Russell Llewelyn Dickin (24 May 1951 - 18 May 2021)

In loving memory of Russell Llewelyn Dickin who sadly passed away on 18th May 2021

Russell Llewelyn Dickin was born on the 24th May 1951 in Wrexham where he had a happy childhood living with his mother, Eluned, father John and brother David. As a child Russell was a choir boy a fact that was often a point of mirth for his family when hearing him sing as an adult. Russell was an avid reader, a hobby he continued into his adulthood and his daughter Nella would regularly stock him up with books as presents on birthdays and at Christmas.

After leaving Yale Grammar School, Russell studied Creative Arts at Loughborough College for three years in preparation for his future career as a teacher. Here he met Hayden Dransfield a good friend with whom Russell kept in contact with until Hayden’s untimely death in 2012.

As a young man Russell had a real passion for cars and motorbikes. He loved motor biking and in later years became a member of a Youth Motorcycle Association a hobby he enjoyed for several years and he was elected as chairman from 1989 to 1992.

After graduating Russell taught Metalwork and Woodwork at Fairham school in Clifton before he was redeployed and he spent the majority of his teaching career at Bilborough Sixth Form College. It was at Bilborough where Russell and his wife Linda’s paths must unknowingly have first crossed. He taught Woodwork and Metalwork in the room below the Home Economics and Textile rooms where Linda was studying her A levels.

Russell had a rich and full life with family and friends. He always was keen to host celebrations with family and friends and was very much king of the barbecue during the warmer months.

Russell never lost his love for working with wood. Even though in his later career at Bilborough College he found himself teaching a myriad of subjects: IT, Maths, Technical Drawing, General Studies, Key Skills and Surveying, in his home life Russell dedicated himself to woodwork projects. He lovingly designed and built a Wendy House for Nella and Meri to play in. Anything that could not be purchased for the home or garden he would craft himself.

Russell was so proud to become a Grandad to Leo Nye Kirk born on the 14th March this year. He proclaimed he was a right bobby dazzler and loved him so much.

We will all miss a very talented and special man. It is sad that his grandson Leo only spent a short time with Russell nevertheless we are all so happy to have had the time we have spent together with him and his memory will remain with all of us for ever.