Lee R. Dick

Lee R. Dick

November 6, 1945 - March 19, 2023

Lee R. Dick, 77, of Scottsbluff, died unexpectedly Sunday, March 19, 2023, at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 23, 2023, at The Rock Church in Scottsbluff with Rev. Dr. Tyson Lambertson officiating. Cremation will follow. Visitation will be held from 2-5 p.m., Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Reverence Funeral Parlor in Scottsbluff. The service will be livestreamed and recorded to Lee’s obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com. Memorials may be made in Lee’s name to the Scottsbluff Public Schools Foundation or the Western Nebraska Community College Foundation to benefit students at ReConnect or those needing assistance in the WNCC Math Lab respectively.

Lee was born November 6, 1945, in Fairbury, Nebraska to Abe and Eleanor (Newcomb) Dick. He developed an admirable work ethic in his youth, working on ranches, helping in hay fields, and delivering newspapers. His family moved to various communities where Lee’s father was employed as a Superintendent. Lee graduated from Rock River High School in Rock River, Wyoming.

After his high school graduation, he attended the University of Wyoming on a basketball scholarship and later transferred to Chadron State College (CSC) where he continued playing basketball. He graduated from CSC with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968. Lee was a student at CSC when he met Bonnie Lou Johnson. The couple united in marriage on August 9, 1970, and welcomed two children, Tiffanie and Andrew.

Lee accepted his first teaching position with Morrill Public Schools, where he served students and families for the next 30 years as junior high math teacher, coach of many sports, and one year as Athletic Director. In addition to his work as an educator, Lee provided for his family working a short time at the sugar factory, roofing and painting houses off and on throughout the summer months, and then eventually he and Bonnie could be found selling fireworks on the hot summer days. However, his passion and true vocation was teaching. Lee received his Master of Science in Education degree from CSC in 1974. He was selected as the Activities Director for Scottsbluff Public Schools (SBPS) in 1999, a position he proudly held for 13 years, until his retirement in 2012. In 2008, he was recognized as the District VI Administrator of the Year. Lee’s work as a lifelong educator did not end with his retirement. After retirement, and up until his passing, he tutored in the Math Lab at Western Nebraska Community College, taught at ReConnect in SBPS, as well as substitute taught.

Lee dedicated his life to serving others, inspiring a multitude of young lives throughout his 43 plus years in education. Lee was a tireless worker and constantly looked for ways to give of his abilities. He stepped up whenever needed and, in any capacity, to help students achieve their goals.  He was known to referee countless volleyball games in addition to his regular responsibilities as a teacher and could be found on the court officiating even as recent as the 2022 fall high school sports season. Lee was always eager to support students and advocate for their needs, especially those who were disadvantaged. He was kind, and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to keeping students’ best interests at heart.

Not only was Lee a leader at the schools where he worked, he was a leader in his family life. He cherished family time and made many memories while attending his children and grandchildren’s school events and sporting activities. Lee also enjoyed spending time gardening in his backyard and on his small farm outside of Scottsbluff, where he planted numerous trees and built a trout hatchery on Nine Mile Creek. Lee and Bonnie shared a wonderful life together enjoying annual trips to various parts of Mexico, regularly attending Scottsbluff High School and WNCC sporting events, and taking trips to Prairie Winds Casino.

Lee will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years, Bonnie Dick of Scottsbluff; children, Tiffanie Taylor (Mike) of Scottsbluff and Dr. Andrew Dick (Shana) of Scottsbluff; grandchildren, Olivia Taylor of Scottsbluff, Jadyn and Jaxton Dick of Scottsbluff, and Tristan Donelson (Olivia) and their son, Archie, of Colorado; brother, Bill Dick (Ricke) of Lincoln, NE; sister, Nancy Ellis (Marty) of Colorado; sister-in-law, Sandy Johnson of O’Neill, NE; brothers-in-law, Marvin Johnson (Chris) of Grand Island and Fred Pinkerton (Catherine) of Michigan; along with many other extended family members and a host of friends.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Abe and Eleanor; and sister, Barbara Pinkerton.