Lewis Edward Dickinson
Nov 29, 1931 -
Apr 30, 2026
Lewis Edward Dickinson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, engineer, pilot, adventurer, philanthropist and longtime Alaskan, passed away peacefully at the age of 94. Born on Nov. 29, 1931, in Bismarck, N.D., to Reverend Lewis and Blanche Dickinson, Lew grew up during the Depression years living in several small North Dakota towns as his father served Methodist churches.
Inspired by books about the Arctic, he declared at age 12 that he would someday move to Alaska, become an engineer, learn to fly and live on a lake. Despite humble beginnings without running water or modern conveniences, Lew's determination never wavered. He worked on farms throughout his youth, milking cows, hauling grain, driving heavy equipment and delivering newspapers. Those early experiences shaped the strong work ethic and resilience that guided him throughout life.
Lew attended Greenville College in Illinois before earning his civil engineering degree from the University of Washington in 1954. While putting himself through school, he worked a variety of jobs, including loading railcars and assisting with Boeing B-52 wind tunnel testing. His dream of living in Alaska became reality when he traveled to Fairbanks for engineering work with R.W. Beck and Associates. In 1956, after serving in the U.S. Army at Fort Richardson, he earned his pilot's license in five weeks under the GI Bill.
In 1955, Lew met Jacqueline Flachbarth at a picnic in Anchorage, Alaska, and often referred to her as "this good-looking girl." They married on Feb. 24, 1956, beginning a loving partnership that spanned 63 years and was filled with adventure, family and shared accomplishments.
Lew built an extraordinary professional career in Alaska. He worked at the City of Anchorage as a civil engineer. In 1962, he co-founded Dickinson and Oswald Consulting Engineers, later known as DOWL Engineers, a company that helped shape modern Anchorage, particularly during reconstruction following the 1964 earthquake. Lew retired from DOWL in 1987, but remained active in development and business ventures with Anchorage Sand & Gravel and Rock Partners.
Lew also embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He hunted polar bears and walrus in the Arctic, piloted small planes across North America, climbed mountains in Nepal, floated the Yukon River and the Grand Canyon, traveled the world with Jackie and spent countless days in Alaska fishing, skiing, hunting and gold mining.
Lew and Jackie built three homes together and, in 1969, Lew fulfilled his childhood dream by building their family home on Campbell Lake, where they raised their children, Luke and Jenny. Later in life, they split their time between their cabin in Seldovia and Kona, forming many treasured friendships.
Lew was known for his kindness, wisdom, generosity, humility and adventurous spirit. Friends often marveled at how much he accomplished in one lifetime. Lew simply described himself best: "I'm a do-er." Despite his many achievements, he remained humble and compassionate, often referring to himself as "Lucky Lew."
Faith remained central throughout Lew's life. Deeply connected to the Methodist Church, where both his father and brother, Paul, served as ministers, he was active in church and community service wherever he lived. He believed strongly in helping others and quietly supported many charitable causes.
Lew was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jackie; brother, Paul Dickinson; and sister, Mary Nordmark. He is survived by his son, Luke Dickinson; daughter, Jenny Hand; son-in-law, Keith Hand; and grandchildren, Hailey and Carson Hand. His family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care he received from his caregiver and friend, Sharon Ameline, Baxter Senior Living and Ancora Hospice.
A memorial service will be held at St. John United Methodist Church on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 5 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at Fox Hollow Lodge. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Anchorage Gospel Mission or Covenant House Alaska.
