Charles Dibble

Charlie loved the farm. It was here he felt at peace as he walked the ten acres of property in Vicksburg, Michigan and tended to the animals and wildlife. Some days he spent in the garden meticulously planting seeds that would bring harvest in the fall. The farm was his pride and joy --and yet so much like him: quiet, natural and unassuming.

Charles W. Dibble was born on January 27, 1941 in Kalamazoo. The year of his birth brought major historical moments in American history. On December 7, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor drawing the United States into the world war. The U.S. Treasury first began to sell Liberty Bonds to raise funds for the World War II effort and the famous “Let Us Now Praise Famous Men” book about Depression-era farmers was published.

Charlie’s life was spent in Vicksburg where he grew up and remained until his passing. His childhood pastimes included fishing and going on camping trips with his father and many of his friends. He took a lot of pleasure in the lazy summer days of playing baseball with his neighborhood friends. In 1959 he graduated from Vicksburg High School and joined the United States Navy the following year. He spent four years serving his country as a maintenance crew technician on an airplane that flew all over the world. However, after his discharge, Charlie returned to the sleepy town of Vicksburg where he loved the people and the countryside. He went to work for Simpson Paper Company and later took a job with General Motors where he retired in 1992.

Although Charlie was a quiet man who kept to himself, he had many things in life that he was passionate about: his kids, his trucks, nature and animals, deer hunting and Country Western Music. His best friend was without a doubt, GI, his faithful Rottweiller. As with some introverted men, Charlie may not have been able to express his feelings well, but everyone knew that he had a kind heart and tried to live life the best way he knew how. If there is one word to describe this man it is independent. During his recent illness, he was adamant about wanting to have his dignity maintained as he reluctantly became dependent on others for his care. His time as a patient at Rose Arbor Hospice allowed him to maintain that dignity.

Charlie will be missed but remembered in the quiet walks through nature, the bark of a faithful dog and during the farmer’s harvest, when all the seeds planted with faith grow into food that feeds the body and heart.

Charles W. Dibble died Thursday, October 30, 2003 at Rose Arbor Hospice. He was preceded in death by his father Elwood Dibble. Members of his family include his mother Betty Dibble, sister Doreen (Bill) Swim, brother Gary (Mary) Yerden, three sons, Jassen (Priscilla) Dibble, Andy Dibble and Tyler Dibble and ten grandchildren. Friends may spend time with his family Sunday from 2 pm to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren Funeral Home Vicksburg Chapel where funeral services will be held Monday at 11 a.m.

He will be buried with Military Honors in Vicksburg Cemetery. Please visit Charlie’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his life story, share a memory, order flowers or make a memorial donation online to Hospice of Southwest Michigan.

As Billy Graham once said, Love is to the heart what the summer is to the farmer’s year. It brings to harvest all the loveliest flowers of the soul. There will always be a bouquet of love for Charlie in his loved one’s hearts.