- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
PETER DYCK
Born: Feb 13, 1946
Date of Passing: Dec 08, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryPETER DYCK It is with heavy hearts that the family of Peter Dyck of Steinbach, MB announces his sudden and unexpected passing on Saturday, December 8, 2012. Peter was healthy and busy enjoying life until his last day. He spent the previous evening doing something he loved - driving around the southeast, taking photos of Christmas lights for the upcoming annual holiday edition of The Carillon, and that evening had planned to take his cherished grandson Josh to a movie, as they often did on weekends. Missing him profoundly are his twin daughters Leilani Kagan (Tom Blumberg) and Lisa Stiver (Dan), his treasured grandson, Joshua Kagan, and step-grandchildren Jonathan, Alexandra and Matthew Blumberg, all of Winnipeg; his brother Jake (Dianne) and their daughter Kassandra Klassen (Nathan), and sisters Helene Dyck and Anne Janz (Don Friesen) and her children Leighton and Natasha, all of Steinbach. He was predeceased by his loving wife of nearly 38 years, Aida, who we lost on October 15, 2008; his parents, Jacob and Helene Dyck, who passed away in 2010 and 2003, respectively; as well as his beloved nephew, Tyler Dyck in 2009, all of Steinbach. Peter, the eldest in his family, was born in Essen, Germany, on February 13, 1946, following his parents escape from Russia into East Germany, and from there, with his mother several months pregnant with him, into Allied-controlled Germany where he was born. The family immigrated to Canada where they spent one year in Pincher Creek, AB, before moving to Steinbach with their young son. Peter studied in the Faculty of Science at the University of Manitoba and had his sights set on a career in the sciences field. He worked as a chemist for Inco in Thompson, MB, in the late 1960s, before taking a chance at an opportunity to work at The Carillon as a reporter in 1969. Under the mentorship and guidance of Abe Warkentin, the editor, and Eugene Derksen, his publisher, Dad flourished as a young reporter. He worked with the newspaper for nearly 44 years, crafting and steering it to a national and provincial award-winning community newspaper. He held his staff and others at Derksen Printers, the publisher of The Carillon, to extremely high standards, and himself to an even higher one. He was relentless in his pursuit of perfection, fairness, and impartiality when it came to delivering the news, and he would not acquiesce despite occasional pressure to do otherwise. His dedication to responsible journalism and his determined work ethic produced a newspaper that he felt reflected and detailed the local and national concerns facing the residents of the southeast on a weekly basis, without exception. He fiercely advocated on behalf of local businesses and residents, and was extremely proud of Steinbach and its continued growth. Peter's dedication to his community was recognized recently when he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal on November 14, 2012. Our Dad's devotion to The Carillon came second to only one thing, his family. As young girls, our Dad spent endless time teaching us about nearly everything, from history to how things work, and had the patience to take us on family drives throughout southeastern Manitoba and to nearly all of the States in the U.S. He built our family cottage at Buffalo Point on Lake of the Woods in 1978, proving that his gift of language was equally matched by his skill of working with his hands. For 30 years, our parents retreated to the lake every weekend to play extremely competitive games of Scrabble, do the crosswords and visit with friends. We continued to enjoy the cottage as a family, although our visits there were less frequent once we lost Mom. As we grew older, he never tired, seemingly, of spending time with us, and involving himself in all of our activities and interests. His greatest joy in life came in 2000, when his grandson was born and he was again able to be a patient fountain of information by spending virtually all of his free time with Josh. He and our Mom would make weekly treks into Winnipeg to visit with us and Josh, and since our Mom passed away four years ago, Dad came into Winnipeg each weekend and stayed with either of his daughters so that he could spend the most time possible with Josh. He became the world's best hockey grandpa, attending all of Josh's weekend games and travelling all across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the U.S. for hockey tournaments as part of the APHA Rangers team or the Manitoba Lightning All-Star team. Peter embraced this newfound hobby as he did with all of his tasks, with enthusiasm and a keen sense of adventure. He knew all of the hockey parents by name, and found his greatest enjoyment in spending time at the rink with his grandson and his teammates. His immense knowledge of Steinbach and the southeast area, along with his insatiable curiosity and commitment to accountable journalism, made him a leader in the community and the ultimate newsman, and The Carillon and its readership have benefitted as a result. His kind heart, intelligence, grounded sense of self and what is right, the courage to follow through, his insightful and genuine interest in people and their lives, coupled with his caring nature is something that we, as his family and friends, have benefitted from. To all of us, whose lives he touched, he is irreplaceable and will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Dream Factory Foundation (formerly the Rainbow Society), 303-1 Wesley Avenue, Winnipeg, or other charities benefitting children. A public viewing will take place on Thursday, December 13, 2012, at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, at 150 Penfeld Drive, Steinbach, between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m., and a celebration of Peter's remarkable life and his extraordinary contributions to others will be held on Friday, December 21, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Southland Church, 190 Highway 52, just west of Steinbach. Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel 1-204-346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 15, 2012
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
-
