Tribute

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our much-loved father, grandfather, and great grandfather, John Goossen. Born on the family farm in Alexanderkrone, Molotschna Colony, Russia, on June 11th, 1926, he passed away peacefully on October 11th, 2016 at Abbottsford, British Columbia. He enjoyed a remarkably active and healthy life until just one month before his death, and during that last month he drew his family close and received much comfort from his many friends. He is survived by Irene, his wife of sixty-five years, by his children, Heidie (Murray), Walter (Joyce), Erwin (Pamela), and Ruth (Erwin), by his six grandchildren, and by his twelve great grandchildren. John devoted himself to his Christian faith which permeated every facet of his life. He was forever grateful for the assistance of the Mennonite Central Committee in bringing him and his family as well as Irene and her family to Canada from China in 1948. The freedoms and security, which Canada offered him after a youth that was spent under the oppressions of Communism, were never forgotten and were deeply cherished by John. He finished his job as a mill worker at the age of sixty-three, but he never quite managed to retire. After his days working to support his family came to an end, he embarked on a second occupation with the Mennonite Central Committee where he worked until a few months before his death. It was his way of saying thank you. He drew great pleasure from woodworking, playing the mandolin, camping, mountain climbing, hang-gliding, and working on cars. He will be dearly missed by his family and his many friends, neighbours, and colleagues. A memorial service will be held at the Bakerview Mennonite Brethren Church in, British Columbia, on October 19th, 2016 at 1:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mennonite Central Committee.