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
Dear Family of Dr. Dimock. I am so sorry to learn of the passing of this wonderful man. He was my Doctor when I lived in Sooke and he was one of the best. Kind, Compassionate and very Caring. I remain grateful for his attentive care toward me and my Family. You’ve earned a good rest Dr. Dimock and I hope you know what a beautiful difference your gentle approach made. I Pray you know how much you were/ are appreciated.
I worked with Dr. Dimock in both the old and newer Hospitals in Blacks Harbour from 1962 until he moved out west and I also worked many shifts eith your mom Judy. He was very dedicated to his patients and gave tirelessy to the hospitals and the community. I send sincere condolences to all the family! RIP Gordie
Sorry to hear that a great Doctor has passed . my name is Gordon Keith .. i was named after him .. my condolence to his family prayers to you all.
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So sorry to hear about your dad.
If anyone had the common touch it was him. Mom knew your dad back when they were both Halifax.So many fond memories of the Lake.
He delivered me and had the misfortune of having to stitch me up on at least 3 different occasions.
They say people don’t remember what you say;but how u make them feel.Your dad made people feel better!He touched alot lives.
So very sorry to hear of Dr. Dimock’s passing !! I too was a regular babysitter for the family when they lived in Blacks !!! He was such a caring doctor making house calls throughout our community !!! A true country doctor !!! Sending heartfelt condolences to his family and friends !!!
Such a touching heartfelt writing about a dear and kind man. Sympathy to the family.
My sincere condolences to the family. I have many fond memories of your mom and dad. I spent a lot of my teenage years at your family home looking after Danny, Cathy, Carl, and Andrew. Your father was a great Dr., and he was loved and respected by all in the village of Blacks Harbour.B
Gordie Dimock was an unforgettable character with a high-spirited, larger than life personality. Those who knew him in his student days spoke of his razor sharp mind and extraordinary memory. He could have done anything but chose a life of service as a family physician for which many, many people are grateful. Thank you Gord, for all you’ve done and the memories of your fun and kindnesses that live on in so many of us.
My deepest sympathy for your loss. I am 7 yrs younger than Gordie and will never forget his kind and caring ways tending to the people in our two villages, delivering my first baby, visits in the middle of the nite when needed! RIP Gordie….you were special!
Dr. Dimock will always be fondly remembered by our Troy family. As well as being a wonderful caring Dr., he was a mainstay in our home every Saturday even9ng when NHL was on. And, yes I am sure the neighbours could here his verbal reactions to the games! I babysat his l9vely children and Ann sending you all my thoughts and prayers. God be with you.