Obituary of Ben Dyck

Frank Benjamin (Ben) Dyck of Swift Current, SK and Altona, MB, peacefully passed away on January 6, 2024 at the Altona Community Memorial Health Center in Altona, MB at the age of 85 years.  

Ben was born September 19, 1938 to Cornelius J. and Agnes Dyck in Cabri, SK, the youngest of 10 children (5 daughters and 5 sons).  The family had immigrated to Canada from Russia in 1926 and settled Cabri in 1927, later moving to Success (1938) and Neville, SK (1949).

Ben worked on the family farm and for neighboring farmers throughout his high school years. Following graduation from Neville high school in 1956, Ben held jobs at Robin Hood Mills and Agriculture Canada. After attending Swift Current Bible Institute for one year (1958). Ben completed a bachelor’s and master’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Saskatchewan (1959 – 1964).

Ben married Muriel Laird in October, 1964.  After living in Peterborough, ON and working for General Electric for 2 years, they returned to Swift Current in spring of 1966. In 1968, they bought an acreage on the old Dunelm townsite south of Swift Current and three quarter-sections of farmland. Family life soon became the priority with the adoption of Milton (1967) and Mark (1969) and the birth of Jennifer (1970) and, Miles (1976).  

In his 28-year career as an engineer at the Swift Current Agriculture Canada Research Station, Ben led the engineering department and designed specialized agricultural machinery for scientists in western Canada and around the world. Early on, Ben recognized the importance of conservation tillage and zero-till farming practices, often experimenting on his own farm with equipment he built with the help of his sons. In 1996, he was recognized by the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists with a Lifetime Membership Award for his efforts in promoting reduced and zero-tillage farming. His career also included development projects with agricultural scientists in India, Pakistan, China, and Brazil.

Ben’s retirement in 1994 allowed him to pursue other interests. He continued to farm, did consulting work, and delivered a series of lectures on zero-till farming in Australia. He chaired the board of Camp Elim, Lac Pelletier during which he raised funds and oversaw the construction of a new dining hall, cabins, and many other improvements. He also made church activities and spending time with family and friends a priority. 

The passing of Muriel in June, 2009 after almost 45 years of marriage marked a period of transition including grieving, multiple surgeries and marriage to Hilda Franz in 2012.  Since 2012, Ben and Hilda divided their time between Altona and Swift Current, most recently residing permanently in Altona when travel became too difficult.

Ben had an infectious laugh, and a bright smile. Family, friends, and delicious food were his favorite combination. While Ben did not have a large farm, he loved farming and living in the country. Christan faith and service were also important to Ben. He read many books on Christian spirituality and theology. He kept current with agriculture and engineering through subscriptions to many periodicals and managing his farmland. He was an active member of Zion Mennonite Church in Swift Current and Bergthaler Church in Altona, MB. He lead the adult Sunday School group at Zion Mennonite Church for many years. He was generous with donations to multiple charities and church organizations.

Ben is pre-deceased by his parents, Cornelius J. and Agnes Dyck, his first wife, Muriel Dyck (nee Laird; 2009); his brothers, Jacob (1996), Peter (1955), Cornelius (1945), and Johann (1926); his sisters, Aganetha (Nettie) Klassen (2016), Katharina (1965), Kathleen Tiessen (1965), Maria (Mary; 1957), and Tina (1921).

Ben is survived by his second wife, Hilda Franz (nee Penner) and her children and grandchildren who welcomed him; his children, Milton Dyck, Mark Dyck (Maritza Dyck nee Barajas-Campos), Jennifer Dyck (Brian Reimer), and Miles Dyck (Altanzaya Yansanjav); his grandchildren, Andrew and Samuel Dyck (Mark and Maritza), Joel and Rowan Reimer (Jennifer and Brian), Terry and Theresa Batbold (Altanzaya and Miles).

The funeral service will be held on January 20, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Zion Mennonite Church – 78, 6^th Ave. NE, Swift Current, SK. A celebration of life service will take place at Altona Bergthaler Church – 117 2^nd St. NW, Altona, MB on February 24 at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of F. Ben Dyck may be made to Camp Elim (campelim.ca) or the Canadian Diabetes Association (diabetes.ca).

“Twilight and evening bell,

      And after that the dark!

And may there be no sadness of farewell,

      When I embark;”

- Crossing the Bar, Alfred, Lord Tennyson

The funeral service will be held on January 20, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Zion Mennonite Church – 78, 6^th Ave. NE, Swift Current, SK. A celebration of life service will take place at Altona Bergthaler Church – 117 2^nd St. NW, Altona, MB on February 24 at 2:00 p.m.

Click on the link below to watch livestreaming of the Funeral Service.

https://boxcast.tv/view/frank-benjamin-ben-dyck-funeral-service-ptqtlxxvqttyuzpctelg?_gl=1*kjo86l*_ga*MTE0NTU3OTE0Ni4xNzA0MjMyNTA3*_ga_PXBBF7HVWQ*MTcwNDkzMjMxNi42LjEuMTcwNDkzMjU5NC4wLjAuMA..