Tribute

Our loving husband and father, John Kampen, passed away at Abbotsford Hospital on February 20 at age 90 years old. John was born in Ukraine on May 5, 1934. Due to WW II, his family became refugees in Europe for 5 years. His 2 year old sister, Mary, passed away the night prior to fleeing their village and his father was taken during their time in Europe. Through the kindness of family members offering sponsorship, John, at age 14, his mother, Maria and younger brother, Abe immigrated to Canada in 1948. They first settled on the prairies and eventually made their way to Abbotsford.

John committed his life to Christ in 1953 and was baptized at West Abbotsford Mennonite Church (now Level Ground Church).  John worked at various jobs and at age 23 enrolled at MEI to complete Grade 11 and 12. He completed teacher’s training and began his career in William’s Lake, where he met fellow teacher, Betty Doerksen, also from Abbotsford. They married on August 2, 1963 at Clearbrook MB Church and returned to William’s Lake for another year of teaching. John wanted to pursue more Christian education and with Betty’s encouragement they headed to Canadian Mennonite Bible College in Winnipeg where he completed a Bachelor of Christian Education. Daughter, Christine, was born during this time in 1965. Upon graduation, John and Betty settled into life in Abbotsford where John entered into a 28 year teaching career. Son James was welcomed into the family in 1967 and daughter Janice in 1971.

John and Betty were active members of Eben Ezer Mennonite Church and then founding members of Emmanuel Mennonite Church. They served as deacons, board members and Bible Study leaders for many years. John later served as sound person and usher. Upon retirement, he was a member of the Clearbrook Waterworks District board for 15 years, member of the Mennonite Benevolent Society board (Menno Place) and volunteered at MCC Thrift Shop and the Gleaners.

Thank you to the medical staff at Abbotsford Hospital for their care for John in his final days.

John leaves to grieve his wife of 61 years, Betty, daughter Christine Kampen and husband Craig Oesch, son James Kampen and wife Karen, daughter Janice Driedger and husband Ken.  Grandchildren, Megan, Atalie, Caleb, Hannah, Lauren and Jack. Great grandchildren, Camden and Penny and other relatives and friends.

We are grateful for the gentle, kind, humble, godly character of our husband and father and give thanks for the gift of his life. Memorial service to be held on Friday, March 7 at 11:00am at Emmanuel Mennonite Church, 3471 Clearbrook Road (and Blueridge Drive). Reception to follow.