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North State Remembers Dick Dickerson

Friend. Mentor. Leader. These were some of the words used to describe one of Shasta County’s elder statesmen as he was eulogized at the Elks Lodge in Redding Sunday afternoon. North State Public Radio’s Kelly Frost has more from the memorial service of Dick Dickerson.

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Dickerson, who served in the State Assembly, the Shasta County Board of Supervisors, and on the Redding City Council — including a term as Mayor — was remembered for his sense of humor. At six foot two, many described him as a “gentle giant” who could reach across the aisle – politically speaking – and do the right thing, no matter the consequences. Former Redding City Manager Mike Warren who emceed the event says Dickerson’s three years in the army was what really shaped him and made him who he was.

Mike Warren: “In the army was where he realized that you treat people with respect they’ll follow you. My goodness both as a working and a friend he was so respectful of everybody. I don’t remember him saying an unkind word about anybody.”

Another word tossed about at the gathering was “hero,” which Warren says he does not take lightly.

Warren: “Just the way he was, it’s not about a particular issue that he championed or what not. The way he was as a person, is an example for all of us.”

Dickerson began his career as a law enforcement officer in Riverside before going to work for the Department of Justice. He came to Shasta County in 1986 to organize the Shasta County Interagency Narcotics Task Force before beginning his life in politics in 1993. Dick Dickerson passed away on September 29th at the age of 77.  

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