Agatha Dyck passed away peacefully at the Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current, Sk. on the evening of January 8, 2024 at the age of 93, just a few weeks shy of her 94th birthday. Agatha was born on January 30, 1930 on the family farm near McMahon, Sk. She was the 10th child of 14 children born to Herman and Maria Unger. Agatha spoke fondly of growing up on the farm with all of her brothers and sisters. Many stories of the shenanigans these Unger siblings got into were shared with the younger generations. A closer-knit family would be hard to find.
Agatha attended elementary school at Hopefield, Sk. (a school situated right across the road from their farmyard) and high school in Wymark, Sk. Agatha attended the University of Saskatchewan for three years, the University of Alberta where she earned her Bachelor of Education and the University of Regina, where she completed her Masters. Agatha first taught school in Estevan, Sk. (1949-1952), moving to Lucky Lake (1952–1954) before finally returning to Swift Current where she taught Grade 1 and was Vice-Principal at Oman School (1954-1963). It was during this time that Agatha met the love of her life, Vincent Omar Dyck. They were married on October 11, 1957 in the First United Church in Swift Current, Sk. They remained happily married until Vincent’s passing in 2003. In 1964, she moved to school administration becoming the Supervisor of Elementary Curriculum from 1964-1973 for the Swift Current City School Division. She retired from the School Division as Assistant Superintendent in 1979.
Agatha was not one to sit idle – she had many accomplishments in life. She was an entrepreneur, opening a fabric and drapery store, A & A Fabrik in 1980 with her business partner and sister, Anna Knowlton and, later on, a studio business in her basement, Kasa Komforts, with her sister, Helen Gerbrandt working alongside her. She was an author, publishing educational language arts books in 1967, 1972 and 1981. She was a university lecturer, being an Early Education and Children’s literature lecturer for the University of Regina from 1967–1984.
In her early teaching years, Agatha discovered her real passion – her love of the Arts. Agatha was the first President and one of the founding members of the Swift Current Allied Arts Council – and remained active with the Arts Council for over 50 years. She served on many Arts related boards including the National Exhibition Centre, the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils, the Swift Current Little Theatre Association and a founding member of the Swift Current Art Gallery Board. She was also a board member of the Cypress Hills Regional College and Swift Current Tourism. Agatha was also involved in the planning and development of the Mennonite Heritage Village and guided many tours through the village in summer months. Agatha has been recognized for her contributions to Arts and Education in her community and province by receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award from Sask Culture, a life membership to the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils, lifetime achievement recognition from Theatre Saskatchewan, the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan medal and the Canadian Governor General Award.
Agatha is survived by many nieces and nephews – four generations of them. She is also survived by her brother, Peter Unger, sister, Anna Knowlton, sister-in-law, Donna McConnell (nee Dyck) and brother-in-law, Terry Greeley. She is pre-deceased by her loving husband, Vincent Omar Dyck (December 24, 2003). She is pre-deceased by her brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law as follows: Brothers, Johann Unger, Herman Unger, Jacob Unger, Isaak Unger, Cornelius Unger and Ernest Unger. Sisters: Katherina Unger (infant), Maria Giesbrecht, Katherina Unger (Infant), Helena Gerbrandt, and Katharina Friesen. Brothers-in-law: Jake Giesbrecht, Jacob J.M. Friesen, Jacob Gerbrandt, Raymond Knowlton, Garry McConnell. Sisters-in-law: Nettie Unger (nee Gerbrandt), Mary Unger (nee Wiebe), Kay Unger (nee Treminsky), Agnes Unger (nee Klassen), Moya Unger (nee Maguire), Elizabeth Unger (nee Klassen), Donna Unger (nee Howes) and Deanna Greeley (nee Dyck).
Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and forever dear.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Shriners Patient Transportation Fund, Salvation Army or the charity of your choice. A special thank you to Dr. Steenkamp, Riverview Village Estates staff, and Unit 3 staff at the Cypress Regional Hospital for their loving care and support.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 pm, January 27, 2024 at the Living Sky Casino Event Centre (children welcome).
A private family internment will be held at Mount Pleasant Burial Park at 10:30 am on January 27, 2024
Arrangements entrusted to Warren's Funeral Home. For further information please call 1-306-773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606, or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members on the tribute wall.