Anton W. Dyck

1920 – 2006

Peacefully, after a full and active life, our beloved husband, devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather slipped away to be with his Lord on August 29, 2006 at Salem Home in Winkler.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 6 years, Dora (nee Klassen); 2 daughters, Dorothy and Warren Earl (Angela, Andrea, Alayna), Corinne and Ray Peters (Paul, Jordan, Shanley); 3 sons, Lawrence and Tammy Dyck (Barbara and Mario Osario, Aaron, Jennifer and Calvin Braun), Harold and Lesia Dyck (Ryan, Vanessa, Kevin, Matthew); Tony and Joyce Dyck (Kristin and Marvin Falk, Michael, Timothy) as well as his step-children, Ed and Erna Doell, Ken and Maryann Doell, Judi and David Heide and their families.  He is also survived by 3 sisters, Margie Doerksen, Agatha Gerbrandt and Eva; 2 brothers, Dave and Katherine Dyck, Cornie Dyck; sisters-in-law, Mary Groening, Susan and Ernie Winther, Tina Doell; brother-in-law, Cornie Hiebert and numerous nieces and nephews and friends who were very dear to him.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Annie (nee Doell) in 1998; his precious granddaughter Naomi Dyck (1982); sisters, Tina Hildebrand, Mary Hiebert, Lena Groening; brothers-in-law, Ben Hildebrand, Herman Doerksen, John Gerbrandt and Dave Groening.

Anton grew up on a farm in the Rosefarm district.  He served as a conscientious objector during the war and made many life-long friends there.  He faithfully attended all their reunions including the one held this past July.

He was baptized upon the confession of his faith in 1941 and married his sweetheart, Annie Doell in 1942.  They settled into farm life in Melba for 4 years, Myrtle for 17 years, Lowe Farm for 30 years and eventually retired to Winkler in 1994.

He always took an active part in community affairs, serving on several local boards.  He lived out his faith by taking leadership roles in many aspects of church life.

He and his wife traveled extensively; touring and visiting friends and relatives in North and South America as well as eastern and western Europe.

His passion for geneology led him to research his ancestry and he compiled a book recording his mother’s family history.

He took pride in his children and grandchildren and their achievements.  He always felt his life was full and was thankful to have been able to teach his family to love and accept the Lord as their Saviour and to live a life that is pleasing to Him.  “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15.

Through God’s grace, he lived to tell the story of surviving a lightening strike while combining in 1972 and then surviving colon cancer that same year.  His devotion to our mother during her struggle with cancer was an inspiration to us as a family.  Her passing left a huge void in his life.  After mom’s death, he continued to fill his days by attending the concerts and sporting events of his grandchildren, church and community.  Thankfully, he soon had Dora accompanying him and in 2000, they joined their lives in marriage.  They continued to travel and celebrate their life together with family and friends.

Due to failing health, dad was hospitalized in January 2005, moving into Salem Home in August of the same year.  This past July, he suffered a heart attack and his health continued to decline.  Our family is grateful for the wonderful care provided by the staff at both Salem Home and Boundary Trails Health Centre.

A celebration of Anton’s life was held on Saturday, September 2, 2006 at 2:30 pm at the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church.  Interment followed at Lowe Farm Cemetery.

If friends so desire, donations may be made in Anton’s memory to either the Canadian Food Grains Bank Box 767 Winnipeg, MB R3C 2L4 or to the Altona and District Association for the Mentally Handicapped Inc. Box 330 Altona, MB R0G 0B0.

“He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.”  Proverbs 21:21.

Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler in care of arrangements.