Former Manitoba MLA and businessman Peter George Dyck passed away on Sunday, January 5 at the age of 73.

Dyck entered provincial politics in 1995 as the Progressive Conservative candidate and was elected to represent the Pembina constituency. Dyck was re-elected three times and would go on to serve as the MLA for Pembina and the renamed riding of Morden-Winkler until 2011 when he retired from politics.

Neil Schmidt, who served as mayor of Winkler from 1999 to 2006 remembers how hard Dyck worked for his constituents. "I remember him as someone who did everything he could for his constituency. He was very genuine, and he did a very good job representing his constituents in this area."

Winkler Mayor Martin Harder said Dyck was passionate about politics and poured his heart and soul into serving the area. "To serve at that level for the number of years that Peter served is incredible. He worked extremely hard for the constituency. I always looked at the possibility of him becoming a cabinet minister. He never got that position, but he certainly cared for the people of his constituency and we really appreciated him in that role."

Shortly after Dyck retired from politics, Cameron Friesen was elected as the Tory MLA for Morden-Winkler.

Friesen says many will remember Dyck's commitment to his role as MLA for his four terms, "for the many ways he helped... solve problems."

He adds Dyck was a gifted leader for one of the fastest-growing areas of the Province. He adds Dyck continued to be a sounding board for him during his own career.

Despite his failing health, Friesen says Dyck's spark remained. "He will be missed by many."