Premnath S. Dick

Premnath S. Dick Premnath Sahay Dick, age 73, died on Saturday, June 3, 2017, at home in Lancaster following a long illness. Born in Saharsa, Bihar, India, he was the son of the late Rev. Amos D.M. Dick and Nellie Sider Dick who served as long term missionaries to India with the Brethren in Christ Church. Prem was a graduate of Mount Hermon High School, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India and came to the United States in 1962 to continue his education, graduating from Messiah College, Grantham, PA as well as the former Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. While there, he took additional post graduate studies in International Relations of South East Asia at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1968 he went to San Francisco to fulfill his 1-W service at the Life Line Mission. Prem’s last two major places of employment were twelve years at East Harlem Interfaith, Inc. in New York and sixteen years of service with Mennonite Central Committee in Akron, PA. Prem was an active member of Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster and enjoyed having morning coffee and conversation with his many friends. He took a particular interest in mentoring and encouraging youth and young adults to explore the wider world and to use their gifts in service to others. Prem was a gentle soul who had a keen heart for peace and justice issues and deeply valued the dignity and respect of all people. He was a creative writer of poetry, an appreciative listener of jazz, a diligent reader of The New York Times, a fun Scrabble player, a fan of NCIS, and a lover of peanut butter. He is survived by his wife, Janet Hykes Dick, to whom he was married for 37 years and sons, Sunil Dick of Lancaster, and Sanjay Dick, married to Alicia Jantzi, of Virginia. Prem was a loving and devoted husband and father. The family would like to express their thanks for the excellent care and support given by Dr. Ketan Kulkarni, the staff at LGH Physicians Geriatrics at Home program, and Hospice and Community Care. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 24, 1:30 p.m. at Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster, 328 W. Orange Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. Family will greet friends following the service. Donations in his name may be made to the church at the above address. Please visit Prem’s Memory Page at www.thegroffs.com