Gerald H. Dyck

Obituary

Gerald H. Dyck, was born on December 12, 1925, in Rosenfeld, Manitoba, the eldest son to John C. and Susanna Dyck. During his early childhood in Rosenfeld, his father was a grain buyer which meant he spent time in and around the elevator. Their family would go for a week at the lake in the summer and their love for fishing was born! As a young man, he had jobs like pumping gas, cleaning chicken barns, doing construction and helping his uncle on the farm. At the age of 18, he applied for and was granted conscientious objector status. His assignment was at Brandon Mental Hospital, where he enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow conscientious objectors. His return to Rosenfeld after the war meant making decisions about the future. This included courting Maria Peters from Gnadenthal. They were married on August 7, 1949.

The life of a schoolteacher and husband were now upon him. They moved through many schools in the early days until settling in Steinbach. By this time their family had grown to include four children: Gerald Charles, born in 1950; Robert Keith, in 1952; Sharon Ruth, in 1953 and Richard James, in 1955.

Summer holidays were special time for camping and fishing, often in northern Manitoba, places like The Pas and Flin Flon. Reed Lake was a favourite spot in those years. As the children grew up and left home to establish their own homes, this meant Gerald and Marie were free to travel. They enjoyed their Westfalia and found the love of fishing could be pursued in places like Alaska, Kitimat, Haida Gwai, and Lake of the Woods. Time spent with children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren was treasured. Photography and the computer were hobbies that flourished in his retirement.

Gerald and Marie were charter members of Grace Mennonite Church, where he was involved in various areas of leadership.

Gerald leaves to mourn his passing, his wife of 68 years, Marie, his children and their spouses as well as 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

The funeral service for Gerald will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Mennonite Church, 430 Third Street, Steinbach MB. An ash interment will follow at a later date.

If friends desire, donations in memory of Gerald may be made to Grace Mennonite Church, 430 Third Street, Steinbach MB, R5G 0K5.