Jeffrey Michael Dika
Jeffrey Michael Dika, resident of Edmonton, formerly of Rycroft and White Mountain, passed away on Thursday, October 6, 2022 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital at the age of 75 years.
Jeff was born in Sexsmith and raised in Rycroft. He completed his journeyman welder certification at NAIT and returned to Rycroft to work for Dika Construction. In 1979, he moved out to White Mountain to manage the Dika family farm, and remained there raising his family and farming “in God’s country” for 40 years. He moved to Lewis Estates Retirement Residence in Edmonton in 2019 to live near his children.
Jeff was a man of few words, some of them not fit for an obituary. Under a hard shell was a man who would help anyone in need and treated his friends like family. Over the years, he enjoyed ski trips, golf tournaments, wagon trail rides, and time with loved ones at “the hill”. He was a strong caregiver to his wife Linda during her final years.
He will be sadly missed by his children and their families: Sandra (Miguel Pando, Diego, Maya), Jodie Rajotte (Brian, Kiersten, Reaghan), and Chad (Nichol Sopkow, Jesse, Sydnee); his siblings: Greg (Diane), Mary (Eddie) Fisher; and in-laws: Trudy Dika, Hugh Readman, Larry Readman, and Wayne Readman.
He was predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Linda (Readman); his parents, Michael and Ellen; and brother Leslie.
In lieu of flowers, if you are so moved, please send donations to Colorectal Cancer Canada (www.colorectalcancercanada.
A memorial gathering will be held on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 from 1:30-4:30 PM at the Rycroft Community Hall (5208-47 Ave).
My sincere sympathy to the Dika family. I met Jeff & Linda (through Greg & Diane and their longtime friend, Wally Green, my companion). May memories of happy times comfort you in the days ahead…as Jeff & Linda “Rest In Peace” together once again.
Thank you for your expression of sympathy, Wendy. It was lovely to meet you up at the hill after the memorial gathering.
What a great man! I used to love having a beer with Jeff as a teenager in his shed while he welded and fixed the meyer farms equipment. Learned many tricks from him. A good friend of my dads too so I’m sure they will have some fun in heaven together! God Bless
Thank you for sharing those memories, Stefan! I know he considered your father a great friend.
My most heartfelt condolences to the Dika family. Jeff was a kind hearted man. Love to Jodie, Sandra, Chad and families. ♥️
Thank you for your wishes, Jenny
Sandra and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to the family, praying for peace❤️
Thank you my dear friend, I wish you could have met him
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Jeff’s family. Jeff was a life long friend of John’s and after we married we became good friends with Jeff and Linda. I babysat Sandra and Jodi and our two girls all being very close in age stayed friends to today. Lots of good times and with Jeff’s dad being related to John’s uncle , made us a little closer . We will miss you Jeff and now you are at peace in your forever Home with Linda by your side. RIP.
Thank you John and Lenore, so many wonderful memories over the years.
My condolences to Jeff’s family. I really liked Jeff, he was always so friendly to all of my family. Jeff and Linda were a great couple that left us too early.😢😢
Thank you for sharing your memories of mom and dad, Noreen
Our condolences on the passing of Jeff, a great guy who always had time for a friendly visit.May he rest peacefully with his beloved Linda.
Thank you for sharing your memory of visits with dad, Steve and Casey
So many memories of Jeff. From when I babysat Chad, Sandy and Jodie up to the gatherings at the cabin. He was so inappropriate at times but the grin he gave while doing it just made me laugh. Now he can eat all the banana cream pie he wants and argue with Auntie Norma for eternity. I will try very hard this day to say at least a few things to make people shake their head at me in his honour. Cheers Cuz.
Thanks, Arlene…lots of memories over the years and glad you will carry on the tradition of making people laugh
Dear Sandra and family:
Our deepest condolences from all your Colombian Family, we wish he Rest In Peace 🕊
Gracias, Tia Tata y familia…un abrazo
Our condolences to Jeff’s family .I remember Jeff as a little boy who would run to give me a hug when I would visit.A great guy RIP Jeff.
What a sweet memory, thank you for sharing
So sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing today. I remember Jeff very well and it was always so nice to chat with him when I saw him while back home spending time in Rycroft. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Dika Family today.
Thank you for sharing your memories, Ken.
My condolences to Jeff’s children and there families. I have very fond memories of Jeff in our teenage years in Rycroft, Jeff was always at our house and even eventually lived there with us as well. Fond memories of the shenanigans we all got up to puts a smile on my face. I moved away from Rycroft but I did get a chance to visit with Jeff and Linda a few times and always felt very welcome. R.I.P old friend and love to your family.
Thank you for your memories of our dad, it is wonderful how you remained lifelong friends.
My condolences to the Dika families. Jeff was one of the ‘younger guys’ growing up in Rycroft, hanging out around the family shop when I worked at the dairy. In later years, he always had time for a visit or a beverage if I was in town. RIP, Jeff.
Thank you for sharing your memories, Lloyd