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
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Rev. Fr. Paul Doucet
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Loretta Boerkamp My Sympathy to the Dimock family Gord was a good friend to so many, I enjoyed the times spent with him.
He was charming and funny, he really got ‘into the Game’ watching Sports on T.V.
R.I.P. my friend.
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Barb Kuyvenhoven Dear Kathy, Dave and Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad.
My deepest condolences to you.Take Care,
Barb Kuyvenhoven
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Carol Harding What a delightful Doctor he was and I had the pleasure of working with him as a community nurse in Sooke for several years, always smiling, calm and supportive he was. RIP Dr. Dimock.
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Jayne Dobbins My sincere sympathy to the Dimock family. As an adult, I remember your dad as having tremendous personal charm, warmth, intelligence and a great sense of fun and adventure. As a child, however, I was keenly aware of a special twinkle in your dad’s eye and his amazing ability to connect with everyone (including kids). Your dad’s compassionate heart and boisterous spirit touched so many over the years.
Wishing you all comfort at this difficult time.
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Shirley Stewart My condolences to Dr. Dimock’s family. Saying goodbye to a Dad is so very sad; but you do have your memories to comfort you now and later. As others have very well said, he was a great and caring family doctor. He certainly was excellent with my family if we were sick or got hurt. Fond memories indeed. Bless you all.
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Jeffery McLean Dobbins I am very sorry to hear that your father is no longer with us. As a child, I have many fond memories of him as a boisterous, humorous and caring person. Best wishes to everyone.
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Sharon Norman Sincere condolences to the Dimock family so sorry for your loss, my mother always spoke very highly of him
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darcy kerr 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.
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Shirley S. Hatt 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
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Gordon K. McGarrigle 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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William and Nancy Dobbins 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.
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Brenda ( McGarrigle ) Gaudet 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 !!!
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Marilyn Lee Richardson Such a touching heartfelt writing about a dear and kind man. Sympathy to the family.
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Beverly Frost nee Bradford 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
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Allan Dobbins 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.
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Gail Waite Justason 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!
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Charlotte Troy 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.
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Carolyn (Hatt) McKay Dear family members: I send along my condolences to you on the passing of Dr. Dimock. He was my first employer. I graduated on Friday night and began to work as his secretary on the following Monday morning. As his obit. states, he was a true gentleman and his patients loved him. God Bless You.
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Kim Bradford Dr. Dimock was pretty much a legend in Black’s Harbor. Remembered for his kindness and wonderful sense of humor… When I was 6, he set my the arm I broke when the steering on my bobsled jammed and I ran into a house. A great guy. Sincere condolences to his family.
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Joe Hubbard He was well loved and respected in Blacks Harbor. I remember him well ang his office accross from the school. He left a great legacy. So soory for uour loss
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Dorothy (McGee)Cooke Dorothy (McGee)Cooke
My condolences to the Dimock family on your Dads passing I remember having him for a doctor when I lived in Blasks Harbour
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Bev Ingram I am saddened to read of Dr. Dimock’s death.He was a very competent,compassionate, well respected and valued doctor .Two of my children are a part of the hundreds of babies he delivered.He will be missed by so many.
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Ralph Flynn My Dad loved to tell the story of how him & the Good Doctor tried to hold me down to put 14 stitches in my left hand (palm ) I was 6 yrs.old and had fallen into a ditch,only to land on a broken ,jagged bottle Dr.Dimock yelled to the top of his lungs for reinforcements..With 2 more nurses he got the job done..My dad figured that one there was something the good doctor wouldn’t soon forget.Thanks DR.Dimock RIP.
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Shirley Ingalls We need more Dr. Dimocks in this world, he was an awesome Dr and Blacks Harbour has never had another like him, my 3rd son is named Gordon Keith after my Dr. May Gods comfort be with all the family and I feel honoured to have known him and had him for our Dr RIP Dr Dimock!
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Eric Scott Peace be with you My Good Doctor
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Martha Humphrey I had the pleasure of working for Dr. Dimock at the Blacks Harbour Medical Clinic. He was a very caring and gentle Doctor to his patients and cared deeply for the community that he lived in. Judy often dropped into the clinic on a busy day to see if anything was needed or could help. A wonderful caring couple. My condolences to the family.
