OBITUARIES

from Anna Maria Island Sun April 12, 2023

Honesty is such a lonely word

Don Dickson

Don Dickson passed over to the realm of infinite unknown possibilities on Jan. 8, 2023 at age 71 after a long illness. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Don received training at age 16 to become a fireman/oiler and at 17 sailed out of Oakland on a merchant victory ship to deliver supplies to Vietnam. After several repeat trips, he then sailed to other Pacific ports and Europe. At age 21 he began working on the Mississippi River on tugs and pushboats, earning his captain's license for inland waters and western rivers, and ultimately a license as ocean captain. Delivering grain and construction supplies, he sailed to Honduras, Belize, Mexico and many Caribbean islands, including Barbados. In St. Croix, he docked ships for a period.

He moved with his wife, Peggy, to Anna Maria Island, Florida in 1978, then to Cortez where they raised son, Lee. Known locally as “Commodore,” Don loved to cook and “get his hands in the dirt” to grow things. Before fatherhood, in his off time, he loved VW buses, motorcycles, shooting pool and Jamaican rum. He was known by all for his N'Awlins accent, non-stop humor and fantastic wild stories, most of which were true! He spoke easily upon meeting new people, and often was described as

“one in a million.” In various times of life, he was tagged with colorful nicknames: “Witchdoctor,” “Deadman,” “Speedball,” “Rat-o Donzi,” “Commodore,” “Pop,” and more. After becoming a father, he took up camping with Lee (which he loved), became a school volunteer and a cook for fundraisers at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Bradenton. He beamed with pride over his son. He always loved dogs, and tolerated cats.

Don is survived by Peggy, his wife of 46 years; son, Lee (Mia); dancing granddaughter, Amelia; lap-buddy, Roscoe; and loving in-laws, Kathy Morrison and Tim Murtha. Along with countless cherished friends, including greatest neighbors ever, Wes and Chris, Don is also survived by brother, Tom; fav Uncle Bob (Nelda) Lee; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. Don was especially thankful for his wonderful cousins, Janet and Bob Borders in Slidell, Louisiana for opening their home to Don's mom, Aunt Fran, for over a decade where she was surrounded with love. Don is predeceased by his mother, Francis Lee Havers; father, Thomas L. Dickson, aunt, Margaret Lee; and good friend and motherin-law, Ellen Murtha.

Don requested, and the family thanks, Tidewell Hospice for humane in-home care. And Don was fond of and ever thankful for the compassionate doctors and their staff who cared for him over decades, Drs. Anthony Pizzo, John Peters, Robert Ycaza and J. Ken Head.

The family will hold a private celebration of life for the amazing Pop.

Betty Ruth Beall Szymanski Garver

Betty Ruth Beall Szymanski Garver, 98, of Bradenton, passed away on March 21, 2023, at Freedom Village in Bradenton, Florida.

Betty was born to Robert and Florence (Ruffin) Beall on Sept. 6, 1924 in Bradenton, Florida. She was gifted intellectually and grew up only a few blocks from the downtown Bradenton Carnegie Library. She graduated as class valedictorian from Bradenton (now Manatee) High School in Bradenton in 1941. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the Florida State College for Women (now Florida State University) in Tallahassee in 1945. She then achieved a Master of Science degree in physiology from the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York in 1947. She enjoyed a long career in medical technology including developing a college degree program for medical technology in conjunction with Murray State University. She married Thaddeus Szymanski at a Unitarian Church in Denver, Colorado on June 11, 1949. They were married for 56 years until his death in 2005. Betty and Thad had two boys, Conrad (1952) and Mark (1961). She was a devoted wife and mother. She married George Garver in 2008 and they were married for 10 years before his passing in 2018. In her second marriage, Betty gained five stepchildren, Dori, Phil, Paul, Donna and Georgeanne. She was most recently a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Holmes Beach, Florida, and has been a resident of Freedom Village for the past 21 years.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents; and both of her brothers, Robert Beall and Egbert Beall. In addition to her sons, Conrad and Mark, she is survived by her four grandchildren, Geoffrey Szymanski, Stephen Szymanski, Sarah Szymanski Horn and Emily Szymanski; and four greatgrandchildren; Ryan Szymanski, Sidney Szymanski, Leo Horn and Thad Horn (expected to arrive in April 2023.)

A Celebration of Life will be held at Freedom Village, 6501 17th Ave. W., Bradenton, Florida on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 10 a.m., with a reception to follow.