PETER L. DYCK

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PETER L. DYCK On July 10, 2000 at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, Dr. Peter L. Dyck passed away at the age of 71 years. He was born March 31, 1929 in Burwalde, Man. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Joyce; son Gary (and Susan) Dyck; daughter Cynthia Dyck; grandchildren, Orianne, Geoffrey and Raymond Dyck and Beth and Paula Tutkaluke; sisters, Josie (and Frank) Enns, Katie Dyck, Helen Friesen, Irene Wallace, and brothers, John (and Erica) Dyck and Dr. Don (and Gloria) Dyck. He was a loving and devoted family man and in later years became a care giver par excellence after his wife Joyce suffered a debilitating illness. He often said that he was trying to live up to the example set by his father, the late John P. Dyck. He will be remembered fondly by all those whose lives he touched. After studies at the University of Manitoba and the University of California, Peter devoted his career to research in oat and wheat genetics, initially in Ottawa and then at the Cereal Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Winnipeg. The rust diseases were a major limiting factor in cereal production in the prairies, and Peter undertook the task to help unravel the complex genetics of rust disease resistance, and to search for new resistance to these diseases. He became an international authority in his field, cooperating with many scientists in Canada and abroad, and became a consultant to wheat breeders worldwide. His research is published in numerous international scientific journals. The practical results of his research are seen in many wheat varieties grown in the prairies today, where they contain genes for rust disease resistance that he isolated and contributed, allowing for more successful wheat production. He was made Honorary Professor at the University of Manitoba, where he assisted in the training of graduate students and served as consultant and examiner for graduate student theses in Canada and Australia. He was especially appreciated by his colleagues for his willingness to assist and cooperate, and his methodical, persistent and thorough investigation of difficult problems in wheat genetics. In recognition of his contribution to science and agriculture, Peter was awarded the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada Gold Medal for outstanding achievement as a member of the wheat improvement team. He was also awarded an Honorary membership in the Canadian Phytopathological Society for his contribution to the understanding of the pathology and control of wheat rust diseases by genetic resistance. The family wishes to express a special thank you to Dr. Hichon and the staff at the dialysis unit of the Health Sciences Centre. Funeral service will be held on Monday, July 17 at 1:00 p.m. at Leatherdale Gardiner Funeral Chapels, 1501 Waverley Street. The service will be preceded by viewing from noon to 1:00. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Canadian Food Grains Bank, 400 - 280 Smith St., Box 767, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2L4. LEATHERDALE GARDINER 1501 Waverley Street 949-4860

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 15, 2000