Obituary - Bonnie Dyck
Bonnie Dyck
1948 - 2020
Bonnie Faye Dyck (nee Johnson) passed away peacefully with family by her side in Medicine Hat on Wednesday, December 30th, 2020, at the age of 72 years. She is survived by her husband, Cal Dyck; sons, Shaun (Jen), Shane (Lina), Casey (Cassie); daughter, Chantelle Fickinger (Simon) as well as her step-daughters, Jacquie Mirtle and Carla Kolody (Shaun). She is also survived by her sister, Brenda Hamilton (Jack); brothers, Don and Dave as well as nine grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, the Rev. Dr. D. Bruce and Agnes Johnson as well as her step-son, Dan Dyck.
Bonnie was born March 10th, 1948 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Some of her earliest and fondest memories were of summers spent at the family cottage in Victoria Beach north of Winnipeg. They were summer days filled with bike rides, fresh baked bread, and swims in Lake Winnipeg – not to mention the mischief of her and her siblings who would remain close throughout her life. She would continue to visit Victoria Beach into her adult years, eventually taking her own children to the cottage her father built.
In 1961, the family moved to Medicine Hat, where her father was to be minister at Fifth Avenue United Church. This would form the basis of her life-long love for music. She would finish her formative years in the old brick house across the street from the church, eventually graduating from Medicine Hat High in 1966. Unbeknownst to her then, it was there where she had already met the eventual love of her life.
After graduation, she was off to Lethbridge where she got a start in radio broadcasting. It wasn’t meant to be however, and after deciding to pursue a formal education, she was enrolled at the University of Montana in Missoula. She would spend the better part of the next 34 years there.
It was in Missoula where she would grow her family, and as fate would have it, become part of another. She met Pete and Helen Kelly in 1970, and while the two growing families would become close over the years, Bonnie and Helen would become even closer. Never has there been a deeper lifelong friendship than what would happen between Bonnie and Helen. For years they would have breakfast every Saturday morning. The location changed but the routine never did, they could talk for hours. Over the years, they would share the loss of husbands and sons, the marriage of their children, and the birth of their grandchildren. Griz games and golfing were among their favorites, not as friends but as sisters. Headlong they charged into their later years, inseparable until the end.
It was in Missoula where she would eventually graduate from U of M with a degree in music. She would find a gift in sharing her love of music and teaching and over the course of a career touching three decades she would teach 100’s of children how to play piano. Her annual Halloween recital packed students into her living room dressed in everything imaginable to play the spookiest tunes they could find and sip her witches brew. Untold numbers of children would grow into adults with a life-time love and appreciation of music from her mentorship.
It was in Missoula where she would find the love and family of the First United Methodist Church, and she would become a true ambassador of the FUMC spirit. She would direct the choir and play piano, sharing her love of music. She was a member of the bell choir. She would become a Stephen Minister, filling fully the footsteps of her father by ministering to those facing difficulties in life. She would become a leader in the United Methodist Youth Foundation, working with youth and teens of the community and congregation. She was the first to serve, and the last to leave. Perhaps most notably, she was the star 2nd baseman for the 1995 city champion FUMC softball team. The glove and ball were out every spring before the snow was gone. The list of friends from her time at First United is long and blessed.
At long last, in August of 2001 she would be united with Cal at a Medicine Hat High School reunion. They were soulmates from that day forward. With her kids grown, she left Missoula and returned to Canada. The union with Cal created a newer larger family, and the next 19 years would bring unforgettable memories, new holiday traditions, and of course more grandchildren. Her time spent with Cal would be her most cherished.
Back in the Hat, it would become hard to find Bonnie without a golf club or curling broom in her hand, depending only on the time of year. While she was diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2011, it would take a long time to slow her down. The bonspiels and golf tournaments would fill her last years with the immeasurable joy of time spent amongst friends and family. It was here where she met her last best friend, Barb Delaurier. Bonnie has the particular distinction of managing to hit herself in the head with her own golf shot, a feat she managed to accomplish more than once.
She continued to play piano until her affliction no longer allowed it. Until only recently, she continued to sing with the Adele Armstrong Singers, named for a friend of her parents. Her butter tart recipe was legendary. Bonnie was a firecracker redhead who was taken from us too soon, and while it was a winding and blessed road which brought her back to Medicine Hat, she is now where she belongs.
