Ian Dyck

Ian Dyck

Ian Dyck Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 21, 2007.
Ian Dyck, 1954 2007 It is with profound sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of Ian Dyck, a remarkable father, son, brother, teacher, scholar and friend. Ian passed away in Vancouver on July 15, eight months after a bone marrow transplant and seven years from diagnosis of a chronic form of lymphocytic leukemia. A proud son of Saskatchewan farmers, Ian completed BA and MA degrees at the University of Saskatchewan before taking up doctoral work at the University of Sussex. D. Phil. in hand, Ian taught for two years in Saskatchewan and Lethbridge before coming in 1988 to Simon Fraser University, where he became an associate professor of History. His William Cobbett and Rural Popular Culture, published by Cambridge University press in 1992, established a reputation that he enhanced with two edited collections, a dozen articles and scores of reviews. His most recent work was a fine edition of Cobbett's Rural Rides for Penguin (2001), and he was gathering material for a seminal study of Rural Song in England. He will perhaps be best remembered as a superb teacher, a talent that won him the university's Excellence in Teaching Award in 1991. Hundreds of undergraduates delighted in his Western Civilization lectures and seminar on Popular Culture in Britain, and few professors made such an impression on graduate students. Dr. John Stobbs History Dept., 10 yr. former president of Simon Fraser University. Ian is survived by his daughters, Jennifer of Ottawa and Kathleen of Vancouver, and their mother Karen. His father Clifford Dyck of Saskatoon; siblings, Murray (Linda) Dyck, Sherrie (David) Culver of Moose Jaw; nephews Matthew (Chris), Andrew (Gwen), their children (Wyat and Owen), Devon (fiance Virginia) of Moose Jaw. Meaghan (Jonathan) Hutzul of Edmonton. Several aunts and uncles and numerous cousins. Ian was predeceased by his mother Agnes Dyck (December 11, 2006). Family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. John Stobbs colleague of Ian's for his unswerving attention and care in all situations. Also to his life long friend Jim Sutherland and other colleagues that visited him in hospital. Memorial gathering will be held at Ian's great grandfathers homestead, the present home of Murray and Linda Dyck, Borden, SK, on July 28, 2007 at 2 p.m. Memorial donations in Ian's memory may be made to Vancouver General Hospital, Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, 899 W 12 Ave., Vancouver, BC V52 1M9.

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August 10, 2007

Pete and Gill Milwright posted to the memorial.

August 7, 2007

Donald Ward posted to the memorial.

August 4, 2007

Malcolm Chase posted to the memorial.

8 Entries

Pete and Gill Milwright

August 10, 2007

During 2000-2001, we had the privilege of exchanging houses with Ian and Anne. During this time, and subsequently in the summer of 2004 when we again exchanged homes, we had a number of opportunities to spend time with Ian. He was always a generous host and a very warm and genuine human being. We remember particularly his delightful sense of humour, as well as his encyclopedic knowledge of England and his enthusiasm for its history. We are very saddened to hear of his untimely death. He will be missed a great deal.

Donald Ward

August 7, 2007

Ian was a good friend the year he returned to Saskatoon to teach at St. Thomas More College, and we were foolish to let him go. We were blessed by his friendship.

Malcolm Chase

August 4, 2007

Ian was a fine historian and an even finer friend. We were postgrad students together at Sussex. Then in 1996 we jointly edited "Living & Learning", a collection of essays in honour of Professor JFC Harrison, supervisor and mentor of us both. Shirley and I are deeply saddened by his death: we have very happy memories of the time he spent with us during his last trip to England.

Prof Alun Howkins

July 30, 2007

As a student at Sussex, friend and co-author with Ian this is a tragic loss. His book on Cobbett remains central to our understanding of the rural poor of England. I will remember him as a great walker of the South Downs who developed a real and abiding love of Southern England and the history of its working people

David & Diana Andres

July 28, 2007

Dear Cliff and Family
We are so sorry to hear about Ian's passing. We did not know Ian personally but we know the grief and sorrow that you are experiencing. Parents should not have to bury their children. We wish you comfort and peace in this time of sorrow.

Rohan McWilliam

July 26, 2007

Ian and I were fellow History postgraduates at the University of Sussex in the early 1980s and shared the same supervisor. I'll always remember Ian's immense generosity of spirit and friendliness coupled with his passion for labour history. His research generated one of the best books on William Cobbett that has ever been written. He was a wonderful man and I admired everything he stood for.

Eric Neumeyer

July 24, 2007

Ian was one of the finest professors at SFU. I was lucky enough to attend two of his courses while pursuing my undergraduate degree. He always maintained an excellent rapport with SFU undergrads. Ian was always very friendly and approachable; his encouragement was priceless and I'll always appreciate it. One of my fondest memories of Ian (and SFU) will be sharing a pint at a local pub with him and fellow students after a tough but rewarding semester. Thank you Ian for everything, you will be missed by many.

S. V. Gibson

July 24, 2007

Ian was a professor of mine at SFU when I was a young student taking his English history course. At that time I was not sure where I was going and if I made the correct decision in going to university. Ian made me not regret that decision, not only did he provide a wonderful learning experience he personally gave me the advice to never regret my decisions, and I never did. I took foruther courses with Ian and he always remembered me, even years afterwards; He further wrote my letter of recomendation for Graduate school, which I am now attending. I always will remember Ian as a teacher who truly cared about his students, and took the time to help me. I am deeply saddened by this loss, he will be missed. My condolences go out to the family of this wonderful person.

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August 10, 2007

Pete and Gill Milwright posted to the memorial.

August 7, 2007

Donald Ward posted to the memorial.

August 4, 2007

Malcolm Chase posted to the memorial.