Dyck, Jacob A. (1906-2005)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2005 Jul 22 p. 28

Birth date: 1906 Aug 16

text of obituary:

JACOB A. DYCK

Jacob A. Dyck died May 22. He was born Aug. 15, 1906 in Eichenfeld, South Rus- sia to Abram and Hele- na Dyck. His father was killed by Machno's fol- lowers and his mother fled to a neighbouring village. The family moved to Steinfeld to be close to other family members. They scav- enged for food, In 1923 the family began immigrating to Canada but because of his siblings' illness, only Jacob and his brother Abram were allowed to go, coming to Cana- da with no money and wearing only thin shirts and worn trousers. They worked as farmhands but were not paid. Their mother came to Canada 7 months later and married J.J.M, Klassen of Beaver Flats, Sask. Jacob ac - quired land and began farming. He married Mary Sawatsky Oct. 26, 1930. Because of the Depression they moved to Yarrow, B.C. after a decade. He worked in hop fields, to- bacco fields and a nursery. He worked as a carpenter at the military base at Vedder Crossing, B.C. and established his own con- struction firm. In 1950 they moved to Van- couver, and over 30 years he built nearly 600 houses. After retirement he volunteered at Vancouver Airport Chapel. He is remem- bered for his care for his family, his generos- ity to others, his friendly demeanour and in - tegrity. Predeceased by Mary, 2 sisters, 3 brothers, he is mourned by sons Harold and Ron; daughters Leonora Pauls and Violet Goosen; his brother's orphaned children: Roland, Rodney, Nancy Johnson and Mar- lene Broening who became part of the fami- ly in 1957; 24 grandchildren; 34 great- grandchildren; 3 sisters. The funeral was May 28 in Fraserview MB Church with Dan Unrau ministering.