I remember Peter well. His grandmother was my aunt. On occasion the children's (girls) choir I directed sang at what we used to call "Saengerfests" (song festivals) in southern Manitoba, comprised of different Mennonite churches. On one occasion we were asked to sing at one of these festivals in Springstein, MB. My choir sang several songs, one of which was "There is a Balm in Gilead", a three part harmony song, with solo. I had asked Peter, then and 8 or 9 yr. old to sing the solo. While performing, his voice cracked at one point for a second and the guest conductor, sitting in the orchestra, behind the choir, started to sing and fill in for Peter. He quickly recovered and continued with singing, a beautiful rendition, very well accepted. The guest conductor, K.H. Neufeld, now long deceased, was extremely impressed with Peter's rendition. A few years ago, I contacted Peter on another issue and spoke about his solo performance. He indicated to me that he still remembered every word of the song. Last summer I was in MB and was going to drop in at Derksen Printers, to give him the origninal copy of that song that he sung 50 years plus, ago. Being a long weekend, the office was closed. So I asked my brother, Peter Block to deliver the song to Peter, which he did. I heard via the grapevine that one time when he heard the song on the radio, traveling on the highway, he pulled over to listen to it and sing along with the music. I was sorry to have missed him but was glad to hear he was thrilled to get the music. Another memory I have of Peter....Christmas eve Sunday School program at the Steinbach Menn. Church. Peter was reciting in a full bodied voice, clearly for everyone to hear...he got stuck and immediately turned to his mother in the audience and said, (in German) "Mom, what's next!" This of course brought chuckles to the audience. God bless your family. - Posted by: J. Martha Epp, Brantford, Ontario (Friend, junior girls choir leader) on: Jan 29, 2013
-
I knew Peter when he was a little boy. Since I left Canada for Kansas in 1955, I had not seen him but through my sister, Martha Epp, Brantford, ON., I heard about him. I wished I could have known him more personally. Blessings and condolences to his family. TBE - Posted by: Tina Block Edige, North Newton, Kansas USA (His step-grandmother, was my favorite Aunt, Anna von Niessen. Through her I met his parents, and Pet) on: Jan 12, 2013
-
I would like to send my deepest condolences to Peter's family and friends for the loss of such an amazing person. I first met Peter when I was a 16-year old aspiring journalist and he provided me with the opportunity to have my own weekly column in The Carillon. I was also lucky to have been able to enjoy him as one of my regular "coffee guys" at Main Bread and Butter in Steinbach. His passion for writing and his genuine kindness is truly inspiring and he will be missed by many. - Posted by: Amy Van Aarsen (Carillon columnist) on: Dec 28, 2012
-
Dear Leilani and Lisa: it is very hard to offer words of comfort at such a terribly sad time. Your father sounds like a wonderful man and he must have been very proud of his daughters and grandson. You have done him a great honor with this beautiful obituary. Take good care of each other and please accept my most sincere condolences. - Posted by: Catherine Chatterley (Friend) on: Dec 19, 2012
-
I first met Peter when I was a reporter at Falcon Lake for The Carillon. His advice and help on being a great reporter is something I will always remember. He was always available to talk to me and everyone I know respected him for his knowledge and his casual way. He was a friend to everyone. Condolences are extended to his family. RIP Peter. - Posted by: Patt Louchuk (Former reporter for Falcon Lake, currently friend and neighbour from Buffalo Point) on: Dec 15, 2012
-
Peter and I were members of the Buffalo Point Cottage Owners Association for many years. Peter always had the cottages owners interest first and foremost. Peter also composed and mailed "The Point" newsletter for many years. Peter had a fabulous knowledge of southeast Manitoba. He will be sadly missed by all who new him. Our condolances to his family. Donna Richard Jupp - Posted by: Richard Jupp (Friend) on: Dec 14, 2012
-
I will always remember your Dad pulling up to #9 Hickory with precious cargo,his little girls,Lisa and Leilani and the glimmer in his eyes at the end of the day picking you up and going home to the house with the yellow door. The Armstrong Family loves you also and thinking of you and your families at this difficult time. oxxo - Posted by: Debbie Armstrong (freind) on: Dec 14, 2012
-
Extending deepest sympathy to Lisa & Leilani and their families. Peter was our neighbour at Buffalo Point and it was always a pleasure to see and chat with him. A remarkable man who will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Rob Choate () on: Dec 14, 2012
-
Our condolences go out to Lisa, Lani and family members. We couldn't have had a better neighbor - always smiling and ever willing to lend a helping hand. Peter will be missed by all who knew him. - Posted by: George & Lorraine Morley (Neighbor) on: Dec 13, 2012
-
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at ths difficult time. Peter will definitely be missed by all at the hockey rink. - Posted by: Rosa Militano/Jorge Esteves, Marco and Gianluca (hockey friends) on: Dec 13, 2012
-
We want to send our condolences to the family and extended families of Peter. Peter will definitely be missed around the hockey rinks and on our team trips. Peter was a true gentleman and a great grandfather. He has supported all of our children on the rink and off, he was truly very remarkable. Our boys remembered Peter as being a very nice Grandfather, who was supportive of all the kids. We will miss him. - Posted by: Trevor & Diane Bennett and our Boys (Hockey Parents / Peter's friends) on: Dec 13, 2012
-
Peter was truly a rare find ... he left a smile on everyone he touched ... the greatest Papa, father, brother and friend. I will always keep him in my heart forever. - Posted by: Tom Blumberg (Son-in-law) on: Dec 13, 2012
-
Peter always had time for a friendly hello at the lake. Will be missed. - Posted by: Grace Martel & Walter Schroeder (Buffalo Point neighbor) on: Dec 13, 2012
-
With deepest sympathy! - Posted by: Lauren Godin (Carillon Community Correspondent) on: Dec 13, 2012