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Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 On April 20, 2020, Kenneth Cyral Dixson, Sr., a loving father of five children, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren, and known for his hearty laugh, and magnetic personality, joined the ancestors. Kenneth was born in Los Angeles, California on August 12, 1946 to Alice LynAudrey Rose Bryant of New Orleans, LA and Herman Ashe of Florida, both of whom preceded him in death. Kenneth is survived by four daughters: Adrienne D. Dixson, PhD, Alyss D. Dixson, MFA, and Alana D. Dixson, M.D-PhD, Lazonia Sargent (John), and his son, Kenneth C. Dixson Jr.; seven grandchildren: Chabre Vickers, Edward Vickers, Jr., Jordan Paulin, MPH, LynAudrey Vickers, Jameel Paulin (Samantha), MFA, Kenneth C. Dixson, III, and Kizashi Dixson-Robinson; three great-grandchildren: Laila Vickers, Owen Lundeen, and Eli Lundeen; sisters Martha Dawson and Marva Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, loving cousins, extended family and lifelong friends. Kenneth was active in the Civil Rights Movement in Los Angeles and was one of five African American students who integrated South Gate Senior High School in Los Angeles in the early 1960s. An outstanding and lettered high school athlete, Kenneth attended Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon on football and track and field scholarships. In 1967, he married Lillian M. Dixson (Nakamura) whom he described as the love of his life and with whom he raised three daughters, Adrienne, Alyss and Alana. After graduating from Officers Candidate School in Quantico, VA, Kenneth was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and served in Da Nang, Vietnam. Upon completion of his tour of duty in Vietnam, Kenneth was Honorably Discharged from the Marine Corps as a 1st Lieutenant and went on to earn his law degree from Northwestern School of Law at Lewis and Clark University. He practiced law in Portland, Oregon and was the only attorney who had a law office in Portland’s Albina neighborhood. As one of a few African American attorneys in Portland who were in private practice, he was quoted as saying, “There are three types of people: White collar, blue collar, and no collar. I serve the no collar people.” Kenneth had a sharp legal mind, a quick wit, vast vocabulary, love of languages, and the ability (and willingness) to debate anyone, on nearly any topic, at any time. His daughters often shared what they called, “Ken Dixsonisms” with their friends who also became enriched by his wit, humor, and insights on life. He had the uncanny ability to create the most humorous, yet accurate, nicknames for friends and family. If you were gifted with a nickname from Kenneth, you were indeed blessed. Kenneth valued education and learning whether self-taught or formal. He was a voracious reader who read broadly and across genres. He passed on his love of books to his children and grandchildren. Kenneth took great pride in the academic, scholarly, and artistic accomplishments of his progeny. He cherished his children and grandchildren and took every opportunity to shower them with love and affection. He made a point to conclude every phone call or conversation with, “I love you.” Kenneth had a passion for music and movies and shared both with his children, grandchildren, and all who were fortunate to spend time with him. He was also an early adopter of technologies, who built his own computers and was fascinated with the changing technological landscape. He became enamored with email and would share insightful analyses of articles he found on the internet on a weekly basis with everyone on his personally curated email group. Kenneth adored being near the water and preferred the serenity and solitude of the ocean over the bustle of the city. He lived the remainder of his life on his treasured boats in Long Beach, California. Due to COVID-19, the family will hold a private ceremony and host a memorial with military honors at a later date.
