Peter Dyck

Nov 1948 – May 5, 2016

Peter Dyck, of Ryder Lake, Chilliwack, BC, passed away at Chilliwack General Hospital on the morning of Thursday May 5, 2016 in his 68th year. He had a well managed heart condition to which he succumbed quiet suddenly.

Pete was predeceased by his parents, Isaak and Margaret Dyck, brother Isaak Dyck in (1941), sister Tina Jones, brother Richard Dyck and nephew Steve Unruh (1971). He is survived by his wife, Lorraine (Templier) Dyck, children Ryan Dyck and wife Cherry of Chilliwack, Michael Burgener and wife Farrah Nanji of Burnaby, Jason Burgener of Chilliwack, Drew Burgener of Toronto, Beth Loy and husband Regan of Saskatoon: eight grandchildren, the greatest joy of his life, Ava and Amaya Burgener in Chilliwack, Keyaan, Qaim, and twins Aleeya and Zahra Burgener in Burnaby and Larson and Chase Loy in Saskatoon with whom he had great and frequent conversations on the phone: brother Hank Dyck and wife Leona of Langley, twin sister Marg Warkentin and husband Roy of Abbotsford BC, sister Sue Unruh and husband Hardy of Abbotsford, sister-in-law Wendy Dyck of Vancouver, brother-in-law George Jones of Columbia Valley, sister-in-law Arlene Templier of Chilliwack, brother-in-law Terry Templier of Williams Lake, many nieces and nephews, all of which he loved immensely.

Pete was born in Grünau, Germany in 1948 and immigrated to Canada in 1949. He grew up in Greendale, attended Sardis Secondary School, then graduated Chilliwack Senior Secondary in 1966, after which he completed grade 13 there. At graduation he considered a career in computer programming but soon discovered that making punch cards was definitely not how he wanted to spend his life. Fortunately, he found an opportunity in carpentry, became a journeyman carpenter and worked for Northern Construction in Vancouver for many years, of the more familiar projects are GF Strong, the pool at UBC and stairs at the Vancouver Court House. He later formed a construction company with his dear friend Ernie Krahn, K&D Construction, and built custom homes in the Chilliwack area. Eventually both Pete and Ernie progressed into their own separate companies to pursue individual interests.

Pete was a person put on this Earth to help and serve. Among his extensive volunteerism he taught Sunday School at Carmen Church, served one term as a City Councillor and subsequently on several committees at the City over the years. He constructed the Blue Heron Preserve building for Rotary. Wednesdays he studied religious books with a group of men at the home of Larry Les. He went to the Philippines on a mission led by Jim and Sharon Gaetz. He was on the Board of Directors of Ruth and Naomi’s Mission at the invitation of Wayne Massey and thoroughly enjoyed his connection on all these things.

Pete had a profound faith in God and lived his life through that lens. Not once did he turn down anyone who needed a hand or some advice or just a shoulder to lean on or an ear to listen. He was a superb problem solver and mediator and never gave up hope for a good result.

After retirement in 2006 Pete enjoyed every minute of his time home on the acreage. He would always discover new projects that he could do on his mini excavator. Pete’s main passion though was people – his coffee group, dedication to his wife, children, grandchildren, friends and family.

During his final days the ICU at Chilliwack General Hospital was filled with family and friends, day and night, and flooded with tears. The family cannot thank enough the compassionate and caring nurses in the ICU, both for their care of Peter but also of the family. To his doctors, Dr. Hirst, Dr. Khangura, Dr. Wilson and Dr. Kishi. Thank you, no one could have done more. Thank you to Jim Gaetz for his daily prayers at Pete’s side.

Private family interment services were held at Greendale Cemetery in the morning of May 12, 2016. Celebration of Life was held at the Chilliwack Alliance Church, 8700 Young Rd, Chilliwack on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 1:30pm. Tea to follow with a brief “Open Mic” opportunity for those who would like to share a memory.

Online condolences to the family may be made on Henderson Funeral Homes Chilliwack website.

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to Ruth and Naomi’s Mission, 46130 Margaret Ave, Chilliwack, B.C. V2P 2G5