RHETT (CHARLES) DILTS

Condolences & Memories (4 entries)

• I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Rhett's passing when Diane called last night. Lucille and I send our condolences to all who lost this special man, especially his family of which he was so proud. I would like to share some of my memories of Rhett, although like others, there are too many to put in this tribute. I first met Rhett when we worked together at SEL where he was a computer programmer. I was immediately drawn to his wit and charm and we quickly became friends. Rhett was a talented programmer and had a detailed and exacting approach to his work. Later he joined the IT team at the MB Civil Service Commission where he showed his talents as an insightful and detailed program/systems analyst and impressed everyone there with his accomplishments. His last move was to join the Great-West Life and Investors Group IT groups. He spent time working in both companies always proving his worth and contributing to our successes as sister companies. He was respected and admired by his colleagues as well as liked for his sense of humour and good spirit. One of my favourite memories of Rhett was when at the Civil Service Commission we worked directly together on an ambitious CIDA project installing a personnel system in the British colony of Montserrat in the Caribbean, mostly on a volunteer basis. We spent many hours together in Winnipeg developing the system and during several two weeks trips to Montserrat to install it and train the staff. During those trips (the first of which included Lucille) we spent many enjoyable days and evenings together each of which ended with us on the balcony over looking the sun setting into the ocean horizon. Rhett would always raise his rum and coke and say "listen for the hiss" as we toasted the day. I was devastated when I learned that Rhett had cancer but was inspired by his fight to beat it. He was always upbeat and positive about life despite his misfortune. I wanted to do something more significant and personal than a donation to show my support for my friend so I volunteered for a head shaving event at IG to raise funds for CancerCare. His example of courage and good humour throughout his ordeal inspires me still. After retirement I was able to reconnect with Rhett and we went for lunches periodically. I had hoped he would return to good health so we could spend more active and enjoyable time together, golfing or traveling south together with Diane and Lucille now that we had the time. Unfortunately, that was not to be. While I, probably like others, regret not spending even more time with Rhett we should all be thankful for the time we had. I will always miss my friend. Diane and family, Lucille and I send our condolences and offer of any support we can provide to you during your time of loss and mourning. Ron Saull - Posted by: Ron Saull (Friend and colleague) on: Dec 09, 2020

• Memories of playing with dinky cars in the mud when we were 5 yrs old. Always kept in touch, my prayers go out to Diane & the girls Randy - Posted by: Randy Crerar (friends) on: Nov 29, 2020

• My dear Rhett...thinking back on our childhood we had so many ups, downs, ins & outs and I cherish everyone of them. I do remember when I failed grade five and that’s when we ended up in the same grade the next year. I told all your friends...especially the boys that we were twins.. I know it was a fib but it sure got your attention! Chuck and I will love you always and keep you in our hearts. Until we meet again..love you always❤️Mar & Chuck - Posted by: Marilyn & Chuck Grant (Sister & Brother in law) on: Nov 28, 2020

• Doug and I were deeply saddened to hear the news about Rhett. He was a kind, gentle and compassionate soul. We grew up with Rhett and I don't ever remember him involved in a fight or even an argument. He had the sweetest smile and his sense of humor was contagious. One of the best memories we have of Rhett and Diane was when we decided to spend the weekend at his aunt's cottage in Lake of the Woods. No one had been to this cottage in well over 20 years. It was on an island. Needless to say after we cleared 20 years of debris and chased away the rodents we had a wonderful time. We had to canoe into this cottage and of course it poured rain on the way out. But it was a grand weekend. Even though we didn't see Rhett a lot over the years our memory of him will live in our minds forever. Diane and family please know our hearts ache for your loss. - Posted by: Doug and Darlene Grantham (Long time friends) on: Nov 28, 2020