Robert Dickson, 72; 35-Year Palisadian

Robert L. Dickson, a 35-year resident of Pacific Palisades, passed away on July 24, after a lengthy illness. He was 72. Dickson was born on September 3, 1932 and grew up in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where his father, Constantine John, owned and operated an FM radio station, KGUS. His mother, Georgia, was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, earning a degree in business administration, then his law degree from University of Texas Law School. After moving to Los Angeles, Dickson practiced law for 45 years, first at Haight, Dickson, Brown & Bonesteel, then later at Dickson, Carlson & Campillo. He specialized in pharmaceutical and medical device products litigation, trying over 250 jury cases. He was a pioneer in creating and implementing national coordination of mass tort litigation, including the drug DES and then breast implant national litigation. He was a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and past president of Southern California Defense Counsel. He was also a member of the board of directors of Lawyers for Civil Justice and the Society of Law and Medicine, and a diplomate of the American Board of Trial Advocacy. He lectured extensively for these organizations as well as for the California State Bar Association Continuing Legal Education programs, the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association, the Japanese Union of Scientists and Engineers, and many others. While residing in the Palisades, Dickson helped coach the Westside Bruins Pop Warner football team, where his son, John, learned to play football. In 1992 he helped coach the Westside Bruins to a national championship played in Las Vegas. He leaves behind his wife of 26 years, Christina, and six children: Robert, Jr. of Newport Beach; Geoff and Chris of San Diego; George Fulton and Alexander of Newport Beach; and John of Pacific Palisades. Contributions may be made in Dickson’s name to the John Wayne Cancer Center at St. John’s Hospital, 2200 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404. Services will be held at Corpus Christi Church on Wednesday, August 3 at 1 p.m.