Ajax mourns 35-year public servant, former MPP Joe Dickson
Published April 8, 2022 at 2:53 pm
The town of Ajax is mourning one of its most committed public servants today after the death of Joe Dickson, known as Mr. Ajax, a longtime town councillor who made the jump to Queen’s Park as Ajax-Pickering MPP.
Dickson, born and raised in Ajax, founded Dickson Printing Ltd in 1969 and ran the business until he entered the political arena.
Ajax lost a titan.
Joe Dickson will always be remembered as "Mr. Ajax". A warm presence at events, an unstoppable force for constituents, Joe embodied what it meant to be a leader in Ajax.
My family and I send our most heartfelt condolences to the Dickson family. pic.twitter.com/ZFdsR4CWxs
— Sterling Lee – Ajax Ward 2 Regional Councillor (@yourvoice4ajax) April 8, 2022
Dickson Printing mostly launched printed business cards, but has grown into a full printing operation including digital print using Xerox printers. The business Dickson built won 17 straight Reader’s Choice awards for Best Printing Company.
Through his business, Dickson sponsored 22 little league sports teams and “countless” local organizations.
After first serving as a Catholic District School Board trustee, Dickson ran for town council in 1983. He went on to serve two consecutive terms until 1990. A two-year break later, Dickson returned to town hall from 1992 to 2006.
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Joe Dickson, a passionate and dedicated voice for the Ajax community for over 30 years. My deepest condolences to his wife Donna, their children and families. Joe, we will deeply miss you. pic.twitter.com/q7re4KMl1R
— Mark Holland (@markhollandlib) April 8, 2022
Following an unsuccessful run in 1995, Dickson again tried his hand at provincial politics and ran for the then-newly created Ajax-Pickering seat in 2007 as a Liberal. This time he swept into office with nearly 50 per cent of the vote.
The riding maintained its support for Dickson through two more elections in 2011 and 2014. Dickson’s vote share stayed level throughout at around 50 per cent.
In addition to representing Ajax, Dickson served as Deputy Government Whip from 2007 to 2011. He went on to serve in the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration from 2013 to 2014, and the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines from 2014 to 2018 as a parliamentary assistant.
Such sad news today, former MPP Joe Dickson past away yesterday.
Affectionately named Mr Ajax by all who knew him.
Thank you for your years of service, we love you Joe pic.twitter.com/vMC1uygQmc
— Regional Coun.MarilynCrawford (@CllrMCrawford) April 8, 2022
For his service, Canada’s Governor General honoured Dickson with both the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. The Jubilee Medals are awarded “for outstanding achievement or public service in Canada.”
As the town’s population grew, Ajax was separated into its own riding for the 2018 election. Ontarians had tired of 15 years of Liberal domination of Queen’s Park, and a Progressive Conservative majority swept into office.
We are saddened to hear of the passing of former Ajax Councillor & Ajax-Pickering MPP, Joe Dickson, who served his community with unwavering dedication. On behalf of the City, Mayor Ryan & Council extend their condolences to Joe Dickson’s loved ones. You will be missed, Mr. Ajax pic.twitter.com/obQ4tMJ9lG
— City of Pickering (@CityofPickering) April 7, 2022
Not even Mr. Ajax could withstand the incoming blue wave. Only seven of his Liberal colleagues managed to hold their seats, losing official party status. In Durham Region, the only PC loss was in Oshawa.
Without Dickson at the helm, the Ajax seat at Queen’s Park was soon marred by controversy.
His successor, Rod Phillips, emerged as a rising star in the Ford Government serving as Environment Minister and Finance Minister. However, controversy erupted when Philips travelled abroad during the COVID-19 lockdown. Philips went on to resign two different cabinet portfolios and finally his seat at Queen’s Park.
Filled for over ten years by Dickson and a little over three by Phillips, the town’s seat is now empty.
We're sad to hear of the passing of former Ajax-Pickering MPP and Ajax councillor and regional councillor, Joe Dickson. Joe was a great supporter of Lakeridge Health, especially Ajax Pickering Hospital and the @aphfoundation1. Our deepest condolences to the Dickson family. pic.twitter.com/6mejF4gSSS
— Lakeridge Health (@LakeridgeHealth) April 8, 2022
Meanwhile, Dickson returned to Dickson Printing as President, spending his time with his wife Donna, two children and five grandchildren. He died on April 7 at age 82.
The town now mourns the man who served it for 35 years. A book of condolence rests in town hall for residents to sign in memory of Dickson. The flags of the building Dickson worked in for over two decades will fly at half-mast to honor his funeral.
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my friend and former colleague, Joe Dickson. Lovingly called "Mr. Ajax", Joe had an unwavering love for his family, and the people of Ajax-Pickering, whom he proudly served as MPP. My thoughts are with the Dickson family.
— Steven Del Duca (@StevenDelDuca) April 7, 2022
Mayor Shaun Collier, served on town council alongside Dickson from 2003 to 2006, said, “On behalf of Ajax Council, I want to express the deepest condolences to Joe’s wife Donna, their children, grandchildren, and many friends.”
“Joe was passionate about public service, politics, and the success of the community he loved.” Collier concluded, “He will be well remembered for his many contributions to our town.”
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