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Rosemary Mennonite Church

https://boxcast.tv/view/funeral---peter-a-dyck---may-3-2025-200pm-ifr2hpwugttdpv8axqpk

Peter A. Dyck

November 10, 1926 – April 24, 2025

It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we say goodbye to our much-loved Dad, Grandpa and Opa, Peter A. Dyck.

On his final day here on earth, Peter took his last breath and entered into his Saviour's care.

Peter was born to Abram & Maria (Schwarz) Dyck on November 10, 1926 in Lyubimovka, a small Mennonite village nestled in the steppes of Orenburg, Russia. He and his older sister Elviera grew up during the tumultuous times of the Stalinist regime. In 1937, Peter's father was forcibly taken by Stalin's secret police and sentenced to life of hard labour in a Siberian Gulag. Sadly, he was never seen or heard from again.

Life became a daily struggle for survival. Close to starvation, Peter's mother made the decision in the spring of 1938 to move them to Franzfeld, Yazykovo, Ukraine where Peter's Grandma Schwarz lived. World War II followed and, in September of 1943, when the German Army retreated from the Ukraine, Peter's family became part of the Great Trek to escape the Soviet Union.

They got as far as Gliwice, Poland, where 17-year-old Peter was forcibly conscripted into the German Army. After the war, Peter was interned in a prisoner of war camp in Rimini, Italy. After his release, Peter immediately headed to Germany to try to reunite with his mother and sister. He was devastated to learn that they had been sent back to the Soviet Union.

Peter found work on an estate in Udorf, Nordrhein, Westfalen, Germany where he met the love of his life, Katharina (Tina) Dyck, who became his lifelong partner and best friend. They were married in 1947 and a year later they were over-joyed when their first son, Pete, was born.

Peter & Tina wanted to get out of war-torn Germany. They were unable to immigrate to Canada because Peter had served in the German Army. With the help from the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) the young family set sail from Bremerhaven, Germany aboard the "SS Volendam" on October 7, 1948 to begin pioneering in Volendam, Paraguay, South America.

During their time in Paraguay, they were blessed with the birth of their second son, Ernst. Tragically Ernst contracted Bronchitis and, at just eight months old, passed away. Joy was brought back into the home when Peter & Tina were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Lori.

At long last, in April of 1955, with the help of relatives, the young family successfully immigrated to Canada. Peter & Tina lived briefly in Rosemary before moving to Coaldale, where Peter found work with Pfaff Construction. Their family grew again with the arrival of their youngest son, Erwin, who completed their little international family.

In the fall of 1962, Peter realized a lifelong dream with the purchase of a farm near Rosemary. He took great pleasure in cultivating his fields and raising his family on this beloved piece of land. His family continued to grow and Peter became a proud Grandpa, seven times over with the births of Denise and Daryl; Melissa and Steve; and Byron, Murray and Pam.

The driving and central force in Peter's life was his faith. Though church attendance was forbidden in his childhood, Peter became a disciple of Christ and a long-serving member of the Rosemary Mennonite Church.

After three decades of farming, Peter & Tina retired to Rosemary where they enjoyed travelling and reveled in visits from their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Tina's death in 2005 was devastating to Peter – together they had shared 58 beautiful years of marriage. Peter remained in their home and continued to pursue his lifelong hobby with homing pigeons. He also became an avid gardener and he began experimenting with grafting different types of apples. Eventually, he had one apple tree producing three varieties.

At 80, Peter took up curling. He thoroughly enjoyed it and at 90 he proudly tied for top place. At 92, Peter swept those granite rocks into 'the house' one final time however, he never lost his enthusiasm for the sport as he continued to cheer from his easy chair.

In the fall of 2015, Peter decided to move to Newbrook Lodge. Although this was a difficult transition for him, he soon made many wonderful friends there; always making special trips to check on the crops on his beloved farm, now in the capable hands of the third generation of Dyck's.

Peter lived a long and fulfilling life through many colourful chapters. He was a truly one-of-a-kind man. Peter was resilient. He was a calming presence. His strength of character cut through the chaos. His weathered hands were a tribute to a life of hard work. His generosity touched many. His needs were few, and his lifestyle was simple. Peter was an accomplished and entertaining story teller, remembering all the little details and events. His stories of the past put perspective on the challenges of today. Peter's life was defined by his faith, strength of character, incredible work ethic, discipline, integrity and generosity. Peter was uncomplaining and courageous and remained sharp of mind and quick witted until the very end with an unshakeable attitude to choose life with purpose every day.

It goes without saying that Peter has left a big hole in our hearts and in our lives. Left to cherish his memories are; his children: Pete (Beth), Lori (Harold), & Erwin (Joanna). His legacy lives on through his six grandchildren: Denise (Jason), Daryl (Heidi), Steve (Trudy), Byron, Murray (Courtney), Pam (Kenny) and his 14 great grandchildren. Peter will also be fondly remembered by his special friend Marilyn and many extended family members and friends across Canada, Germany, Poland and Russia.

Over the 98 years of his life, Peter experienced many familial losses: his beloved wife Tina; his infant son Ernst; his granddaughter Melissa; his daughter-in-law Frieda; his parents Abram & Maria Dyck and his sister, Elviera.

Dad, your love and influence will be deeply missed and always cherished. "Auf Wiedersehen Dad."

A Celebration of Peter's Life will be held at the Rosemary Mennonite Church on May 03, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.

A Family Interment will be held prior at the Rosemary Cemetery.

In memory of Peter, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Newell Foodgrains Growing Project, Box 294, Rosemary, Alberta   T0J 2W0.