EDMOND V. DYCK

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EDMOND V. DYCK Edmond Velie Dyck passed away peacefully at Donwood Manor Personal Care Home on Thursday, November 26, with his children at his side. He was 86. He leaves to mourn his daughter Judith; son John and his wife Dorothy, and grandchildren, Emily and Jacob. He also leaves his brothers, John and wife Florence, Walter and wife Margaret; sisters-in-law, Kathleen, Caryll, and Roberta, nieces and nephews, cousins, and one aunt, Lydia Enns of Winkler. He was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy, in 2007; his parents, John L. and Helena (Enns) Dyck; and his brothers, Harold, Victor, and David. Ed was born on March 12, 1923 in Winkler, Manitoba. As the second oldest of six brothers, Ed experienced in full the reality of life on a depression-era prairie farm. Although that life involved significant challenges, the Dyck household always contained reading material, and education and learning were encouraged. His father told him that he should get a job where he could sit behind a desk. He took his early schooling at Burwalde School. After graduation from Winkler High School, he attended the Universities of Saskatchewan and United College, now the University of Winnipeg. Following his marriage to Dorothy in 1949, he attended the Mennonite Brethren Bible College and the University of Manitoba. He then embarked on a teaching career and, together with Dorothy, taught in Rosenfeld and Morris. In 1959, they returned to Winnipeg, and he spent the remainder of his career in the River East School Division, teaching English at Miles MacDonell and River East Collegiates. Ed read voraciously, including literature of all types, history, and cultural studies. He was an avid member of his book club. He fervently enjoyed travel and adventure. The family camped across North America, and he and Dorothy later travelled extensively - to Europe, Central and South America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Winter trips to Arizona in later years gave him the opportunity to explore a new landscape and culture. Ed had deep roots in the Mennonite Brethren Church which went back to its origins in Canada. He was baptized in 1945. He spent over 45 years as a member of the River East congregation where he served in many ways, including Sunday School, Church Council, and on the Stewardship Commission. His most significant volunteer activity outside the church was as a member of the Donwood Manor Board, including several years as Chair during a time of major expansion at Donwood. The memorial service will take place on Friday, December 4, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the River East Mennonite Brethren Church, 755 McLeod Avenue, preceded by the committal at the Kildonan Presbyterian Cemetery, 2373 Main Street, at 10:00 a.m. A volunteer choir will meet at the church at 10:00 a.m. Viewing will take place Thursday, December 3 at 7:00 p.m. at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street. Those who wish, may donate to the Edmond and Dorothy Dyck Scholarship in Education at the University of Winnipeg, to Donwood Manor, or to a charity of their choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 02, 2009