The late Denis Dick was a member of a pioneering family of the Hastings.
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Denis, born in Port Macquarie, shared his grandfather Walter Vivian Dick's birthday.
His parents were Rennie and Gladys Dick and he had four siblings - Des, Brian, Barry and Julie.
Most of Denis' happy times during childhood were spent with his father and grandpop at Limeburners Creek where they fished, shot ducks and grew oysters.
They would go up to the lagoon and onto the beach to catch bream for a feed.
Denis grew up and went to school in Port Macquarie.
He married Carmel in 1960 and they had three children - Jenny, John and Terry.
The family grew to include seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Denis was particularly proud of his children who have all achieved in their careers and life in general.
Denis spent his working life with the Forestry Commission, starting out as an apprentice engineer in the workshop at Wauchope during which time he won two apprentice of the year awards.
He moved from plant fitter to chief plant (machinery) inspector which involved designing plant applications and quality control on all machinery from chainsaws to D8 tractors.
Denis' career included managing workshops in Bulahdelah, Bathurst, Baradine, Batemans Bay and then back to Sydney.
Denis retired from his job of 34 years after a bout with lung cancer.
Athletics and surf lifesaving were Denis' interests away from work.
He ran many long distance events and was a state-level race walker.
Denis carried the Olympic Torch in the 1956 Torch Relay.
He joined Port Macquarie Surf Lifesaving Club where he patrolled and rowed surfboats.
He also joined the Batemans Bay Surf Lifesaving Club and the Far South Coast Branch, and was involved in introducing IRBs to the Far South Coast.
Denis was an instructor and examiner and worked at most IRB carnivals in the state, while as an accredited official with Surf Life Saving Australia worked at carnivals all over Australia.
Denis did his National Service training at Wacol in 1958 and his CMF (Citizen Military Forces) service from Port Macquarie.
He was a foundation member of the Port Macquarie Sub-branch of the Nashos.
Denis and Carmel retired to Port Macquarie in 1992 and enjoyed travelling around Australia and overseas and renewing acquaintances with old friends.
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