Ross Dyker
July 31, 1938 — August 31, 2015
Ross Dyker
July 31, 1938 – August 31, 2015
Ross passed away peacefully with his family by his side, at the age of 77, at the Portage District General Hospital.
Predeceased by his daughter Marcia Spiller; parents George and Helen Dyker; in-laws Marno and Violet Erlendson, Walter Mailman; brothers-in-law Chris and Steini Erlendson.
Lovingly remembered by his wife Sylvia Dyker; children Janice Dyker, Donald (Lynn) Dyker- Emily & Liam, Fjola (Bill) Busby – Abby & Wil, Alison (Scott) Van Damme – Maggie & Grace; grandson Andrew Spiller (Monique); son in law Blake Spiller (Brenda); brothers George Dyker (Connie), Allan (Lynn) Dyker; sister Marney Dyker; sisters-in-law Denise Erlendson, Patsy Erlendson, and Valerie (Marcel) Clement and many nieces and nephews.
Ross was the second child born to Helen and George Dyker in Winnipeg. His father was a United Church minister whose work sent the family to Neepawa. When Ross was 6 years old his parents moved the family to Winnipeg where Ross grew up.
Ross graduated from Kelvin High School and then completed his civil engineering degree at the University of Alberta. After graduation he worked for a large construction company, he soon quit as he decided he was his own boss. He started his own construction company Versatile Builders Ltd and worked throughout Manitoba. Over the years Ross took great pride in teaching carpentry skills to family and friends.
52 years ago Ross and Sylvia Erlendson met; it was love at first sight. Ross and Sylvia were married 51 years and together they raised 5 children in Winnipeg. The family then moved to their farm in Westbourne in 1983. Ross continued with his construction company and began farming – including raising pigs, cattle and grain farming.
Ross and Sylvia moved to Portage La Prairie in 2001, soon after their grandson Andrew moved in. Over the years several Terriers were billeted in their home and was often a gathering spot for team members.
He had a passion for sports and played football, baseball, and curling. His second love of his life was hockey. His competitive nature and demeanor were a perfect mix for the sport. He played junior hockey at the age of fifteen. He continued to play hockey into his forties with the Fort Richmond Oldtimers team.
Ross had a great love for the outdoors. He was looking forward to going goose hunting with his buddies this fall. Ross also loved to go fishing and boating.
He was a very loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was very encouraging and supportive. He will be dearly missed by his wife, family and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 4th, 2015 at 1:00 pm at Trinity United Church in Portage la Prairie, MB.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Liver Foundation, Manitoba Chapter, Suite 210, 375 York Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3J3
A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. 204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com