Obituary of Lynn Dionne

It is with great sadness that the family of Richard Lynn “Digger” Dionne, S/Sgt. Retired RCMP, announces his sudden passing on Thursday, June 15, 2017 at the age of 68 years.

Lynn will be lovingly remembered by his partner Shirley Kirby; his daughters, Tanya (Dave) MacDonald and Melissa (Pierre) Cote; and his three grandchildren, Maya MacDonald, Addison and Emily Cote. Lynn will also be fondly remembered by Shirley’s children, Michael (Karen) Kirby, Kristy (Colin) Gaudry, and Trina (Chad) Hubick; and their grandchildren, Stella, Otis, Grady, and Adalynn. He will also be lovingly remembered by his sister Annette Gaetz; and Shirley’s father Albert Hostin and brother Garry Hostin. Lynn will be missed by all of his many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and faithful friends. He was predeceased by his father Armand (Mousse) Dionne; mother Rolande Dionne; and brother Gerald Dionne.

Lynn was raised in Emerson, MB, where he grew up happily, loved sports, and was a talented athlete.  He was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.  After graduation, Lynn was posted to communities in Saskatchewan and New Brunswick. He also spent time in Ottawa, where he was assigned to Prime Minister Trudeau’s security detail. In 1974, Lynn was transferred to Montreal, where his daughters were born, and was promoted to Corporal while working in the Montreal Drug Section.  In 1980, he was involved in a major drug operation that took him to New Delhi, India.  In 1981, Lynn was transferred to Driver Training Section at Depot Division in Regina, where he was promoted to Sergeant a few years later. He made lifelong friends throughout his years in service. Lynn retired in 1995, after 27 years of service. Following retirement, he operated his own driving instruction business. 

Lynn never lost his love of sports, and if he wasn’t playing hockey, baseball, or golf, he was watching it on TV.  He loved returning home to Manitoba to the annual family baseball tournament in Letellier to visit with cousins, aunts, and uncles. Lynn was always there for his kids and grandkid’s sporting events, cheering them on at the pool, gymnastics club, ball diamond, hockey rink, or soccer field.

Lynn enjoyed travelling, and he and Shirley enjoyed cruises together. He loved to spend his winters in Arizona and Mexico, visiting with family and friends.

He was well loved and he will be missed.  Memorial Service will be held at the Regina RCMP Chapel, 5600 11th Avenue, Regina, SK on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. with reception to follow at the Officer’s Mess. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Lynn may be made and greatly appreciated to Tuberous Sclerosis Canada, P.O. Box 35057 Essa Road RO, Barrie, ON L4N.

Please click here to view service video.