J. “Ben” Benjamin Dick

Date of Death: August 29, 2015

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visitation

Location Not Available

Thursday 9/10, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

At the family’s home “Selma”

514 Amherst Street

Winchester, Virginia

service

Location Not Available

Friday 9/11, 2:00 pm

cemetery

Mt. Hebron Cemetery

305 E Boscawen St

Winchester, VA 22601

Friday 9/11

Reception and Celebration of Life to follow Interment

at the family’s home “Selma”

514 Amherst Street

Winchester, Virginia

James Benjamin Dick, a native to Winchester and the Blue Ridge and longtime Charlottesville resident, passed away in the early morning of Saturday, August 29th 2015, at his beloved family home in Winchester. Ben, as family and friends knew him, was born in Winchester, VA on November 6, 1947, to Charles Hoover Dick and Lucile Webber Dick, the fourth of seven children.

He was a precocious and charismatic child and teen, graduating from Handley High School Class of ‘66 as the student body president and a varsity basketball and track star. He attended the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature. He excelled in track and field and graduated in 1970 as president of his class and as a commissioned officer in the Army. He served his country in the Army Intelligence Branch. After leaving the military with an honorable discharge, Ben committed to Law School at the TC Williams School of Law in Richmond, VA where he received a Juris Doctorate. He also studied abroad at Oxford.

Ben practiced law in Charlottesville and Winchester over the next forty years with great success and influence, proudly reaching the Virginia Supreme Court in one case. He was known to represent the underdog and often did so out of the kindness of his heart or through a gentleman’s trade. Ben also helped establish and grow the Foxfield Racing Association in Charlottesville and acted as its President for over thirty years until his death.

Ben was married to Darlene Ayars from 1982-1992 and had two children, Brittany Leigh Dick and Benjamin Tyler Dick. He was a loving and caring father who delighted in making things educational and magical for his children. Family and friends alike adored him. He was known as an energetic, fun loving man who was always the life of the party. An active birdwatcher and avid reader, Benjamin Dick took pride in appreciating the simple things in life. He took that appreciation and shared it with those he loved and those around him in a grand expression of a unique celebration of life. He loved everything Virginia and was deeply driven to self-educate in all things historical, particularly his interest in the Civil War. Ben Dick was the epitome of class with the perfect dash of fun. He was known to be silly and outspoken. He was highly informed on all political issues and read endless books on all the presidents of our nation.

He was a scholar and an incredibly brilliant man. He was well known as a master storyteller and for his generosity, charisma, and tenacity. He was authentic and loved to see others be the same. He will often be remembered donning a Stetson cowboy hat with a cigar in his mouth and a twinkle in his eye

His loving children Leigh Dick and Tyler Dick survive him, as well as their half-sister, Grace Feazell, who always called him “Uncle Ben.” He is also survived by his siblings Greg Dick, John Dick and his wife, Sally, Anne Clare Morrison, Celia Burton and her husband Neil, and Thomas Dick and his wife Trish; his nephews, Matthew Dick and wife, Amber, Mark Dick and wife Karen, Luke Dick, Drew Turnbull and wife Katie, Christopher Turnbull and wife, Adelaide, Brooke Turnbull and wife, Amanda, Alec Morrison and wife, Jayne, Daniel Burton, Kyle Beck, and Brian Beck and wife, Anay; his nieces, Kathryn Dick, Sara Wright and husband, Andrew, Julia Caldwell and husband, Gabe, Leah Dick, Amy Dick, and Christine Quinn; his great aunt, Jane Dick Jolley, cousins, Martha Reese, Alson “Skip” H. Smith, III, and wife, Valeriya, Jeffrey Webber and wife, Pam, Vicky Webber and Jack Webber and wife, Laurie.

A wake will be held at Selma, the family home at 514 Amherst St. in Winchester, VA on Thursday, September 10, from 5:30-8:00 pm.

His funeral service will be held at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Winchester, VA at 2:00 pm on Friday, September 11.

This will be followed by a memorial celebration of life at his favorite place, “Selma,” from 4:00 pm to sundown. This celebration will be potluck style. Side dishes are welcomed and appreciated. Benjamin Dick will be deeply missed but we will wish him a loving farewell in the midst of his favorite hour, twilight, and send him off with good music and a bang.

Flowers can be sent to 514 Amherst St., Winchester, VA, 22601. Donations can be made to the Tommy Dick, Jr. Cancer Foundation via GuideStar.org.

