on 30 November we lost our dad — a truly great husband, dad, and grandad.

He was a proud Yorkshireman, with all the grit, stubbornness, and bloody-minded determination you’d expect. Family was always at the centre of his world — his absolute priority, no matter what.

He loved his sport. A massive Barnsley fan, he never missed a chance to remind us (and anyone nearby) that he knew better than the football manager. Saturdays were often spent shouting at the telly, convinced he could pick a better team and make smarter substitutions. Cricket and motor racing were passions too, and he could talk for hours about the matches, the drivers, and the thrill of competition.

Away from the pitch and the track, he was a keen gardener with a knack for making things grow. He didn’t just tend his own garden — he gave his time to the local park, volunteering to keep the grounds looking their best. He was so proud when he received the King’s Award for his work, which made us laugh because he’d spent years teaching us how utterly pointless the royals were .

He left school at 15, but that never stopped him being passionate about education, social justice, and equality of opportunity. A lifelong leftie, he believed in fairness and with our amazing Mum at his side, wanted to make sure their kids and grandkids had the chances they never had. He fought for those values with the same Yorkshire grit that defined him.

He also loved family celebrations — especially his birthday and Christmas, when he was at his happiest surrounded by everyone he loved.

And he had a mischievous streak: wrapping up a tin of engine grease for Paul who’d asked for the Grease soundtrack, or serving a plate of grass to his newly vegetarian daughter Angela. And every year, he made sure he had the last present to open — always stashing one away so he could finish Christmas on his own terms.

And then there were the dogs. He adored them, and they adored him back — though usually because he fed them sneaky treats and let them steal food from his plate. To him, they weren’t just pets, they were family too.

He taught us loyalty, hard work, and love. His stubborn streak gave him strength and character — and more than a few funny family debates.

Mum said it best: he did it his way. And that’s how we’ll remember him — a man who lived on his own terms, loved deeply, laughed often, and left us with stories we’ll be telling forever.

We’ll miss him more than words can say, but we’ll carry his spirit with us always. ❤️

A celebration of the life of Victor Dickinson will start with a parade through his beloved Wilthorpe Park where he was a founder volunteer with Friends of Wilthorpe Park- proudly helping them win numerous awards including a Kings Award (the MBE of volunteer groups). Buddy his dog who he loved as part of the family will lead the way.

Vic will be transported on his final journey in a hearse drawn by a Triumph Bonneville motorbike. He always loved his Triumph bike so this seemed the most fitting way to travel.

If you want to join us- we will arrive at the park -side entrance at 12 md Thursday 18th December 2025. Please park facing towards town on Huddersfield Road- ready to follow the bike as we leave and join his final inspection of the park.

We will then follow the Bike to Barnsley crematorium for a humanist celebration from 12.45.

His family would love you to join them for light refreshments at Spencer’s Arms, Cawthorne after the ceremony from 2pm.

Family flowers only please- donations to charity welcome - Mary has decided that any donations will be split between Local South Yorkshire dog rescue and the Friends of Wilthorpe Park - causes that meant so much to both Vic and herself.