George DYCK

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DYCK: George Abram “To love and be loved – that is the greatest gift of all.” Beloved husband, father, and prominent Boissevain businessman, surrounded by family, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2010. George was born on December 2, 1932 to Abram and Lena Dyck of Deloraine, Manitoba. He was the third son of five. He and his brothers lived life to the fullest, and only later recounted tales of his many exploits, much to the delight of his children and grandchildren. He married the love of his life, Ruth Drader, on May 15, 1957. They welcomed their first child, a son, Randall John, in 1958. Debra Raylene followed in 1960, then Muriel Ruth in 1962, Gloria Anne in 1964, and much later, another son, Corey George, in 1975. The “dynasty” was now complete. During these years, George was also fervently building his business empire. He never guessed he would become the longest running business owner in Boissevain. He got his humble start with Eric Gowler’s International Harvester dealership in 1950. He quickly realized his calling as a mechanic, and at only 20 years of age, became the shop foreman. In 1959, George ventured out on his own and with a business partner, purchased the Boissevain Ford dealership – he was only 26 years old. “Du-Rite Motors” was born. He went on to create NEWS Enterprises, a trucking company, in 1985. This company soon became its own entity, thanks to George’s keen business sense. In 1999, George discontinued his Ford dealership and became an Auto Value Parts dealer. In 2002, George became sole owner of Du-Rite Motors and NEWS Enterprises. Last year, George celebrated 50 years of business in Boissevain, a staggering accomplishment in its own right. He also served as President of the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce from 1982-83. He had been involved with the Boissevain Chamber of Commerce since the 1950’s, and was president of same from 1974-76. In 2008, the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce honored George with its Commerce Legacy Award. George was also a founding member of the Canadian Turtle Derby, and was involved with it for its entire 30-year existence from 1972-2001. George had a passion for racing, and loved to race stock cars and snowmobiles. He was the Manitoba Stock Car Racing Champion in 1971. He spent many years pursuing his “need for speed”, much to the delight and chagrin of his family. George is predeceased by his parents, three brothers – Abe, Jacob and Peter Dyck, and his devoted wife of 52 years, Ruth, who passed away July 2009. George is survived by his youngest brother John. Also left behind are his five children and their spouses and eight grandchildren – Randall (Nedeen) of Calgary, Alberta; Debra (Jim Nelson) of Surrey, B.C. and sons Geoffrey, Joshua and Dana; Muriel (John Nunes) of Winnipeg and son Dillon and daughter Kaitlin; Gloria (Kevin McKnight) of Killarney and daughter Cassandra and son Ryley; and Corey (Kristine) of Winnipeg and daughter Annika. George always attributed his success in life to his beloved wife Ruth, who raised their five children, allowing him to concentrate on business. He will be remembered by many for his devotion to community, work and family. His five children will remember their father for his smile, enthusiasm, insatiable zest for life, words of wisdom, comforting words, acceptance, unfaltering faith in their abilities, and his undying love for them and their mother. He was invincible, and in his grandchildren’s eyes, he was larger than life – he was “built Ford tough”. Funeral services were held in Boissevain on February 15, 2010 at the Whitewater Mennonite Church, with interment at Boissevain Cemetery.We will forever miss you, Dad, and know you are happy and at peace as you are now united with your sweetheart, Ruth, forever.

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 19, 2010