A Letter from Helen – Author Unknown
When tomorrow starts without me,
And I’m not here to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes;
Filled with tears for me
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry,
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn’t get to say.
I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time you think of me,
I know you’ll miss me too.
When tomorrow starts without me,
Don’t think we’re far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I’m right there in your heart.
A Celebration of Bonnie’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901- 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Monday, August 30, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. with Murray Jaster officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donation’s in Bonnie’s name may be made to Parkinson Canada, to aid in the fight against this difficult disease. Donations can be made at https://donate.parkinson.ca.
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Adam:
Jan 01, 2021 at 04:58 PM
Bonnie was an incredibly kind person. She was also perhaps the most forgiving and patient person I have ever met. As one of her youngest son's closest friends, I was a regular guest at the Lalonde/Dyck household. Despite my best intentions, I had a terrible (unintentional) proclivity for breaking Bonnie's things. From her prized golf club and Nintendo system to the family vacuum and lounge chair, I brought an unending string of ruin into the household. I always felt terrible, of course, but the reign of accidental terror lasted through our high school graduation in 2002. Bonnie never once banned me from the house or even expressed exasperation about my presence. Much to the contrary, she welcomed ALL of Casey's friends into the house as extended members of the family.
I often reflect on my childhood nostalgically; Bonnie and the Lalonde/Dyck household are a central reason for that reality. Few weekends went by without chipping golf balls in the backyard, Axis & Allies games in the basement, marathon sessions of Blue Marlin in the living room, and her famous chocolate chip pancakes in the mornings. Bonnie afforded us what so many people aspire: a safe and loving childhood. I will always be grateful for those years and strive to offer the same circumstances for my own family and friends.
Thanks for everything, Bonnie. I will never forget all that you gave us.
Helen Kelly:
Jan 01, 2021 at 05:17 PM
As an only child, I always felt the lack of a sibling in my life. That is, until Bonnie come along and became the best sister I could have ever have imagined.
All the life experiences we shared, some beautiful, some tragic and many hilarious will always be with me. I can honestly say that my life was made so much richer for having her be part of it.
The bond between on families goes on today. Even an infamous incident with a meat
tenderizer didn’t dent our friendship or the lifelong friendship between Brent and Shawn (and only put a small dent in Shawn’s skull!).
For many years Bonnie and I solved the world’s problems and a few of our own on long walks and hot tub evenings. Life was a shared experience for us.
Even as Parkinson’s Disease slowly robbed her of so much she loved, she faced it with grace. As long as she had her beloved Cal by her side, she was content.
Rest well, my dear friend. You will always be alive in my heart.
Cheryl Morine:
Jan 01, 2021 at 07:24 PM
To Bonnie’s family. I met Bonnie through Barb at the curling rink in Medicine Hat and had the privilege to curl with Bonnie for a number of years. She was always the true spirit of our team. Joking around and just having fun. I missed her when it was time for her to hang up her curling broom but she was, and still is, always in our thoughts and our hearts. Rest In Peace, Bonnie
Elan Kidd:
Jan 01, 2021 at 07:57 PM
One of my favourite memories of Auntie Bonnie when visiting her in Missoula was her fantastic Mexican meal. Always looked forward to it as we didn’t have those tasty corn tortillas in Canada at that time. We always made sure she had Old Dutch Salt’nVinegar potato chips in return as she couldn’t get those in Montana.
Another favourite memory is meeting up with Bonnie and cousins at Flathead Lake. We still love visiting that area.
Sandra Jo Sutton:
Jan 01, 2021 at 08:06 PM
Sending my condolences to the family. I have very fond memories of your mother Bonnie when ever we got to visit. Renee ( David's daughter) came with me and she was given a little clown doll with red hair and it became her little Bonnie Clown doll. She still has it to this day. I am very sorry for your loss.
Alice:
Jan 01, 2021 at 11:08 PM
Deepest condolences to the entire family. Bonnie was such an amazing and wonderful person, I have many great memories of her while she came to visit in Saskatoon. She taught Don and I how to play pinochle and we spent many hours playing, laughing and having a great time! She will surely be missed by so many people. I am so thankful she had family by her side. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time,
Dianne Smith:
Jan 02, 2021 at 09:51 AM
Cal,
I am so sorry to hear of Bonnie's passing. Whenever you spoke of Bonnie, it was with love, admiration and
joy, being married to her. I hope all the fun and love the two you shared over the years, brings you comfort in the years ahead. Take care.
