On Sunday, February 16, 2020, Dr. Gordon Keith Dimock, aged 88, passed away peacefully in the care of Victoria’s Royal Jubilee Hospital, surrounded by his family. Gord was the youngest of three children, born on December 5, 1931 in Windsor, Nova Scotia, to Dr. Karl Keith and Louise (McKeen) Dimock.
Gord (Gordie) was predeceased by his sister, Jean Gwendolyn Fuller, and brother, John Shubael Dimock, wives Patricia (McAvity) and Judith Ellen (McLean), as well as his son, Karl David McLean Dimock.
Gord was described as a curious, bright and adventurous child who was skilled in the art of chore avoidance. One of his enduring and endearing qualities was his sense of humour and ability to laugh at himself.
After graduating high school, he attended Acadia University, his beloved alma mater. He couldn’t have been prouder when three of his grandchildren from the west coast, Gordon, Jacob and Hailey, chose to attend Acadia as well. Gord went on to medical school at Dalhousie University to become a general practitioner.
Shortly after starting his general practice in Blacks Harbour, New Brunswick, Gord met and married the love of his life, Judy. Within that community, they shared some of their happiest memories. Their four children were born and the McLean family embraced him into their clan as one of their own. Gord established a successful private practice and was proud of his involvement in building Blacks Harbour’s first hospital.
Gord’s adventurous spirit led him to pack-up his family of six and head for the west coast in the early 70s. The journey was an undertaking with many pitfalls, including 17 flat tires and a succession of calamities that provided fodder for future tales.
Once in Vancouver, Gord took a position with the Department of National Health and Welfare. As part of a medical team, he attended to the needs of many BC remote communities, often travelling on float planes, horseback and boats throughout the province.
After five years working for the government, Gord returned to general practice, relocating the family in Stettler, Alberta and eventually settling in Sooke, BC. Gord remained a proud “maritimer” who made annual treks back east with Judy to visit family and friends.
Despite significant losses and personal challenges, Gord never lost his faith in God. Regardless of his accomplishments, Gord avoided the spotlight and remained modest, preferring to redirect conversation towards others.
Gord was a beloved family doctor throughout his career. He had an attentive and kind bedside manner and took a genuine interest in each and every one of his patients. It was common for Dr. Dimock to make house calls after hours and often long into the evenings. His gentlemanly manner extended well beyond his professional role towards all of those around him.
Gord had a passion for sports of all kinds. In his youth, he played hockey, curled and golfed and as he aged, was the consummate armchair sports fan. His infectious enthusiasm often resulted in exuberant outbursts of joy or dismay. He could often be heard watching sports from blocks away. Gord enjoyed life’s pleasures – good food, music, and sharing laughs brought him and others so much joy.
In retirement, Gord and Judy enjoyed travelling throughout the world, often generously including extended family in their adventures.
After Judy’s passing, Gord settled in Victoria at the Victorian and Parkwood Place Retirement Homes. Gord’s armchair recliner was well worn and the TV remained tuned to the latest sporting event.
Gord is survived by his children; Danny (Bev), Cathy (Dave), (Tammi), and Andrew (Patrick), grandchildren; Ryan, Kyle, Jessica, Conor, Gord, Cole, Jacob, Emery, Sam, and Hailey, great grandchild; Nikko as well as many nieces and nephews. He loved his family deeply and never ceased to pray for their happiness and well being. He will be dearly missed.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
58 Responses
Condolences to all the family. Dr Dimock Was a lovely Man. God Bless Friend.
Sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Dimock. I was a patient of his when a teenager with a sprained foot. My Grandmother was his housekeeper when he first came to Black’s Harbour. A kind and well respected man and Doctor.
Dr Dimock was a wonderful man. I am So very sorry for your loss. He was my doctor through every childhood ailment and even made house calls when I had rheumatic fever. You are all in my prayers as you grieve the loss of such a special person. RIP Doctor.
Childhood trips to Black’s Harbour to visit the cousins was always a welcome adventure. Years later, it was wonderful to get reacquainted when my family moved to Victoria for a few years. Gordie always made us feel welcome. He will be missed.
thanks for being there to deliver me on that dark and stormy night in 1964.
rest easy my man
My deepest thoughts and sympathy are with each one of you at this time.
Sincerely,
Dawn (Bagley) Eldridge
So sorry to hear , Dr Dimock delivered our first child in Blacks Harbour will Never forget
RIP wonderful Dr .
He was the best of a Doctor …growing up on Black’s Harbour,we always our outdoor activities, and of course one was our skating on the pond behind the post office ..I accidentally fell and hurt my arm .So at 11 years old and both parents working I slowly walked out to the harbour clinic where this AWESOME Dr.took me into his station wagon and drove to the hospital for xrays and sure enough he placed a cast and handed me a prescription for pain meds to give to my parents …I felt so safe with this tall man taking specl care of me ….RIP Dr.and the deepest condolences to all family members
Our deepest condolences to the Dimock family in the passing of your father. He will always be remembered as the best doctor Blacks Harbour ever had. His caring and compassion will never be matched. I have fond memories of “Skip” playing ball down on the beach at Lake Utopia……always wearing his straw hat. He was always a great friend to our family.
He was the doctor i can remember laying at home as a young boy on the couch sick and he would always appear he will be missed