The Rocket

Issue date: 9/5/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Steve Reed Dr. Thomas Pearcy, a professor of history and friend of Dr. Dixon, talked to the crowd about memories he had with him. The room was filled with emotion, however the speakers lightened the mood with happy stories of Dixon.

On Sept. 4 during common hour, friends and family of Dr. David Dixon gathered in the University Union to remember and celebrate his life.

Dixon, 53, died July 16 due to a heart attack while bicycling in Virginia. A ceremony was held in the Multi-Purpose Room to recall his life.

Green ribbon pins were available for students and friends to wear in remembrance of Dixon.

In a letter written to those who attended the gathering, Dixon's wife of nine years, Amy, who was present at the ceremony, explained her sorrow of her husband's death and thanked the audience for coming.

"As we look around this room today, let us try not to focus upon all that we have a lost, but rather on the fact that each of us is connected, through our relationships with David," Amy Dixon said in the letter.

Amy Dixon, as well as several of the guest speakers, explained his love for the community, history, the campus and his students.

Dr. Larry Rotge, an associate professor of history, said Dixon had a hard time saying no to many things.

"He would always say yes when asked to give lectures or presentations," Rotge said. "Most importantly, he said yes to his students."

Rotge said that Dixon's death should remind everyone that the future is not for us to know and to honor the positive offers in life.

"He taught us that when opportunity and talents meet, we need to say yes just like he would," Rotge said.

Sidney Snyder, a close friend of Dixon's, talked about how Dixon was the person he shared everything in life with.

"There are many stories I could tell you about David," Snyder said. "Half of them are probably some that I shouldn't tell you."

Dr. Thomas Pearcy, a friend of Dixon and a professor of history at SRU, said knowing David helped him define the meaning of a friend.

Continued...

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