Edison Warner Dick

Edison Warner Dick, a Washington D.C. attorney who lived in Bethesda for six decades, died peacefully on December 11th, 2024. He was 87 years old. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Edison was an active member of the community and a beloved friend to many. An eternal optimist, Edison exemplified kindness, patience, love, and cheerfulness, paired with an abiding commitment to bettering our world. He will be dearly missed.

Edison came into this world characteristically eagerly, three months premature, making him the miracle baby of Chicago in 1937. Raised in Lake Forest, IL, he attended Deerfield Academy, and graduated from Yale University in 1959. At Yale, his sister Titia introduced him to Sally, a bright and talented Smith student. They married in 1960, and after three years in Charlottesville, where he earned his law degree at UVA, and Sally her Master’s in Teaching French, they moved to the DC area to raise their children, Warner and Heidi. Edison soon joined a Chicago law firm as the Washington partner. With an abiding interest in international affairs – inspired by the distinguished public service career of his mother, Jane Warner Dick – he focused his attention on the public aspects of international law.

Edison served as Attorney Consultant to the American Bar Association's Section of International Law, and as Executive Director of the Section's International Legal Exchange Program for more than 20 years. He proudly served on the Board of, and as President of, the United Nations Association-NCA. At the UNA-USA, he served as Chair of the Advocacy Committee and Chair of the Committee on the World Federation of UNAs. Edison also actively supported his fraternity, Zeta Psi, Westmoreland Church's Middle East Committee, and served on the Boards of the Foundation for Middle East Peace, and UNICEF-USA. Edison and Sally enjoyed extensive international travel, for leisure and as part of his role with the A.B.A. – he travelled to over 100 countries during his lifetime. Edison was an avid skier, squash and tennis player and an enthusiastic Washington Capitals "superfan."

Edison is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sally Williams Dick, his children, Warner Dick and Heidi Dick Wong (Ashiang); his grandchildren, Hanna Wong Taum (Cheyne) and Hayla Wong (Darren Herzog); his great-grandchildren, Koa and Indigo Herzog-Wong; nieces Dorian Welk Sheble (Matthew) and Julie Welk Lawrence (Ben); and his sister Titia Dick Ellis. He was predeceased by his parents, Edison and Jane Dick, and his eldest sister, Marnie Dick Last.

Reflecting on what makes for a good life, Edison recently said, "I think I’m generally an optimistic person. I try to see the brighter things in life rather than the more miserable parts of life; I hope for the best in the end. I guess try to be thoughtful and care for others, 'Do unto others as they would do unto you,' and show appreciation for what people have done for you and try to reciprocate.” Like his namesake, Edison brought so much light to the world. May his enduring spirit continue to inspire us and remind us of what is possible.

Services to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to UNICEF-USA.