Tribute

John was born in Carman, Manitoba to Henry and Catharina Dyck. John was the doted upon baby of the family, which included his two brothers Harry and Elmer, and three sisters, Luella, Kathleen, and Viola. In the last week of his life, John travelled to Manitoba to celebrate Harry’s 100th birthday and his family is so thankful that he was able to make the trip.

Upon graduating as a Civil Engineer in 1965, John moved to Regina, Saskatchewan, where he met the love of his life, Mary Stirling. They were married on March 28, 1967, and had three children, Kerry, Trevor, and Ryan. Together they built and have enjoyed a loving and close family, enjoying nothing more than when everyone would come together under their roof for holidays and celebrations. These were very good times.

John was an active member of the Evangelical Covenant Church and the community. He was always the first to volunteer to help someone in need or take on a project. Shortly after his retirement, he volunteered to be the project manager to rebuild the Granite Pointe Golf Clubhouse after it was destroyed in a fire. John loved golf but he especially loved the opportunity to spend time with his golf buddies. He was unfailingly friendly, and was always happy to sit, chat, and share a laugh with anyone. In recent times, he greatly enjoyed playing bridge with friends at home and at the Nelson Seniors Center.

John was a devoted family man who was always game to help renovate a house, build a deck (or wall), fix a car, or pitch in with anything else that needed doing. He and Mary were often called upon to look after the grandkids, and they loved every minute. John’s boys were his pride and his grandkids his joy.

John was predeceased by his eldest son Kerry and is survived by his wife Mary, sons Trevor and Ryan, daughters-in-law Heather, Heidi, and Stacey, and grandchildren Kylee, Jaden, Megan, Alexis, Alison, Carter, Mason, and Chloe.

John’s death was sudden and unexpected. We are comforted that he lived a wonderful and full life here in Nelson, and that he is now in heaven with Kerry.