John Dyck

1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) and Clasp, War Medal 1939-45

Royal Canadian Engineers

25 October 1919 – 30 March 1988

John was born 25 October 1919, the second of four children of John and Maria Dyck. He grew up in the Lowe Farm area and enrolled in the Canadian Forces in the fall of 1942 at Plum Coulee. As a farm kid he had gained lots of mechanical experience, fixing equipment, and ended up being a mechanic – driver. He served in France and Germany until the end of the war and was returned to Canada. He was demobilized, 02 April 1946, and wasted no time getting to Morden to see the girl he had met a before being sent to Europe. John went directly to the Masons Hospital, she was a nurse, and asked for her. The Matron went and found her and said,” Agatha, there’s a soldier here to see you.” John and Agatha Peters were married 23 June 1946, a short 2 1/2 months after his return.

John worked as a mechanic for a short time but eventually ended up at the Morden Experimental Farm, now the Morden Research Station, and became a Steam Fitter a certification he maintained for the remainder of his life.

John and Agatha lived most of their married life in three different houses on First Street and raised three children. Linda 1954, Ronald 1955 and Sharon 1959. John participated in many Legion activities. He and Agatha were also involved in the Horticulture Society and won some community awards for landscaping. He enjoyed experimenting with the grafting of apple trees, something he did for more than 20 years, and some of his handy-work is still growing at 337 First Street.

John was a great believer in the Credit Union organization and got involved as board member, eventually becoming the manager of the Morden Credit Union in the early seventies. He was the manager when Morden, Manitou and Miami Credit Unions merged and remained as the overall manager until his health forced him to retire in 1984.

John always loved his work but his passion was fishing and it did not take much convincing that this would be a good week to go to Grand Rapids. He enjoyed his trips with friends but loved the trips with his family, especially after there were grandchildren that went as well. There were days he would just drive the boat and never put a hook in the water because, “its way more fun watching everybody else catch fish”. Many friends and family that went fishing with John, got Master Angler Awards but that honour never fell on him. Just too busy watching and enjoying the fun.

Johns was diagnosed with lung cancer (Mesotheliomia) mid 1987, the result of working with asbestos as a Steam Fitter. He passed away 30 March 1988.

Information submitted by Linda and Sharon.