In Memoriam: David Dick, Faculty of Arts

The University of Calgary is mourning the loss of Dr. David Dick, PhD, beloved associate professor in the Faculty of Arts Department of Philosophy, Fellow of the Canadian Centre for Advanced Leadership in Business in the Haskayne School of Business, and the leader of the Integrity Network. Dick passed away Nov. 15, 2022 at the age of 43.  

Dick’s innovative research focused on issues relating to ethics and money, including questions about justice and wealth distribution and the ethics of wealth and charity. He was frequently sought out by the media to comment on issues such as cryptocurrencies, money and happiness, and corporate social responsibility.

His pioneering work was instrumental in establishing the philosophy of money as a new area of specialization.

An inspiring and effective teacher, Dick received several teaching awards throughout his career and in 2015, he was the inaugural recipient of the University of Calgary's McCaig-Killam Teaching Award.

He developed an innovative undergraduate course on the philosophy of money that garnered national attention and in 2017, he was named one of Avenue Magazine's Top 40 under 40.

David was a born storyteller equally at home discussing the philosophy of money and expounding on the latest episode of RuPaul's Drag Race or sharing his love of Freddie Mercury. He also had a self-deprecating sense of humour — "Dr. Dick" didn't shy from jokes about his own name.  

He is survived by his beloved wife Erin Dick-Jensen, his mother Yolanda Dick, his father-in-law Brian Jensen, stepfather-in-law Dave Mallard, brother-in-law Brendan Jensen and Brendan's partner pony.  

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help support Erin as she navigates through her grief. Donations can be made by visiting this link.

A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at the Plaza Theatre (1133 Kensington Road, N.W.) on Jan. 10 at 3 p.m.