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.
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58 Responses
He was my family Doctor in Blacks Harbour. He was missed by the entire village when he and his family moved away. Always Loved, Respected and remembered. RIP Dr.D.
Sharon (Moses) Turrell.
Sincere condolences to the Dimock family at this time, Dr Dimock was one of the best Doctors I ever had….as a young girlof 14 in Blacks Harbour ,he was also my dentist…pulled a very infected tooth for me and was so kind as I was terrified, my first tooth ectraction! God bless all his family as he R.I.P.
It is with great sadness that I acknowledge the passing of this great man, wonderful doctor and loving family man.
Dr.Dimock was the first person that I ever met in this world and he and his family remained an important part of my life, before moving on to new adventures.
My parents and family all held this man in the highest of regard and are better for knowing him. Rest In Peace, Good Doctor.
Hello dear cousins, I had the most precious gift of a few days visit with my dear Uncle Gord last month.We shared hot soup,tea in a favourite cup,looked at photos and shared special stories.How he laughed when he saw me come in on a rainy day with one of his many hats on, dripping wet!And the last thing we shared: a prayer, and a kiss and hug goodbye.
I remember his love for all of us, all our lives.We all loved him so much, and felt deeply grateful for him.
God bless you, our dear uncle Gord, and hold you in the palms of His dear hands.We miss you.
Dr Dimock was the first doctor I remember when I was about 6 years old. I lived in Beaver Harbour and many, many times I remember waking up in the night crying with terrible pain. My parents would bundle me up and drive me to Black’s Harbour to Dr Dimock’s. He was always so kind to me and he would examine me and send me home with some medicine. Over the years I have been to many doctors and had many hospital stays. I was never afraid. I believe it was because of Dr Dimock being so gentle with me when I was a tiny little girl.
Dr Dimock, I thank you with all of my heart for making me,that little girl,feel so safe.
You children had an amaing man for your father. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.
Coreen (Harvie) Henderson
My sincere condolences. The young Dr.Dimock pierced my ears in Black’s and I can say it has made made a lasting impression on a daily basis for over 60 years. Certainly a GP of many talents. RIP.
My deepest sympathy to you all,I adored him so much,hung around with Cathy and Danny in our younger days he surely will be missed by all who new him
I have Fond memories of your dad as he delivered my two daughters & remember playing hockey against him & him stitching my lip after getting cut during a game. Sorry for your loss.
So sorry to hear of your fathers passing ,Like many from Blacks a lot of memories of your father ,may God bless each of you at this very sad time , Danny still remember you entertaining with your drawings , during the days when you worked with us while building the new plant in Blacks ,you were very talented .
Prayers and condolances on the passing of Dr. Dimock.
He had stiched me up and set my arm did home visits for pneumonia and measles.I missed his bedside manner when he left Blacks. RIP