Obituary: Hagen Boyd Dickson, 49, of Ludington

Hagen Dickson

Hagen Dickson, 49, of Ludington, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 12, 2024. It was especially unexpected for Hagen, whose life every day was eager to connect with nature, family, and friends he held as family. A devoted father to Sophie Dickson, beloved son of Carole and Robert Dickson, family brother to Daniela (Scott) Shillington, of Gainesville, Florida, and Mirjania Kornic, of Grand Rapids, and deeply treasured friend of Sophie’s mother, Traci Marcero of Rockford. Hagen held a special place in the hearts of so many, as each one was held in his. He was a dedicated nature photographer and was an openhearted friend to all who knew him.

Hagen was born November 14, 1974, in Waukegan, Illinois, and moved to Ludington with his family at the age of 2. He was both homeschooled and attended Ludington High School and graduated in 1992. The avid cameraman and nature lover founded and ran 2tone Photography. Hagen uniquely captured the magic and wonder of West Michigan’s wildlife and striking landscapes, and joyfully chronicled the lives of his loved ones. Hagen also worked for Walgreens for more than 20 years, working in both Ludington and Manistee as a photo specialist and manager. He counted his Walgreens co-workers as some of his closest friends.

With his natural locs, signature cap, love of skateboarding, and passion for punk music, Hagen’s vibrant personality was well-known and well-loved in Ludington, Manistee, and beyond. He brought humor, kindness, and joy to every situation. Hagen’s smile brought a contagious warmth and kindness to everyone around him. He found heaven in nature, hiked nearly every day with his camera in tow, and loved to hit the road to discover new places.

Hagen is survived by his daughter and parents, sisters, several beloved nieces and nephews, his Baha’i community and his large circle of dear lifelong and newly-made friends.

He was preceded in death by his extended family sister, Violeta Kornic Zadwarny, who passed away March 15, 2024. His faithful companion, Coco, an 18-year-old lab mix, who Hagen and Sophie adopted as a pup through The Noah Project, also preceded him in death.

He was laid to rest at Tallman Cemetery in Sheridan Township in the custom of his lifelong Baha’i Faith, and dressed in a jacket he proudly crafted by hand, covered in patches of the racial and social justice causes he believed in, and the names of the bands, groups, and things he adored, including that of his daughter’s senior shelter rescue cat, Mothra, whom he lovingly called his “kitty granddaughter.”

The love each of us have for Hagen and for life itself will continue to thrive, bringing us the solace he wishes for all of us.

A future Celebration, Honoring and Blessing of Life will be announced. Memorial donations in Hagen’s memory may be directed to the nonprofit Noah Project animal rescue at www.noahprojectmuskegon.org.