MIKE DICKSON 30.11.1948 - 21.3.2016
Although it was well known that Mike had been in indifferent health for some time, the news of his death was unexpected.
Michael Ian Ross Dickson had shown particular proficiency at golf and hockey at Glenalmond College. When he left there in the mid 1960's to embark on a career in chartered accountancy in Glasgow his talents as a speedy, skilful right winger were quickly appreciated when he joined Western. However, it was in his academic year 1968-69 that he really came to prominence in the Glasgow University team, gaining selection for Scottish Universities and, later, British Universities.
His progress was unfortunately hindered by a severe bout of glandular fever in 1969/70 which required a lengthy spell in hospital, and while he was a first team regular for six or seven seasons and represented the West District on many occasions, he did not quite fulfil his early potential.
Recollections of Mike's playing style by his team-mates frequently described it as 'rumbustious'. He took the shortest route from A to B, and hell mend any opponent who happened to be in the way. This strategy was maybe influenced by a major visual deficit in one eye. Martin Kemp, in a previous newsletter, recalled a cup match against Glasgow Indians where he terrorised a hapless half back nicknamed Spider with a combination of pace, panache and brutality for 10 minutes, whereupon Spider sensibly took refuge in a more remote part of the pitch and left his colleagues to deal with the tornado.
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Mike was a member of two league-winning sides in the early 70's, and served as hockey club secretary for a spell. However, his real sporting love was golf. As well as being a member of the R&A, he was a very active member of both the Prestwick and Elie clubs. At the thanksgiving service at Upper Largo generous tributes were paid to the time and energy he committed to the running of these clubs, despite having to contend with a variety of physical problems. A club man through and through, we can say confidently that he left his mark. He would have been proud of the presence of several WHC club ties at his funeral.