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Dawn Mclaughlin So sorry for ur loss he was a such a kind and gentle man he had the biggest smile we were so lucky to have him for a Dr
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sharon turrell 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.
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Marie Bustard (Lloyd) 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.
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J.Perry Crossman 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.
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Fiona Collins 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.
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Coreen Henderson 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
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Margaret Bateman Ellison 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.
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Noreen Allain 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
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MICHAEL HARTFORD 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.
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Tim Chambers 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 .
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Estelle Eldridge 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
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Terry Swanston Condolences to all the family. Dr Dimock Was a lovely Man. God Bless Friend.
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Morna (Small) Linton 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.
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Debbie Cooke 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.
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Catherine & Gordon Emmerson 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.
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greg willigar thanks for being there to deliver me on that dark and stormy night in 1964.
rest easy my man
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Dawn (Bagley)Eldridge My deepest thoughts and sympathy are with each one of you at this time.
Sincerely,
Dawn (Bagley) Eldridge
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The willigars So sorry to hear , Dr Dimock delivered our first child in Blacks Harbour will Never forget
RIP wonderful Dr .
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Dianne Vautour 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
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Barry and Diane Stewart 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.
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Allan Eldridge 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
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Debbie Dooley Your Dad certainly was the most loved Doctor during my growing up in Black’s and also played the roll of dentist to many of us. He could always be counted on , no matter what time day or nite. My sincere condolences to the entire family. RIP , Dr. Dimock, you’ve earned it.
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Mary (Anthony) Boyd My sincere sympathy to your entire family. Dr. Dimock was our family doctor while I was growing up in Blacks Harbour. Helped remove my tonsils at five after a one day delay because I had hidden chips under my pillow and was eating them when he came to get me! He was not too happy with the nurses that day. He was more than kind making house calls when I was sick as a child, and to my mother also. A much loved and respected doctor.
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Mayor Terry James So many in our community remember Dr. Dimock and how he was instrumental in getting our community its own hospital. He definitely helped to build our community and his kindness, skills, and wonderfully warm beside manner is remembered to this day. The citizens of the Village of Blacks Harbour offer our heartfelt condolences.
Mayor Terry James
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Kathleen Richard Dr.Dimock took my tonsils out in the old Blacks Harbour Hospital, I was 6 years old at the time but it seems like yesterday, I remember him well and only have high praise for him. My condolences to the Family. Ian Kathleen Richard from Pennfield N.B.
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Phillip Justaspn Dr. Dimock was our family doctor in Black’s Harbour for years. Condolences to the family, sorry for your loss.
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Elaine McComiskey Deepest sympathies to the family. While in Blacks Dr. Dimock helped deliver my brother Gordon McGarrigle, who was named after the doctor.
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Bernice Vautour So very sorry for the loss of Dr Dimock. Sending my condolences. From Bernice Vautour. Blacks Harbour. N B.
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Gloria Steenbergen and the Sigurdson family. Dr.Dimock was my moms family doctor. He always took great care of her.He made house calls on occasion to see mom. My family had the highest respect for Him. We are sorry for your loss.
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Fred Brennan Please accept my most sincere condolences on your Dads passing.He was a great man and Dr. and growing up in Blacks Harbour the son of John and Martina Brennan, his name rang through our household many a time as being the greatest Dr. to ever practice in Blacks Harbour or anywhere for that matter!! I myself have my own fond memories of your dad from my first stitches to removing two wisdom teeth. Remember as well when I got my tonsils out and he and Dr. Cho having me guess who was who in the O R so I would calm down. Lastly, I cant help but notice he passed on 58 years to the day after he brought me into this world at the Fundy Hospital in Blacks Harbour. RIP Dr. Dimock.
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Louise McDonald So difficult to accept the loss of this lovely man. But I am grateful to have known him as my wonderful uncle and my mother’s beloved brother.
Condolences, prayers and blessings, especially to Danny and Cathy. I have fond childhood ‘patient’ memories of “Dr. Dimock”, remember him as a big, yet gentle man.