe that it was 50 years ago.

Their travels also included the Yukon, the East and West coasts of Canada, Hawaii, Mexico, Dominican Republic and Cuba.
Rick saw most of the USA through trucking and delivering new buses from Canada.

Rick and Charlotte also had many other adventures , one of them being taking Charlotte’s mom and dad on an amazing trip to Churchill. They also took the opportunity to fly into and explore some remote locations in northern Canada including Fox Lake AB, Fort Ware BC, Pauingassi, MB and Gods River MB

Animals had a special place in Rick’s heart. He would go horseback riding whenever he had the chance. Along with all the pet cats and dogs the family had, Rick also had a keen interest in wildlife rehabilitation.

Another great love of Rick’s was the Cherry Blossom chocolate, and not just one at a time! Alas unfortunately on January 17, 2025 it was announced that production would cease.

Rick was well known and admired for mastering the voice of “Donald Duck”, bringing joy and laughter to many kids and adults.

Rick is survived by 8 grandchildren: Kamara Beardy, Aileena and Finnley Watkinson, Kyler and Lacey Kusko and Maddox,Holden and Casper Inkster.

Rick was a dedicated and loving grandpa, aka “Grumpy”and wanted to be at every activity that the grandkids were involved in and enjoyed watching them in swimming, band, dance, hockey and football.

Rick was always thinking about others and would not want us to be sad. Therefore, we would like to invite you to join us in celebrating his life at the Charleswood Legion, where Rick & Charlotte are members, on Sunday July 20, 2025, 3:00-6:00pm, 6003 Roblin Blvd, Winnipeg MB

We would love to hear all of your favourite memories of Rick. Please feel free to get up and share.

If friends and family so wish, donations may be made in Rick’s name to the Charleswood Legion#100 or Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre of Manitoba.

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us”