In Loving Memory of Samuel Dickinson

In Loving Memory of Samuel Dickinson

With deep sadness and heavy hearts, we remember and honor the life of Samuel Dickinson, a devoted farmer, loving family man, and respected member of his community, whose life tragically ended at the age of 39. Samuel was found at his farm near Blackrod, having suffered a fatal gunshot wound. An inquest held at Bolton Coroner’s Court later ruled his death a suicide.

Samuel’s passing has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who knew him. Behind the headlines and official findings was a man who worked tirelessly, cared deeply for his loved ones, and dedicated his days to the land he called home. Farming is not just an occupation — it is a way of life built on resilience, early mornings, long days, and unwavering commitment. Samuel embodied that dedication.

Living and working on his farm with his family, Samuel poured his energy into sustaining both his livelihood and the people he loved. Those close to him knew him as hardworking and steadfast — someone who understood responsibility and carried it without complaint. Farming demands strength of body and mind, and Samuel met those demands daily, tending to his responsibilities with quiet determination.

He held both a firearms and shotgun licence, tools that are often part of rural life and farm management. Yet his death has sparked wider conversations beyond his immediate circle. During proceedings, concerns were raised about potential gaps in UK firearms licensing laws, with the coroner noting that more tragedies could occur if action is not taken. While these discussions continue in legal and governmental spaces, for those who loved Samuel, the loss is deeply personal and profoundly painful.

Samuel was more than the circumstances surrounding his death. He was a son, a partner, a father, a friend. He shared laughter, offered help without hesitation, and lived a life intertwined with the rhythms of the countryside. The fields he walked, the outbuildings he maintained, and the farm he nurtured stand as quiet witnesses to a life of labor and love.

Mental health struggles, especially in rural and agricultural communities, often go unseen. The pressures of farming — financial strain, isolation, unpredictable seasons, and immense responsibility — can weigh heavily. Samuel’s passing reminds us of the importance of checking in on one another, of speaking openly about mental health, and of ensuring that support systems are accessible and strong.

As we reflect on Samuel’s life, we remember the man beyond the tragedy. We remember his dedication, his presence at home, his commitment to his work, and the love he carried for his family. His memory lives on in the lives he touched and in the land he cared for so faithfully.

To his family, the grief is immeasurable. The farm will never feel quite the same. The spaces he once filled with his voice and footsteps now hold silence. But alongside that silence lives memory — of shared meals, busy mornings, quiet evenings, and the countless ordinary moments that become extraordinary in remembrance.

May Samuel Dickinson be remembered not for the manner of his passing, but for the years he lived, the work he did, and the love he gave. May his story encourage compassion, awareness, and meaningful change. And may those who mourn him find strength in one another during this time of unimaginable loss.

Rest peacefully, Samuel. You are deeply loved, profoundly missed, and forever remembered.