Louis Alton Dickinson, 78, of Vernon, Fla., died February 9, 2013. He loved and was loved by all and will be deeply missed.

Lou, born in Boothbay, attended the Boothbay schools, and the Maine Vocational Technical School in Portland.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the U.S. and Germany during the Korean War.After his service, he became a member of the space program and helped install the film cameras for the Gemini and Apollo space missions and received commendation for the Surveyor program. 

For 16 years he was a field engineer for Hughes Aircraft Company; spent 10 years with RCA as a program manager for rockets, drones and radar testing. He was a range communications program manager at Patrick Air Force Base for 17 years, leading the teams who gave the United States cable and fiber optics capability throughout the world. 

He moonlighted as a charter boat captain, real estate agent, and entrepreneur with J & L Marine Supply, Panama City, Fla. He was known as a consummate tinkerer in his shop where he could be found in any spare moment.

Lou found great enjoyment in the outdoors: hunting, fishing, golfing, camping, gardening, woodworking, baseball and football. He traveled through all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. However, Florida’s climate and white beaches called him to settle here by Holmes Creek for a well-earned retirement.

Lou was preceded in death by his parents, Alton H. and Lotta Hill Dickinson, and sister, Janice Parmenter.

He is survived by wife, Rhonda; daughters, Luanne, Sandra and Geri; his brother Fred; sister, Christine; grandchildren by Geri and son-in-law, Steven DiGeorgio, are Nicholas, Jessica, Matthew, Joshua and Benjamin; and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a family celebration at a later date. In lieu of flowers or donations, please add to your garden a favorite plant in his memory and honor.