Letter — Some reflections on Dirk’s very-well-lived life

When an American beer company with a faux Mexican brand made “the most interesting man in the world” their spokesperson several years back, I laughed with derision.

Clearly, they had not met Dirk Aberson.

His death brings me great sadness — similar sadness I felt when we lost our dear friend and former colleague Diane Nelson in 2022. It also comes on the heels of the death of another colleague last year, sportswriter and troubadour Ted Wyman.

Like Diane and Teddy, Dirk got the most out of life.

Before becoming a great photographer, learning his craft at the prestigious Pratt Institute, Dirk flew airplanes for a living.

He told me a tale once where he flew the dogs of steel magnate Sir James Dunn to the East Coast because their quirky owner thought they craved sea water.

That was far from his best story. He had a million of them.

Dirk loved photography, but he had many more interests.

Although no longer a commercial pilot, Dirk never lost his passion for flying.

He owned a Piper Cub aircraft that he stored near his home on the outskirts of Brandon.

On many occasions, especially when an aerial shot would do the trick, Dirk would take up one of us in his plane.

It was equally parts exhilarating and terrifying to be in that tiny aircraft. You would help him push it out of the hangar and then he would start the airplane and use the hill that served as his makeshift runaway to build momentum. This enabled the plane to take off, often just clearing nearby power lines.

One of his favourite things to do was attend the Threshermen’s Reunion in Austin, where he would hold court with his fellow hobby pilots.

But Dirk had friends everywhere. It made it easy for interlopers like me to talk to folks who might otherwise turn down an interview request.

While Dirk loved his work, he also filled his leisure time with a variety of other pursuits, including his annual scuba diving trips to some warm-weather locale.

We were envious of the six weeks of holidays he had accumulated that enabled him to travel the globe when not on the clock.

Dirk was also a real pro with a generous spirit.

He mentored all of us.

He was especially close to Pat Copps, who covered police and courts for The Brandon Sun.

They had a special bond, like father and son. Pat’s father Bill, a legendary crime reporter at CBC Toronto, passed away when we were all working there.

While no one can truly replace a dad, I am sure that Dirk’s fatherly relationship with Pat brought them both great comfort.

I lost track of Dirk when he retired in 1995, seeing him the last time at the funeral of his wife, Bev.

But I got reports that Dirk had remarried and was doing great.

When I think of a life well lived, I will always think of Dirk.

Bon voyage, my friend.

PETER DALLA-VICENZA

Victoria, B.C.

(Note: Peter Dalla-Vicenza was an editor and reporter at The Brandon Sun from 1988 to 2002.)