Richard George Wilson

Richard “Dick” was born on July 7, 1937 in Jamestown, NY to Willis and Jessie (Campbell) Wilson. Dick graduated from Westfield Academy & Central School (1955). Upon graduation he worked as an engineer on the New York State thruway. He went on to receive his Geology Degree from Marietta College in Ohio in 1960, and he was subsequently drafted into the military where he served as a Geology teacher for the U.S. Army. Upon leaving the military he worked for the U.S. Power Commission in Washington D.C. Following his father’s stroke, Dick returned to Westfield N.Y. to run his father’s business, Wilson Auto Parts. On June 11, 1966, he married Brenda Harriett Bowen. Dick returned to school and in 1967 he received his Bachelors of Education degree from SUNY Fredonia. He taught Geology and Physics at Falconer Central School while taking Advanced Geology courses at Arizona State University. In 1970 he received his Masters Degree in Geology from the University of Houston through the National Science Foundation. While teaching at Falconer Central School Dick served as Chief Negotiator for the teacher’s union. He later became the Teachers Union President. As President of Chautauqua County Teachers, he was instrumental in starting the Masters of Education program at Fredonia State for Chautauqua County teachers. He spent many long nights at Fredonia working towards his SDA and SAS School Administrators Degree. In 1982 he became the Junior High Principal at Falconer School and in 1986 he became the B.O.C.E.S. Summer School Principal. He served in both of these Principal roles until he retired in 2003.

Dick and Brenda raised three sons together, Timothy, Daniel and Michael. Dick had a passion for adventure and education. He also loved science. His wife, Brenda, has a love for U.S. History and taught at Washington Middle School in Jamestown. Dick and Brenda combined their passions and created an innovative education adventure. They bought a Winnebago, packed it with Junior High School students and trailblazed summer vacations that focused on U.S. Historical Monuments and Western National Parks, while spring break trips focused on East Coast National Parks on the way to the Florida Keys. In 1980 he teamed up with Edinboro University Professor, Dr. Schneider and the National Science Foundation to create an extraordinary program. For the next 5 summers this team would lead a select group of U.S. High School Earth Science teachers westward into our country’s National Parks and teach the teachers about real world Geology and the Earth Science that sculpted its grand landscape.

Dick enjoyed black coffee with any meal. He could put peanut butter on any food. Sarsaparillas or chocolate milk were ideal rewards for a job well done. Fresh Florida orange juice was the only kind of orange juice to drink. He believed that orange drinks make you feel more refreshed. True to his auto parts family history, he loved classic cars and motorcycles, and enjoyed maintaining his original 1964 white convertible corvette and riding his Honda Gold Wing with the FL-2D and NY-U Chapter Clubs. He chose brain teasers over television. He was problem solver and a do-it-yourselfer who enjoyed fixing, tinkering and making things better around the home.

His memberships included Boy Scout Assistant Leader, Moose, Kiwanis, Rotary, Motorcycle Groups (FL-2D and NYS Ch U), Life Member of American Legion, member of War Vets Recreation, and Bemus Point United Methodist Church.

Dick enjoyed spending time with family, especially trail blazing the back country roads of the Western U.S. He liked hiking, boating, flying, exploring, spelunking and Geo-caching. He was a great thinker who enjoyed the challenge of the unknown and working out answers to problems.

Dick is survived by his wife of 52 years, Brenda; and his three children, Timothy (Amanda) and their children, Ally & Jonathon; Daniel (Jamie) and their children Riley, Reese and Raegan; and Michael (Sarah) and their children, Berkley, Cooper and Hayes. Also surviving is his brother, Ralph Wilson (Janice) and niece, Leslie McTavish (Victoria).

In addition to his father Willis and mother Jessie, he was preceded in death by a sister, Nancy McTavish.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 10th in the Lind Funeral Home, with Pastor Clyde Mohl officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 9th in the funeral home, and additionally from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday prior to the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, Dick has requested that donations be made to The Boy Scouts of America, Allegheny Highlands Council (Troop 137), P.O. Box 261, Falconer, NY 14733; or to a charity of your choice.

To leave a condolence for Dick’s family, please visit www.lindfuneralhome.com.