Gary Alan Dimmick
August 1, 1952 - July 20, 2023
IN THE CARE OF
Gary Alan Dimmick, 70, died at Abbotswood in Greensboro, NC on July 20. A 1974 Lehigh University graduate, he moved to NC in order to work for HUD. After working as a HUD Field Representative, Gary took a sabbatical to go back to nature and emulate his early hero, Henry David Thoreau. He built a rustic shelter in his beloved Blue Ridge meadow and lived a simple life on the land. On returning to HUD, and gainful employment, he and his wife hand-built a stone and log house. Gary’s lifelong housebuilding and carpentry experiences added an insightful dimension to his work at HUD. He retired on December 31, 2015, as Director, Office of Community Planning & Development, NC Field Office, US Department of Housing & Urban Development.
Gary was known for his curiosity, humor, and wide-ranging skills. He created authentic bentwood drawshave chairs and built a harpsichord for his wife. He enjoyed cooking, baking pies and bread, and brewing ales and beer. He distilled moonshine (once). He played trombone in a Moravian trombone choir, and with his son built a trebuchet. Gary was part of a world-wide community of people with Parkinson’s Disease who participate in Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s, as well as the Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery exercise program. He and his wife shared their love of nature with their grandchildren, for whom Gary often made magically comforting pancakes.
Gary is survived by his wife of 42 years, Cleo Nikora Dimmick, by son Fields and Cherie (Nunley) Dimmick; granddaughters Lucy Anne, Anna Beth, and Elin Rose all of Greensboro; brother Ray and Gayle (Stevens) Dimmick of Bethlehem PA; and sister Barbara Dimmick of Scottsville NY.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of Gary to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Greensboro, 3826 West Gate City Boulevard, Greensboro, NC 27407 https://habitatgreensboro.org/give/
A Celebration of Gary's life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel, 515 North Elm Street, Greensboro, NC. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com for the Dimmick family.
NCCDA would like to offer their deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Dimmick and the HUD office personnel.
