I had the great fortune to know Al for the past few decades, having met him while at the University of Michigan in the 1980s.   Al’s daughter, Maribeth, was at Michigan at the same time. Like Al, I was a Phi Psi.    I was also an Industrial Engineering major, as was he.  That connection began a wonderful friendship.  

Al took great interest and devoted his energy in elevating the Michigan Alpha Phi Psi chapter in the 80s and 90s. He was a mentor to many brothers, providing his wisdom and guidance, and also enjoyed the social aspects in our Chapter. 

The best memories of Al were those spent with him and Maribeth on travels and enjoying Michigan football.   I met up with Al at a couple Rose Bowls to watch Michigan;  he graciously hosted me at his condo at the Homestead in northern Michigan;  Maribeth and Al had Michigan football tickets with myself and Greg Scott, a Phi Psi brother and good friend.  Together we enjoyed the fall afternoons in Ann Arbor for many years until he was no longer able to attend.  

I was fortunate to see Al a few months ago (October 2024)  along with Maribeth at the Pretzel Bell in Ann Arbor.  It was a wonderful visit and so grateful for that opportunity to see him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family in this time of remembrance.

This photo was from a ski trip (winter of '89 or '90) to Al's condo at the Homestead near Glen Arbor.  From left - me, Russ, Al, Maribeth, and Maribeth's friend.  It was my first ski trip.  Al was a seasoned skier.  He was determined to have me enjoy skiing.  After a few beginning runs, Al observed  I was too rigid and needed to be more fluid and flexible. Apparently that meant a trip back to the Lodge, a couple drinks, and back to the slopes.   He was right - I was more loose and more successful in traversing the different runs.

This photo was taken at the 1989 Rose Bowl.  Maribeth, Al, Russ (my friend) and I were holding up Al's Michigan Banner at the Michigan pep rally out in Pasadena.  It was wonderful to meet up with Al and Maribeth and celebrate a Michigan win. I've been so fortunate to share Michigan football moments with Al over decades.

I was saddened to hear news of Al's passing. 

I first met Al when he came back to support some fraternity events in Ann Arbor.  Al was full of life (and a little bit of mischief) so was able to connect well with a younger generation of Phi Psis. He became a friend and de facto mentor to several of the undergrads.  The relationships extended beyond just the college years.  We enjoyed seeing Al at numerous Michigan Football games over the decades and his presence was missed when he became unable to attend.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Dickerson family in this time of mourning.

I am saddened to learn of Al’s passing.
Al was a “Michigan Phi Kappa Psi” father of our fraternity chapter in Ann Arbor.  I appreciate his undying alumni support, especially during the 1980’s, 90’s, and also beyond.
Al epitomized the lofty Creed of our fraternity:  honorable, courteous and cultured, generous, compassionate, and loyal.
Sadly, I lost touch with Al over the past couple decades, but Al will certainly be missed by me, and by many.

For a couple nights, Al and I crashed at the place of the guy holding the beer.  (I can't remember his name.)  He lived in a very tiny 1 BR place in Telluride.  Al slept on the couch and I had a foam pad on the floor, getting stepped on once or twice when Al got up in the middle of the night.

In SW Colorado at Mesa Verde National Park.  Leaving Purgatory ski resort in Durango, we drove around the mountain range to Telluride.  Along the way, we stopped to see the indigenous ruins at this historical site.

Spring 1990 Al was going to go skiing with a friend in Durango and Telluride, staying at the homes of other friends along the way. They were going to drive out there, but the friend backed out at the last minute.  Al checked on airfare and flying to the small cities out west was going to cost a fortune.  Al asked if I wanted to go.  As a 5th year Senior with a light schedule but little money, he said he would pay for gas if I was willing to share the driving and since lodging was covered by his friends, it seemed like a great deal for a broke college kid.

Thoughts and prayers for the family. I had fond memories of Mr Dickerson and his lovely wife. I mowed there yard for many years as a child my grandparent lived next door. By the way it was a huge yard.....RIP

OBITUARY

Allen B. Dickerson

June 8, 1938 – February 23, 2025

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