JOHN SLYKER -

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JOHN SLYKER 1921 - 2005 With his wife and family by his side, John Slyker, aged 84, peacefully slipped away to enter into God's rest on November 25, 2005. Left to celebrate his life are Marty, his loving wife of 55 years and children, Marilyn and Herman Bouw with children, Jonathan, Elyse and Matthew and Stefan; Julie Dykstra with children, Laura and Dave, Trina and Luke; Linda and Ted Winia with children, Marissa and Tim, Jacquelyn and Wes and Tenille and Brendan; Cory and Bob Krul with children, Curtis, Jeffrey and Brooklyn; Amy and James Blanchard with children, Andrea and Sarah; and John and Chris Slyker with children, Jon Michael and Anna. Also, his brother Peter Slyker and sister and brother-in-law, Janny and Joe Groen and many nieces and nephews. Dad was born in 1921 in St. Pancras, Holland and immigrated to Winnipeg in 1950 with Mom right after they married. He worked hard all his life and his proudest accomplishments were his 55-year marriage, his six children and 16 grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly and felt richly blessed by. Dad was diagnosed with a terminal illness early this year and graciously used the time he had left to prepare for his departure, openly talking about this last journey. By God's grace, he experienced very little pain, with the exception of the headaches he endured much of his adult life. And now he is set free. Dad was a loving father. He enriched our childhood with adventures like fishing trips to Lockport where he patiently and endlessly unhooked our fish hooks from the rocks. He often took us for Sunday picnics in Assiniboine Park, family wiener roasts in the sand pits and camping in the Whiteshell. He showed us how to make homemade kites, built a tree fort that was the neighborhood hangout and created endless other playthings. He was a hobby renovator and always made improvements that would add to the comfort of home. He was totally committed to his family. Dad was a man of faith and he demonstrated his faith by his actions. The love he and Mom shared was a beautiful example of commitment. With his kind and sensitive heart, he taught us to reach out to those in need. With his love of gardening, he taught us the wonder of nature and the joy of reaping the fruit of our labour. His wisdom and goodness led him to become a peacemaker, helping others find the path of peace when there was some reason they couldn't get along. What he most wanted to pass on was To love the Lord with all your heart, and love your neighbour as yourself. And this is how Dad hoped he would be remembered: I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one. I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, Of happy time and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I'd like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun, Of happy memories that I leave when life is done. Many friends have been blessed with John Slyker's life as a husband, father, grandfather and friend. In his final weeks, Dad was enveloped in loving care by the staff at Riverview Health Care Facility. We are deeply grateful for their gently kindness and for the support they gave Mom. Special thanks also to Dr. Barry Campbell for his many years of kind encouragement. Thank you to the dear friends who faithfully visited Dad. In particular, to John Brandt, whose faithfulness was so touching when he told Mom, He's not heavy, he's my brother. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 30 at Elmwood Community Reformed Church, 1040 Beach Ave. at Stapleton, at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Green Acres Cemetery, Hwy. No. 1 East at Navin Road. Flowers gratefully declined, Memorial donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot St., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9 GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery Hwy. No. 1 E. at Navin, (204) 222-3241

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 28, 2005