It is with great sadness that the family of BERTHA “B” DYCK announces her passing in a tragic accident in Lethbridge, Alberta on July 5, 2011, at the age of 86. Bertha is survived by her five children and their spouses; Iris (Les) Loewen, Bill (Angela) Dyck , Kathryn (Jay) Bell, Anita (Bryan) Horrocks, and Rebecca Dyck; her grandchildren Gary and Kevin (Tammy) Loewen, Jonathan Jones (Lee Reidel), Wade (Cissy) Horrocks, Lindsay Horrocks, Colin Dyck and Rhianna Russell; her great grandchildren Ana?s Loewen-Young, Sydney and Wren Horrocks. She is also survived by two brothers, Jake (Margaret) Wiens and John (Sue) Wiens, a sister, Sara Thomas, as well as numerous nephews, nieces and many dear friends. Bertha was born on the family farm near Winkler, Manitoba on Oct. 1, 1924, where she grew up with 15 brothers and sisters. She loved school, and was able to pass on her love of learning to others by becoming a teacher at a time when most women did not seek a career outside the home. In 1944 Bertha married Bill (William) Dyck , who predeceased her in 1978. Their lives together led them to numerous locations in Manitoba, where the two “rolling stones” gathered life-long friends. Bertha continued gathering friends on her own in various communities in Winnipeg, and later in Creston and Sparwood, B.C., and Lethbridge, Alberta. “My doctor told me to keep moving,” she said, “so that’s what I do!” Wherever she lived, Bertha walked. She loved nature, walking in the Lethbridge coulees, under trees, down city streets, through parks and even up the odd mountain. Along the way she found beauty and joy in every step - flowers blooming in front yards, the smiles of children, the greetings of strangers, chance conversations, the flight of a bird or a fallen leaf. She loved writing, creating art, reading, listening to music, reciting poetry (which happened spontaneously, and often), telling corny jokes and laughing. Bertha adopted her father’s motto: “He who does not honour little things is not worthy of big things.” Bertha respected all people, and adored children. Her family received her unconditional love. All who knew Bertha were touched by her humanity, kindness, and gentleness. She abhorred injustices of any kind, and was often distressed by “man’s inhumanity to man.” The world has lost a champion of those less fortunate. Bertha’s wish for the world was for no one to go hungry, no one to be unwanted, no violence, no wars, no poverty, no great wealth, no greed - just people holding hands. She refused to believe it was impossible. In the face of her own struggles and hardships as a survivor of poverty, depression and breast cancer, Bertha was rare in her ability to inspire by remaining positive, optimistic and generous towards others no matter what life tossed her way. Her strength of character will remain a lesson to all who crossed her path. Bertha’s family would like to thank the staff of Lethbridge Police Services, Fire and EMS, Victim Services, and Emergency Services at the Chinook Regional Hospital for their compassion and care.
Friends are invited to join the family in celebrating Bertha’s life on Sunday, July 10, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the GALT MUSEUM, West End of 5 Avenue South, Lethbridge, overlooking the coulees she loved so much.
Those wishing to honour Bertha’s memory are asked to consider a donation to a local food bank or other charity of their choice. Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone (403) 381-7777. E-mail: care@cornerstonefh.ca