Tribute

John was born on March 31,1962 in Vancouver to Harry and Mary Baerg. He was the middle child with one older sister, Rose, and, later, one brother, Ken.

At the age of 6, his family built a house in Richmond where he would grow up. As a boy, John enjoyed many sports, loved skateboarding and spending time with his brother and cousins. In high school, John learned to play drums and formed a band with his brother and his cousins, Henry and George called “Georgie and the Stingers”.

John attended Sherbrooke Mennonite Church with his family, but began attending First United Mennonite Church with his brother as a young adult. He was baptized here on May 18,1986. Here he would find many lifelong friends and meet his wife, Kathy Genzel. They were married on May 27,1989 and moved to North Delta in 1990. They were blessed with two children, Joshua and Jessica. In 1994, the family began attending Living Hope where John became a member of the worship team as a drummer and played until recently.

John enjoyed a long career as a truck driver and crane operator for Richmond Building Supplies where he would work for 37 years. In his spare time, John loved to play hockey and played for various teams for over 30 years.

John was a wonderful father who always made time for his children. He taught them many sports, spent hours building Lego creations and bead animals. We enjoyed regular family walks with our dogs and many vacations.

In July, 2023 John was diagnosed with early onset dementia. Later he would also be diagnosed with motor neuron disease similar to ALS. As these two conditions progressed, the motor neuron disease would take over his body, and eventually, his ability to breathe.

John will always be remembered as someone who loved to tell a story or a joke to make you smile. He never hesitated to help friends, neighbours or even strangers. He enjoyed life and always found the good in it.

John was a beloved son, brother, husband and father. Our hearts are broken but we are comforted in knowing that he is at peace in the arms of Jesus.