Dianne Smith (former City co-worker)
Sue and Jim Little:
Jan 02, 2021 at 12:17 PM
Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss.
Doug and Nancy Heyer:
Jan 02, 2021 at 01:22 PM
We send our love to the entire family upon reading the rather shocking news of dear Bonnie's passing. We knew her at First United Methodist church. We were part of that infield crew who won the bats in 1995. Bonnie would get that green garden hose and spray us down in the dugout as that July tournament ensued. She could catch a good line drive and knew how to snag a slider. A good 2nd baseman.
We send our deepest sympathy to all of you.
We loved you all.
The Heyer Family
Margaret Seymour:
Jan 02, 2021 at 04:38 PM
Cal and family,
My memories of Bonnie will forever be cherished. She was so much fun on the golf course, had a beautiful smile with a wonderful sense of humour. Bonnie is someone that I will always remember as a loving , caring woman.
No doubt she is singing with the choirs of heavenly angels or most likely directing the choir!
My condolences to you all. I will miss her immensely.
Marg
Bill and Sandra Standish:
Jan 02, 2021 at 10:07 PM
Cal and family,
We were saddened to hear of the loss of Bonnie. Our prayers are with you at this time. Peace be with you
Marvin Stotz:
Jan 04, 2021 at 12:26 PM
I am so sorry to hear of Bonnie's passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy and prayer.
Kim Pancoast:
Jan 04, 2021 at 05:50 PM
Bonnie was an alto, I was a soprano and from either ends of the choir we often exchanged grins or eye rolls. She would arrive a choir practice with a huge grin on her face and was a positive force in the alto section. She knew her stuff and if she didn't, she didn't hesitate to say, "Can we try that again? Please!" We missed her dearly when she decided she could no longer contribute the way she wanted to.
Heather Bellamy:
Jan 04, 2021 at 10:57 PM
Cal, I am so sorry to hear of Bonnie's passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy. I missed seeing you and Bonnie in Park Meadows when you moved away.
Corinne Pratt:
Jan 06, 2021 at 09:14 PM
Cal,
I was so sorry to hear of Bonnie's passing. Thinking of you during this time of sadness, and hoping that the precious memories you've shared over the course of your marriage will bring you comfort and peace. Take care.
Corinne Pratt (former City of Med Hat colleague)
Diana Campbell-Marchand:
Jan 06, 2021 at 10:01 PM
Cal, I am so very sorry to read of Bonnie’s passing!! At the same time I am so glad the two of you reconnected and were able to spend many years together!! She must have been strong and put up a real battle with Parkinsons as I know the difficulties it presents because my father had it also.
I have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers! Take Care and Keep Safe!!
Diana (nee - Bray) Campbell-Marchand
Morning Ladies Curling League:
Jan 08, 2021 at 04:02 PM
Our sincere condolences to the entire family. We have such wonderful memories of Bonnie and the fun we had with her in our curling league. She always had a bright smile for everyone and...winning or losing...she always had a true enjoyment for the spirit of the game and the comradeship it brought. We will miss her.
Sincerely,
Morning Ladies Curling League
Julaine "Jude" Monson:
Jan 10, 2021 at 01:43 PM
My prayers to Bonnie's Family. I was in Wesley choir with Bonnie at First Church in Missoula, my husband Mark and son Shawn played church league softball with her and her son Shaun at Fort Missoula; Bonnie was always a warm and engaging person with old and new friends. We were blessed by her friendship. God be with you, Jude and Mark
Dee Cowan:
Jan 13, 2021 at 04:14 PM
Dear Cal and family
So sorry to hear about Bonnie’s passing. She was a multi- talented lady with a wonderful smile, a big heart and a wicked sense of humour. We curled together for years and had a lot of fun but it was the coffee and talk after that was the best. She was always teasing and creating some kind of discussion that turned heated (in a fun way). I know it was hard for her to give up the curling and she kept going as long as possible. She was such a busy gal with lots or activities and family to keep track of. I often wondered where all her energy came from. I will think of her often. Take care.
Nancy Buck:
Jan 27, 2021 at 03:08 PM
Cal & Family,
I was so sad to hear of Bonnie's passing. Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you. Please accept my sincere sympathy to you and all your family.
Nancy Buck