Colleen Toms
BRANT NEWS

Clarence (C.J.) Dick left a lasting legacy of kind-heartedness everyone can learn from.

“He was such a good person,” said Pam Brown, area manager of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. “He taught us all a lot of lessons through his devotion to helping so many people. It is a great legacy to all of us, being kind to each other.”

Mr. Dick, affectionately known throughout the community as C.J., died on Sunday following a battle with cancer. He was 86.

Recognized for his tireless efforts to raise money for organizations including the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Brant Humane Society and Sunshine Foundation, Mr. Dick always had a quick smile and warm thank you for everyone who donated to his causes.

Mr. Dick spent much time in the lobbies of area businesses, including Shopper’s Drug Mart, Sobeys, Lynden Park Mall and anywhere else he could set up his table and donation jars.

“Overall, for heart and stroke, I’m sure he raised over $150,000,” Brown said. “C.J. Dick dedicated many years to fundraising to help so many people, so many that he would never even meet.”

Mr. Dick was named top national fundraiser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

In addition to taking pride in the amount of funds raised, Mr. Dick also enjoyed the social aspect of fundraising.

“He had no family and, you know, this was his reason to get up in the morning,” Brown said. “He loved people. A lot of people would stop and chat with him. That was his outing, that was his social life for sure.”

Mr. Dick was presented with a key to the city in 2010. He also had a park named after him.

“He was very, very proud of his park,” Brown said. “That was his favourite place to go and have a coffee. He always took special pride in knowing how the city took care of his park. And he was very proud of the key to the city.”

Mr. Dick also raised money to purchase automated external defibrillators for local agencies and apartment buildings.

His devotion to helping improve the lives of others will never be forgotten, Brown said.

“He was a kind, selfless gentleman who was compassionate to all,” she said.

A private funeral service is planned for 10 a.m. on Thursday at All Saints Anglican Church in Mt. Pleasant.