Barrie Dickinson

Barrie Dickinson, age 79, passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2018 at INOVA Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, VA. He was born on August 13, 1938 to the late William and Lilly (Hogarth) Dickinson. Barrie Dickinson, the son of an English Ship Builder and one of seven brothers, grew up in Barlby, Yorkshire, England. At the age of 15, on a school bus, Barrie met Beryl Coultish, then age 12. Little did young Barrie realize at the time that Beryl would later become his wife of 52 years. 12 Years later Barrie had a failed marriage proposal to Beryl as he decided proposing in a car after a few drinks was a good idea. Beryl disagreed. So a few months later Barrie stepped up his game and flew Beryl to Singapore where they were married. At the age of 17, Barrie joined the Royal Air Force where he served for 25 years until his retirement. Immediately following his retirement from the Royal Air Force, Barrie joined the British Foreign Office where he served as a British Diplomat for another 25 years. During his two careers, Barrie and his wife Beryl lived in many locations to include York, Ankara, Havana, Moscow, Beijing, Shape, Belgrade, Budapest, Lagos, Aden, Tel Aviv, Singapore, Tokyo, Dublin, Hong Kong, and Gutersloh among many others. After 50 years of government service, Barrie and Beryl moved to Lexington, VA where they opened an English Bed & Breakfast, The Blacksmith Inn, which they ran for 8 years. Notably The Blacksmith Inn had over 50 reviews on Trip Advisor and every single review was 5 Stars. During this time, Barrie and Beryl naturalized and became proud U.S. Citizens. After 8 years Barrie and Beryl sold the Bed & Breakfast and moved to Haymarket, VA to be near their daughter, Nicola. Immediately after moving to Haymarket, at over 70 years old, Barrie applied to be a Bus Attendant for the Prince William County School District. Barrie’s final career was riding a special school bus as an attendant for Special Needs children. Even after being diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, Barrie continued to work full time until just a couple of weeks prior to his death. He truly loved his work at PWCS and with these special children. Predeceased by his parents; four brothers and one sister. Survivors include his loving wife Beryl Dickinson of Broad Run, VA; one son: Nigel Alec Dickinson and wife Peggy Ioselli of Port St. Lucie, FL; one daughter: Nicola Margaret Dickinson and husband Mark Taylor of Broad Run, VA; two brothers; John and Martin; three grandchildren: Gabriella Margaret Dickinson, Liam Charles Dickinson and Aaron Dickinson; one step grandson: Clint Aaron Taylor. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 10:00 AM at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, VA. The family will receive friends from 9:00 AM -10:00 AM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: www.horsesforheroes.org Condolences may be sent to: www.piercefh.com

Barrie Dickinson

August 13, 1938 - January 14, 2018