Dyck, Isaac John (1896-1975)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1976 Feb 20 p. 31

Birth date: 1896

text of obituary:

ISAAC JOHN DYCK

Isaac John Dyck well-known pioneer Mennonite educator and active Fraser Valley, B.C. community worker, died suddenly in Vancouver General Hospital on December 8, on his 79th birthday. Born in Nikolaipol, South Russia, in 1896, he spent his early years in the close and caring community of his family and the Mennonite church. The hardships and upheaval of the Russian Revolution interrupted his education, which had led him to the University of Kharkhov. In 1921 he committed his life to God and three years later was baptized and joined the Mennonite Brethren Church.

After emigrating to Manitoba in 1924, he studied further and began an effective 34-year teaching career in 1927. The first 14 years were spent on the staff of the Winkler (Manitoba) High School. In 1928 he married Annie Warkentin, and the couple was blessed with three children. After moving to Abbotsford, B.C. in 1944, Mr. Dyck played a key role in founding the Mennonite Educational Institute in Clearbrook, B.C., serving for many years as a teacher and principal. He sought to serve the total needs of Mennonite young people, to help second generation Canadian children relate to their immigrant parents, and to unite Mennonite groups in support of the school.

He regarded political action as a natural extension of the Russian Mennonite tradition of self-administration on the local level, and became an active member and eventual president of the Chilliwack and Fraser Valley Liberal Association. He also served on hospital boards and was a strong supporter of the cooperative movement.

After retiring from teaching in 1966, Mr. Dyck and his wife travelled extensively. With others of his generation he shared a simplicity of manner, directness of speech, honesty, faithfulness to his Mennonite roots, and trust in God.

Surviving Mr. Dyck are his wife, Annie; one daughter, Rita Guenther of Sardis, B.C.; one son, Harvey, of Toronto; nine grandchildren; one sister; and many friends and relatives. A second daughter, Lorna Roberta Boulter of Prince Rupert , B.C., pre-deceased him just one day before his own death, on December 7. A joint service for Mr. Dyck and his daughter was held December 12 at the MEl in Clearbrook.