Shirley Dyck

Shirley Dyck (nee Fast), age 65, passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at the Herbert Integrated Health Facility, Herbert, SK. Shirley was born on June 4, 1950, at Herbert, SK, daughter of Abe & Sara Fast of Gouldtown, SK. Shirley was born in Herbert and raised in Gouldtown. Part of a large family, Shirley was always excited to welcome the next new baby home. She also took her responsibility as the oldest sister very seriously and with great love. Even the sometimes crazy antics of her brothers never diminished her pride and joy. Of course the arrival of Lorna and Wanda helped balance those scales considerably. Shirley married James Dyck on October 7, 1967. Shirley was a loving mother to Candace, Clinton, and later Jasmine. When her own children arrived, being a mother brought her great happiness. In the years of raising her son, Clinton, she worked with endless patience to help him grow into the successful man he is today. In years past, Shirley loved working with upholstery projects, always on the lookout for a sofa or chair that needed a new look. She enjoyed working in the garden with Jim and was very proud of her yard.  She had a very soft heart and truly cared for others. Shirley raised her family with love and compassion and not surprisingly she made a career of looking after people with mental illnesses. Christmas was a very special time for her as she and Jim would give tours of their extravagant Christmas displays. Nearly every square foot of their home was taken up with multiple well designed displays of Christmas ornaments, lights, train sets and more that left everyone on tour in awe. The smiles during and after the tour were much the same as the smiles that you would see afterwards as she talked of how proud she was of Clinton, Candace, Jasmine, and of course her grandchildren. Life then slowed for Shirley and more of her days were spent at home or travelling to Edmonton to see Denis, Candace, Jayla, Caitlin and Anthony. Her precious dog Buddy was always by her side and her heart was truly broken when Buddy had to say so long. Shirley will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by her husband, Jim; her children: Candace (Denis) Smereka of Edmonton, AB and Clinton Dyck of Swift Current, SK; her daughter, Jasmine Johnston, Swift Current, SK; her five grandchildren whom she was so proud of: Jayla, Caitlin, and Anthony Smereka, Gage Fast, Hudson Johnston; her siblings: Don (Bev) Fast, Gary (Lydia) Fast, Randall (Linda) Fast, Maynard (Jan) Fast, Lorna (Gary Frey) Fast; her mother-in-law, Annie Dyck; her in-laws, Betty (Delbert) Zacharias, Hank (Sam) Dyck, Elvera (Ray) Hildebrand, Gladys (Marven) Derksen; her numerous nieces and nephews; her dear friends: Gladys Derksen, John & Irene Reimer, Bryon & Janice Bezanson, Ken & Gert Dyck, Bill & Donna Colquhoun, and by Pete & Helen Neudorf. She was pre-deceased by her parents; her brother, Harvey; her sister, Wanda; and by her father-in-law, Abe Dyck. Today we say goodbye to Shirley.  Shirley was a kind and gentle soul, and always thoughtful. She has left us with so many wonderful memories. 

The Funeral Service was held on Monday, May 30, 2016 at 2:00 pm from the Living Faith Fellowship Church, Herbert, SK with Pastor Bryon Bezanson officiating. The pianist for the service was Ruth Newton. “Be Thou My Vision”, “I’ll Fly Away” and “Amazing Grace” were sung by the congregation. Tributes were shared by Jayla Smereka and Jasmine Johnston. Special music was brought by the extended Fast Family singing, “When We All Get to Heaven” and “What a Day that Will Be”. The ushers in the church were Isaac Harder and Alvin Dueck. The Interment Service preceded the Funeral Service and was held at the Gouldtown Cemetery, Gouldtown, SK with the following serving as pallbearers, Anthony Smereka, Denis Smereka, Brent Hackney, Russell Hildebrand, Nathan Fast and Michael Zacharias.

 Service Information