Bryan K. Dickinson, 77, of Waynesboro, PA, passed away, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at York Hospital. Born October 30, 1947, in Bremerton, WA, he was the youngest of seven children to the late Arnold H. and Hannah (Kirsme) Dickinson.
Bryan graduated from Bremerton High School and later earned an associate’s degree in business from Hagerstown Community College. His real lessons, though, came from his two tours in Vietnam with the U.S. Marine Corps, where he earned two Purple Hearts and a treasure trove of stories he shared with his family. His service left him fully disabled, but Bryan took it in stride, embracing his role as a “house husband” with the same zest he brought to everything.
He married his love, Janet Lee (Clark) Dickinson, on June 25, 1974, and they shared 36 years of love and laughter until her passing in 2010. He and Janet had a passion for doing Civil War Reenacting and while she was living, they were members of Civil War Reenacting Unit 1st, Maryland Battalion, Company A&B of the Confederate States of America, 5th Regiment of the Army of Northern Virginia. He was pretty proud of the fact that his unit were extra’s in the 2003 movie, Gods and Generals!
Known to most as “Budda” or “Pop,” Bryan’s warped, sometimes morbid sense of humor was his superpower. He taught his family to face life’s toughest moments—grief, loss, you name it—with a well-timed joke or a mischievous grin. Whether it was a silly quip or an outrageous story, he showed them how to find light in the darkest times, and his family leaned into that legacy. His family enjoyed “picking on him” with their Budda figurines they would give to him now and again!
Bryan was all about giving and helping, especially when it came to his family. He also had a soft spot for the stray cats in his neighborhood and his home became a sanctuary for a multi-generational growing crew of feline companions.
He carried a laminated 23rd Psalm in his wallet, a quiet testament to his faith in God, even if he wasn’t a regular churchgoer. To his family, he left a heartfelt note: he wasn’t always perfect, but his love for you was boundless, and he’s sorry for any stumbles along the way.
He is survived by his four children: Traci L. Shaeffer (Greg) of Halethorpe, MD, James D. Dickinson of Rouzerville, PA, Merritt A. Dickinson (Mary) of Hubert, NC, and Theodore E. Dickinson (Amber) of Waynesboro, PA; thirteen grandchildren who kept his heart young; ten great-grandchildren who kept him on his toes; and many nieces and nephews who’ll miss his zany tales.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, 50 S. Broad St., Waynesboro, PA, with Rev. Dr. A. Robert Cook officiating. Military honors by Charles Nitterhouse V.F.W. Post #1599 will follow in the funeral home parking lot. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, in the funeral home.
Bryan wasn’t one for stuffy traditions—he’d want you to dress in something comfortable for his funeral. Feel free to wear your favorite sweatshirt or maybe a goofy t-shirt, just to keep the vibe light.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Antietam Humane Society, 8513 Lyons Rd., Waynesboro, PA 17268, to keep the cats purring in his memory.
Share your stories and laughs at www.bowersoxfuneralhomes.com, because Budda would want it that way!
