AUSTIN, Texas — His was a familiar face on Austin television: Dave Dickson, the guy with a big moustache, was something of a Renaissance man, interested in pretty much everything. He was well-read, a good writer and, in those days before fancy on-screen weather graphics and color satellite imagery, he was a trusted meteorologist at KVUE from 1979 until 1986.
When not giving Central Texas the weather forecast, Dickson could report the news from just about anywhere, from City Hall to the Texas Capitol. But he’s probably best remembered in Austin for his quirky, light-hearted feature stories.
Dickson could be a serious reporter, too, and was among the first Austin television journalists to focus on local environmental issues and stories of a scientific nature.
“He was one of the most versatile reporters I have ever known,” recalled former KVUE newscaster Judy Maggio. “He was a fearless reporter who also had a great sense of humor. He knew how to put people at ease and make them laugh.”
Maggio said Dickson was a joy to work with in the busy newsroom and was well-liked among everyone at KVUE.
After Dickson left KVUE, he joined the on-air weather team at Houston TV station KPRC. He later forecast the weather at Houston’s KRIV-TV. He and his wife, Jennifer, eventually left Texas to live in Colorado where they remained until recently moving to Brenham, Texas.
Dickson died at his home there on Jan. 28 after a brief illness. Memorial services in his honor will be held in Austin this fall prior to the opening of the professional baseball season. Among Dickson’s passions was an enduring love of baseball.