Published in The BANAR February 2015 and Gloucester Leader October 1983 by Evelyn Budd.
Perhaps you have noticed that we have a street and a park named “Diceman …” and wondered why. Harold and Yvonne Diceman moved into the Blackburn area in the 1950s. Their home, as did other homes along that stretch, had a long driveway that started at Innes Road and went up to the top of the ridge. Today the house address is number 4 Ridgeburn Gate.
Harold always took an active interest in the area—sitting on the Greenbelt Council and on the first Planning Board—both volunteer positions at that time. He was particularly proud of the development of several residential areas in the then township of Gloucester during his 15 years on the Board – Beacon Hill, Pineview, Cardinal Heights, Orleans and more relevant to us—Blackburn Hamlet.
Harold’s military duties after the war turned from flying bombing missions to international designer of flags, coat of arms, military badges—a job he performed for over 25 years.
He did freelance design as well including creating house plans for his own home and that of his neighbour, Alan Beddoe (the red house on Ridgeburn Gate).
When Yvonne first came to Canada as a war bride, she worked with Mr. Beddoe on the Books of Remembrance for the two World Wars—a task which took 11 years of painstaking work. She was a trained textile designer and calligraphist. This was followed by many government commissions – including the Korean War Book of Remembrance, the Newfoundland Book of Remembrance and the Orders and Decoration of Canada.
Both Harold and Yvonne were also accomplished painters and painted many beautiful watercolour and oil paintings of landmark buildings and people in the community.