Dick, Peter George (1905-2006)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2006 Sep 1 p. 25

Birth date: 1905 Oct 18

text of obituary:

PETER GEORGE DICK

Dick died peace- fully July 21 at nearly 101 years. He was born Oct. 18, 1905 to Gerhard and Aganeta John Thi essen John Thiessen died July 4. He was born Aug. 24, 1941 in Klip- penfeld, Ukraine to Jo- hann and Agnes Thies- sen . When John was 3, his father was drafted into the German army, so his mother fled to Peter Wolff died May 16. He was born Apr. 9, 1920 in Alexanderfeld, Ukraine to Jakob and Elisabeth Wolff. The family immigrated to Paraguay and started a new life despite many hardships. Peter met Dick in Alexanderkro- Germany with her young family. They eventu- ne, Ukraine. At 5, he ally immigrated to Canada, settling in Kitch- moved with his family to Siberia, and at 21, immigrated to Canada to "spy out the land" for them. He settled in Kitchener, Ont. where he worked on a farm and met Anna Becker, whom he married June 15, 1930. At Anna's suggestion, Peter made a commitment to become a Chris- tian and live a life of service. He sang in the choir, served as a deacon, joined the Gideons, and opened his home to immigrant families who had escaped the Soviet Union during WWII. Pe- ter and Anna struggled to make a life during the Great Depression, first on a farm and then in the city of Kitchener. They moved to Denver after retirement, travelling all over the world. When Anna died in 1989, Peter moved back to Ontario. He loved to read, write, and stay informed about things. He rode the wave of life with curiosity, elegance, and vitality. Predeceased by Anna; infant daughter Eleanor; he is mourned by chil- dren Elfrieda Heinrichs, John, Marina Unger, and Debra Classen; 2 sisters.