Tribute

John (Johann) Dyck passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, with his wife, Johanna, and his stepdaughter Esther at his side. His memory will be cherished by family and friends.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Johanna, and his step children, Esther, Irene, and Rob and granddaughter Sophie; his brother Frank (Mary); his brother Peter (Revita); his sister-in-law Rita Dyck; and his many nieces and nephews: Jake Penner (Sylvia), Rick Dyck (Tammy), Dave Dyck (Debbie), Corey Dyck (Carol), Ryan Dyck (Angela), Michelle Freebairn (Christian), Robert Dyck (Carissa), and Mike Dyck.  He was predeceased by his parents, Anna and Daniel Dyck; his siblings Anna, Maria, and Salomon; his brother-in-law Abe Penner; and his niece Erna.

John was born in Neuendorf, Southern Russia, during a time of great social unrest and hardship. In 1943, with the retreat of the German army, the family fled to Germany and later resettled in the Chaco region of Paraguay. Upon the confession of his faith, John was baptized on March 8, 1953, by Rev. Hans Rempel.

As the oldest son, John carried significant responsibility. He helped with household and farm chores and played an important role in caring for his younger siblings. Life in the Chaco was especially challenging, and John worked alongside his father to clear land and plant crops to sustain the family. When the farm eventually stabilized, he learned the sheet metal trade in the neighboring colony of Fernheim. After mastering this trade, he moved to Buenos Aires, where he established and managed his own company, employing many workers to build oil tanks for the Shell company.

John’s life changed dramatically with the sudden passing of his mother. Following her death, the family decided to immigrate to Canada in 1965. John made a tremendous sacrifice, selling his successful business in Buenos Aires to accompany the family to Vancouver. Life in Canada brought many new opportunities, and John embraced each one with positivity, resilience, and renewed hope—never once regretting the path he chose.

John married Johanna in 1989, and they made their first home in Vancouver, later moving to Abbotsford, where they built a life together. John found deep contentment in the simple joys of life. He loved fishing and camping with his wife, took great pleasure in tending their garden, and enjoyed time spent with his stepdaughter’s dogs. Walks through the neighbourhood were a regular part of his days, and he was well known and warmly regarded by those around him.

John loved Johanna’s cooking and together they loved to BBQ, spending time playing cards with friends and watching the Vancouver Canucks. In the months leading up to his passing, John faced numerous health challenges and was in and out of the hospital. Throughout this time, his wife and stepchildren visited him regularly and witnessed his gradual decline. True to his character, John was an easy patient who never complained, facing his illness with quiet strength and patience.

John enjoyed life deeply, and with the same peace that marked his character, he slipped away to be with his Lord and Saviour.

Auf Wiedersehen, John.