July 11, 1927- October 2, 2013
“Being in the way, the Lord led me.” Genesis 24:27
Frank Dyck was born on July 11th, 1927 in Felsenbach, Ukraine, the son of a minister, Isaak, and Anna Dyck. He immigrated to Canada in 1948 to pursue an education in biblical theology and graduated from Coaldale Bible School in 1953, and then from Three Hills Bible School two years later in 1955. While at Coaldale Bible School, Frank met his sweetheart, Nettie Rempel, and they were married on October 23rd, 1955. Frank continued his education at the Ukrainian Bible School, MBBC, Tabor College, and both the University of Alberta and of Calgary. In his early years of teaching, Frank also led local congregations in the small towns in which they lived. In 1968, Frank began his teaching career with the Calgary Board of Education, retiring in June of 1987.
During his years in Canada, Frank felt a deep calling; he hoped one day to return to the country of his birth. Frank’s dream was to share the hope he had found in his personal relationship with Jesus with as many people as possible. Forty years later, in 1988, this dream became a reality. Frank and Nettie began their ministry overseas in Germany, Lithuania and the Ukraine. Their ministry involved restoring churches, distributing Bibles, and teaching college courses; this culminated with the founding of a Bible College and Seminary in Zaporozhye, Ukraine.
On Wednesday, October 2nd, 2013, Frank had a heart attack while at home. Nettie, his wife of 58 years, was by his side when he passed away peacefully into the presence of his Lord. Frank’s life was characterized by his love for God, his commitment to family and his passion for ministry in the Ukraine.
Frank is survived by his wife, Nettie; their seven children, Amy (Don) Harris, Esther (James) Krahn, Joy (Ren) Klassen, Lydia (Ken) Warkentin, David (Ann-Marie) Dyck, Frann (Steve) Miles and Christine Voth; 33 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Gerhard Dyck of Germany. He was predeceased by his parents, five brothers, one sister and one son-in-law.
A Celebration of Frank’s Life will be held at Highland MB Church, (4018 Centre B Street, N.W. Calgary, AB); on Monday, October 7th at 3:00 pm. Frank was laid to rest at the Rocky View Garden of Peace cemetery.