GERHARD DYCK

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GERHARD DYCK Peaceably, surrounded by his family, Gerhard Dyck passed into the Lord's arms on November 24, 2010. Gerhard was born in Kleefeld, Ukraine on August 29, 1919 to Johann and Anna Dyck and was the youngest of seven brothers. His life was an incredible journey which took him from Russia to Germany during the war. While working for the Mennonite Central Committee, he met his future wife Maria Loewen, who also was from the Mennonite colonies in the Ukraine. In 1949, Gerhard, Maria and her mother made the long trip from Europe to Brazil, to marry and start a new life. Gerhard and Maria managed a dairy farm and during that time sons Peter and John were born. In 1957, they immigrated to Canada and daughter Karin was born that year, and son Larry in 1962. Gerhard spent a long career working in the construction industry and was a foreman for various companies over the years. He spent his last five years of work with Palliser Furniture, and then started a well-earned retirement at 70 years of age. Gerhard had an abiding love for his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Maria of 59 years, and his sons Peter (Katie), John (Karen), and Larry (Elly) and daughter Karin (Gary). His legacy is in his grandchildren, Andrew (Corrie), Lucanus (TeraLynn), Thomas (Natalie), Justin, Darren (Vicki), Jessica (Brooks), Alex, Phillip, Kimberley (Damian), and Lindsay. His great-grandchildren are Kyla and Zachery. The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to those who cared for Dad and Opa in his final months. This includes Dr. Carey Isaac and all the wonderful, caring staff at Donwood Manor. His last months were greatly comforted by the spiritual guidance of Pastors Don and Kathleen Rempel Boschman, Adam Robinson and Jake Harms. A celebration of Gerhard's life will be held Tuesday, November 30, at 10:30 a.m. at Douglas Mennonite Church, Douglas at Rothesay Street. Interment in Glen Eden. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee or Donwood Manor.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 26, 2010