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Location Not Available

Thursday 9/10, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

At the family’s home “Selma”

514 Amherst Street

Winchester, Virginia

Send Flowers & Gifts

Location Not Available

Friday 9/11, 2:00 pm

Send Flowers & Gifts

Mt. Hebron Cemetery

305 E Boscawen St

Winchester, VA 22601

Map

Friday 9/11

Reception and Celebration of Life to follow Interment

at the family’s home “Selma”

514 Amherst Street

Winchester, Virginia

Send Flowers & Gifts

See Condolences

I was one of Ben’s roommates during our last years at VMI. He was always a friend, an optimist and above all else a principled idealist. As I look up at my wall I see the many photos of VMI and I remember the cool, crisp, clear days in the mountains of Lexington, and when I do think of my days at the VMI my thoughts always, fondly, include Ben. He would always talk about his many “ideals” and I always thought he was talking about his many “ideas”, but Ben was always an idealist. He was a light that seemed to shine for any good cause that could not find a home. He took me under his wing and was instrumental in me making it through VMI. He helped me “see the light” and become an English Major. His fondness and praise for Colonel Dillard was undeniably addictive. After graduation we went our separate ways, Ben to the Army and I married my long time sweetheart, Marty. Soon after his commitment to the military was up he entered T.C. Williams law school in Richmond, where Marty and I lived. Ben called me one day and we reconnected. It was a good time with many meals for the “poor” law student, also a quiet place to sleep in our first home. Marty would type many papers for Ben. We took random bike rides through the city, mostly by the river, even though now I can’t remember if it was many or just one. Whether many or just one it was always good being with the most important Brother Rat I had in our class. I have always considered Ben a great friend even though I had not talked with him in years. I always thought that once I retired I would be able to get back in touch. I know now that I will be able to catch up with him later, I am sure. I will sincerely miss knowing Ben is still among us, I will miss his light, his ideals, but know that I will see him again where the days are always cool, crisp and clear. Give ‘em hell Ben, God loves a good antagonist!

I convey this note with my heartfelt prayer, that Christ will continue to hold Ben and all his dear family (and my old friends) in his loving, joyful arms. Ben and I were at T.C. Williams together and I have an enduring memory of Ben's very unique and dogged determination as we sought to satisfy our law professors and fullfill the requirements to get our bar licenses. Ben and I also share a love for reading about each of our presidents. Pie Jesu.

Deepest condolences to Ben's family. A Brother Rat, a great Class President, and a classy guy.

Ben as one of your caregivers it has been a privilege to work with you.we will miss u and the stories u told.U have been a great friend as well as a client.the love u share with us of your family has shown such a wonderful bond u have with them.GO REST HIGH ON THAT MOUNTAIN BEN.FOR GOD HAS TRULY CALLED AN ANGEL HOME.YOU WILL BE IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER

This is sad news to me. One of the truly good things that happened to me at VMI was when Ben let me room with him our senior year. He was a very very kind person. His family will be in our prayers.

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

You will hear from a lot of Ben's VMI Brother Rats. His leadership and friendship meant so much to all of us, and we will be gathered in Lexington for our 45th reunion where the talk will frequently go to the subject of Ben Dick. He and I got into a lot of "interesting" situations as cadets during a turbulent time. Many, many memories!!

Love and prayers on the loss of Ben....We had some great times at VMI---we worked hard and played hard....we learned a lot to help us in life....We all went a long way from Stonewall jackson's saying on Jackson Arch, "You May Be Whatever You Resolve to Be..." We all learned Love and Respect and Loyalty...Remember the fun times and keep them in your memory....We will all meet in friendship again.....Bob Hawthorne

When Lt.Ben Dick was at Ft.LeavenworthKS,we had the pleasure of his visits especially since I am a VMI grad ,1963 and Carole and I grew up in Winchester/Handley.Many fond memories. Condolences to Anne Clare and the family.As an aside,when I was a first classman in 1963,my dyke was Sandy Morrison.God speed Ben. Carole and Rick Ward Salado,Texas 76571

