KILMARNOCK—Maurice Woodruff Dickerson died on September 18, 2023, reluctantly but peacefully, at Commonwealth Assisted Living in Kilmarnock at age 93.
Maurice, who was British, was educated in Scotland, and after serving in the Royal Engineers, graduated in civil engineering from Durham University.
As a civil engineer, he had a varied and storied career. After a short stint as a structural design engineer with a private firm in England, he joined the British Overseas Civil Service and lived in Malawi for 10 years, where his son and daughter were born. He then became advisor to the Royal Thai Highways Department and travelled extensively throughout Thailand. Maurice then continued his overseas career as a project engineer with the World Bank, primarily developing highways in Nepal, India, Pakistan, Burma, the Philippines and several Eastern European countries.
He then met his second wife Anne, and they spent many years living together in Great Falls, while continuing to travel overseas extensively.
After his retirement from the World Bank, he and Anne designed and built their home on Taylors Creek. Maurice continued working as a consultant mainly on projects in Russia and Bosnia. He was a member of the UK Institution of Civil Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers and a fellow of the UK Institution of Highways and Transport.
Maurice loved adventure and while in Africa took part in many motor car hill climbs and rallies in Malawi, Mozambique, former Rhodesia and South Africa. After retirement, he continued competitive sport—but at a slower pace, racing his sailboat on the Chesapeake Bay.
He was a former commodore of the Rappahannock River Yacht Club. He and Anne had considerable enjoyment maintaining their large garden and Maurice took particular delight designing waterfalls, and his prized koi pond. In his later years, he also enjoyed golf and chess.
He and Anne developed lifelong friendships in the Northern Neck. They were particularly known for their annual gala Boxing Day party.
Maurice is survived by his wife of 47 years, Anne; his daughter, Toni Ann Blair and her husband; two stepsons, Jonathan and Benjamin Shaw; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and his son, Stephen Dickerson.
No service is scheduled but friends are encouraged to contact Anne at their home.
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.