Obituary of Cornelius (Cornie) W. Dyck

Cornelius (Cornie) W. Dyck went to be with his Lord and Saviour; peacefully, at home, in the arms of his wife, Elisa, on July 27, 2021, around 12:30 pm.

Cornie is survived by his patient and loving wife, Elisa, their eight children and their families: Helen (Shawn), Susan (Abe), Elizabeth (Henry), Jacob (Shirley), Nancy (Peter), John (Susan), Margaret (Dennis), Tina (Henry); 37 grandchildren, plus four married, and two great-grandchildren.

He was born in Campo 67, Chihuahua, Mexico on Apr 10, 1949, to Jacob & Susana Dueck; their 5th child.

He grew up very poor, but content. Their diet consisted mostly of bread dipped into a sugary coffee mixture and beans.  As a treat, they were allowed 1 cup of milk per week, and as a teen, a roast chicken dinner once a month, when his older married brothers came home to visit.

The large family of 14 lived in a small house with a dirt roof and floor, coated with a water/flour mixture, to seal the roof and have a smooth floor that was easier to clean.
Together with his brothers, he had a lot of fun growing up, especially with Martin.  They were two peas in a pod, like twins; always doing stuff together; right until the end. They roped wild mules and horses, jumped up on them and had wild bronc rides!

They chopped wood, hauled water from the river by horse and wagon, when Cornie was 10. They teased sheep rams, rode horses bareback, standing up on them at full gallop, and also tied boxes to donkey’s tails!

They had a friend who always came to visit (and distract?) them.  His mom decided to dissuade the friend from coming over as often by taking and tying all three boys together with a rope… didn’t work, he came back!

Cornie first saw Elisa in a youth group and he immediately fell in love … he knew he would marry that girl!!  She was 14; he was 20 yrs old.

He worked as a cook at a sawmill when he was 22 years old.

In 1971, he was baptized upon confession of his faith.

He married Elisa, on July 2, 1972 in Campo 72, Mexico

In early 1973, Cornie and Elisa moved to Ontario; where they had four children… plus they were kept busy working in tobacco, cucumber and tomato fields.  

In July 1977, they moved to MB, and had 4 more children.

Cornie started working at Loewen Windows July 25, 1977 and worked hard there till he retired in December 2013.

He loved Jesus, his wife and children (even if they were bossy; and he was being stubborn), animals, country living, and fishing (one of his last wishes, which was fulfilled).

Cornie was a giving man; and always treating his grandchildren to Slurpee’s, treats and wagon wheels.

He loved joking, telling stories and showing funny videos… he loved his cell phone!

 
When Elisa was hospitalized in Regina after their accident, Cornie was almost constantly at her side; and eager to spend as much time with her as the nurses allowed.

When migrating from Mexico to Canada, there may have been a language barrier, causing different last names between the brothers that were already married, with those who still lived at home. (Dyck/Dueck).

When their children would go Christmas carolling, they would be ready with hot chocolate, candies and oranges.

Cornie became sick in early 2019; he lost a lot of weight and was diagnosed with cancer, Multiple Myeloma, in Oct 2019. He suffered greatly; and was in a lot of pain towards the end.

He loved singing; he was a song Leader in the church for many years.  The children learned to really use their vocal cords… louder, sing louder!!!

   
We trust that Cornie is now singing with the angels.

Dad, you will always be loved, and dearly missed… till we meet again... we’ll keep singing.

We want to thank Dr. Trinh and the staff at CancerCare for their compassionate, and loving care.

Thank you to all the friends, family and church family for Blessing Elisa and the family with much love, wonderful fellowship and meals in their time of sorrow.

The come and go viewing will be held on Sunday, August 1, 2021 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, August 2, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Reinland Mennonite Church, Grunthal, MB.