Obituary Notice

This obituary will be published in the Winnipeg Free Press on Sept. 27, 2007
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It is with great sadness that the family of John Dueck announces his sudden passing on September 23, 2007 after complications from a heart attack.

John was born in Altona, Manitoba on August 11, 1941 to Elisabeth and Gerhard Dueck. He met his much loved wife and life partner Mary Enns in 4-H Club there, and they shared 45 happy years of married life. John received his B.Sc. in Agriculture from the University of Manitoba in 1964, and completed his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota in 1971. During these years, John and Mary had three children, Harvey, Cheryl and Ken.

John was always eager for new challenges, and the family lived in many cities across Canada, as well as two years in Pakistan, as he pursued his career path. John began his career as a researcher with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) with a focus initially on diseases of tree fruits and horticultural crops and later in oilseeds (canola). He spent more than 20 years as Director of AAFC Research Centres at Regina, SK; Summerland, BC; and Ottawa. Most recently, he was Science Director for AAFC’s national program on Genomics, BioInformatics and other BioInformation. Other highlights include directing a CIDA project in Pakistan and leading the Canadian delegation for the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources. John retired from the civil service in 2003. However, he continued to work to better agriculture and his community through numerous projects and was planning to work in Honduras in 2008.

Family was important to John. He and Mary took much joy in their children and their partners (Harvey and Michelle, Cheryl and Richard, Ken and Natalie). Also important were relationships with his many siblings, nieces and nephews who warmly received his good company, guidance and humour. John loved the outdoors, both for work and recreation. He enjoyed canoeing, skiing, golfing, and walking. John and Mary were in the process of completing their 14th major move together returning home to Winnipeg to spend their retirement years.

Friends and family are invited to visit and contribute their reflections at:
http://john-dueck-memoriam.blogspot.com/

John appreciated the education and support he received from the Universities of Manitoba and Minnesota. In recognition of his contributions to agriculture nationally and internationally, a scholarship fund has been set up at each of these universities. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to either:
The Dr. John Dueck Memorial Award in care of the University of Manitoba, Department of Development, 179 Extended Education Complex, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2, phone number 474-9195; or:
The Dr. John Dueck Scholarship, CFANS—Department of Plant Pathology, Development Office, 235 Skok Hall, 2003, Upper Bulford Circle, St. Paul, MN 55108.

A viewing will be held on Friday, September 28 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd., Winnipeg, (204)982-7550. The funeral services will be at Bethel Mennonite Church, 465 Stafford St., at 2:00pm on Saturday, September 29.