Ben, What sad, sad news came to us on Saturday. Seeing your name is still hard to believe. Pals since elementary school and beyond. As a musician since 5th grade, we played together in many Handley High School Bands. Later, we formed a "rock-n-roll" band, with you on clarinet. Four of us in 8th grade. We were not very good, in spite of all that practice we did at Selma. (With your beloved mother always wanting to serve us something to eat, just so we'd stop playing.) Later (1965) starting a better band, we have pictures and memories of YOU always being there to cheer us on, having FUN. Since 2009, you have been at all of our 5-reunion engagements. There's another coming up Oct. 24, 2015--Winchester, at Lee-Jackson. There will be a clarinet on a stand, on the stage, just for you old friend. Your memory will be there with us all, sitting in and having a ball. Too many fond memories for this little space. Rest in Peace old friend. To my classmate, and bandmate. All our love, to you and your fabulous family. Gary McIntyre, drummer; MOD and the ROCKERS band

My deepest sympathy to Ben's family. He was a good friend to all, a great class president and most of all a good person. Rest in peace BR and know that you will be missed .

Ben was a outstanding individual and I'm glad to have known him. He represented our VMI Class and we couldn't have asked for a better leader. He was always friendly, kind and a great listener. His sense of humor will also be sorely missed. My condolences go out to his family and and friends. I know my life was been enriched with Knowing Ben.

Ben and I had several classes together at VMI our rat year. I remember discussing with him the significance of a man walking into a blue room (maybe red) -- as a math major I never understood and to this day, I do not have any blue or red rooms. When I finally settle in Charlottesville, Ben was the first BR that I met and I saw him often on the Charlottesville downtown mall, Fox Field, and even Sam's Club. He was always friendly, a great sense of humor and a great outlook on life. The VMI Class of 1970 will miss you.

We have lost a good friend and classmate today. I will always remember the fun times at Selma when Ben opened his home for our casual Friday night reunion get together for many years. Ben was a good friend of my brother, Charles. He said they enjoyed sharing many legal "war" stories and past escapades from high school. Ben was also a pallbearer at my brother's funeral and asked to give one of the eulogies. It was touching, and funny, and true to the legal profession--LONG! I laugh about that to this day!! We will miss you our friend. Carla

Condolences to the family. You will be missed BR.

My salute to our Brother Rat and Class President of the VMI Class of 1970. May God bless you and give you eternal peace. In the Spirit.....

My deepest sympathy on the loss of a very good man. Bob Costigan, Class of 1970

Ben was our Class President at VMI. Although his plate was full, being captain of the Indoor & Outdoor Track Team, on the CADET newspaper staff, and serving on many committees, he always offered a friendly ear to anyone who had a question, concern or just needed to talk. He was a true leader and a model VMI Cadet. The Class of 1970 has indeed lost a dear Brother Rat. Our condolences go out to his family and many friends.

We have been friends of the Dick family for many years. I first met all of them when Anne Clare invited me to Selma soon after we met in our seventh grade year. A wonderful family! Bill has forever memories of all the guys playing football and softball with Greg, John and Ben in the side yard at Selma. Ben was always able to hold his own against those older guys!

I loved him, very pure and simple I adored this man. I will miss him forever.

Ben's death is especially tragic for me, as not only were we in the same company at the Virginia Military Institute, but we were both on the Cross Country and Track teams. Ben was an outstanding runner, and likely had more guts and determination to win than any of us, even those who had more natural talent. I know his VMI record in the 1,000 yard run stood for many, many years after he graduated. He was also our Class President. He gave me lots of support and encouragement during my years at VMI, and I'll always appreciate and remember him for that. Rest in peace Brother Rat. Artie

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

Another CVille Icon has left us. Ben, I will miss you. You always had a smile for me . A real character I will never forget. Your love of music and Cville was strong. You will be missed. That stool at the C&O will always be yours. Dave get ready her comes Ben. I'm not ready yet, but I'll see you guys later.

Ben, can I just say something? Nobody had as much positive to say to me as you did. You and Dave WERE the C&O to me, and without you and Dave, I'm not sure if I'm alive. Thank you, Ben. And thanks for telling me about Patsy Cline kissing your cousin.

Fondly known at the C&O Restaurant as The Walrus of Law, Ben was funny "as a bastard" and "smart as whip". I remember several nights sitting next to him waiting for Dave to get off work and being not only entertained but charmed as well by his intelligence and wit. One evening he showed me a photo of himself when he was on a track team, UVa or high school, I don't recall, but he was All State so was also "fast as greased lightening". We will miss you dear Ben and your chair still stands for you at the bar of the C&O.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.