Mr. Isaak Dyck

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Mr. Isaak Dyck, it summarized in every way who he was. He was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around him and always thinking before acting. He was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything he did. He was a friendly person who truly cared about those around him.      Isaak was born on December 7, 1921 at At home in Reinland, Manitoba. He was the son of Isaak and Katherina Dyck. As a young boy, his family moved to Mexico where he was raised, he was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, he learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that he would carry with him throughout his life.      As a young boy, Isaak was always aware of how others around him felt and this quality served him well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Isaak was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Isaak was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where he could concentrate, Isaak also had the ability to relate well with his family and friends. Isaak was raised with 13 siblings. Isaak was constantly involved in activities with his family. Isaak and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.      Growing up, Isaak was one of those children who did not need to be in the center of a whirlwind of activity. He was content to entertain himself. Isaak was never pushy when it came to games and other activities, but rather, he was able to enjoy the pure fun these could bring. In just about everything he did as a child, Isaak was intent on pleasing both the adults and the other children around him. Isaak took part in a number of activities as a child. In his spare time he liked reading. Especially through the Bible, and story books on the side. Isaak's memorable achievements included being the top in his class.      Isaak enjoyed learning. He always had a great memory and was particularly skilled at retaining factual information. Isaak was generally quiet in class, learning best through observation. He often showed great concentration and was competent at completing the tasks at hand. Good with details, Isaak was painstaking and accurate in his efforts. All of these talents culminated in a successful high school career. He graduated from Reinland German School in 1933, because it was a German school in a colony he was finished at the age of 13. Isaak enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. His favorite class in high school was reading and writing.      Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Isaak. On February 21, 1943 Isaak married Aganetha Wiebe at Old Colony Church of Rosenthal, Mexico. He was totally committed to Aganetha and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if Isaak naturally sensed his spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Isaak disliked conflict, he did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.      Isaak was a good father to his children. He had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because he trusted emotions, Isaak was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way he seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around him, always thinking before acting. In addition, Isaak was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around him might be, he seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Isaak was blessed with seven children, two sons, Jake and Isaak, and five daughters, Katherina (Tina), Sarah, Nettie, Anna (Ann) and Mary (passed away 4 hrs after birth). They were also blessed with eighteen grandchildren, John, Isaac, Jake, Lisa, Isaac, Margaret, Nela, Nettie, Mary, Eva, Susan, Shirley, Tammy, Tina, Mary Ann, Tim, James and Nick also sixty-one great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.       If you gave Isaak a deadline, he would meet it. At work, Isaak was always on task. Without hesitation, Isaak could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. He was a farmer, teacher, worked at Farm King, a road builder, machine manufacturist, black smith, and butcher. During that time, Isaak excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. He was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Isaak was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Isaak had at true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. He was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.      Isaak liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Isaak's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Isaak preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on his hobbies. His favorite pursuits were making toys for kids, metal work, listening to German hour sing, watching British comedy shows and giving candy and gum to children. Isaak was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying his hobbies all by himself and could often be found just reading about his favorite pastimes. When it came to sports, tops on his list was to watch hockey with his son-in-law.            Isaak was active in the community. He was practical and grounded and based his decisions on first hand experience. He was responsible and liked working to achieve results rather than just chattering about possibilities. Isaak served on the committees for the Township Board of Trustee's. Politically, Isaak was a supporter of the Social Credit Party.      An individual who respected and maintained traditional values, his faith was important to Isaak. His compassion, consideration and sympathy toward others was evident in his personal beliefs. He was a member of the Old Colony Mennonite Church for 67 years. During that time, he was Sunday morning worship leader in his younger years while living in Manitoba.          Isaak always had a stray cat that would become his companion. This surely said something about his kind ways.      When Isaak's retirement finally arrived in 1984, he was well prepared. He had taken the time to learn about his various options and chose his course wisely. His new life involved relocating to Vanderhoof, BC to be closer to his family. In retirement, he found new pleasure in working on his hobbies. Even in retirement, Isaak continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.      Isaak passed away on October 17, 2009 at St. Johns Hospital in Vanderhoof, BC. He fought a brave battle against brain cancer. He is survived by his wife Aganetha(Nettie), 6 children: Jacob (Tina), Isaak (Marie), Tina (Herman), Sarah (George), Nettie (Gordan), Ann (Carl), 18 grandchildren, 61 great grandchildren, and 1 great - great grandchild. Services were held at Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship. Isaak was laid to rest in Vanderhoof Public Cemetery in Vanderhoof, BC. Canada.      It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Isaak was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Isaak was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of man to whom everyone was drawn. He was thorough and practical. Isaak Dyck was very literal with his words. You always knew where you stood with Isaak. He will be missed.