On September 9, 1956, John married Adeline Koop in Fairholme, Saskatchewan. Together they shared 69 years of marriage, spending most of their life in the Niagara region of Ontario where they raised their family.  They lived the last several years in Abbotsford,  BC.

John was a man of deep and lasting faith. He served faithfully in his church community in many roles over the years, including deacon, trustee, usher, choir member, Sunday school teacher, and boys club leader. He loved the Lord with his whole heart, and his life reflected that devotion.

He had a creative spirit and a love for working with his hands. John greatly enjoyed oil painting, woodworking and in his retirement, he discovered a passion for carving —talents in which he excelled and took great joy. Many family and friends were recipients of his handiwork.

John worked many years in the dairy industry as well as being a dairy farmer in Saskatchewan, then retiring from work at the Albright Gardens in Ontario.

One of John’s cherished memories was a dream-come-true trip to Israel, a place that held deep spiritual meaning for him.

John was predeceased by his parents; his infant daughter, Sharlene; his son, Cameron; five infant siblings; his brothers, Henry and Jake; and his sisters, Helen Sawatzky and Margaret Cole.

He will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Adeline; his daughter, Laurel and Ed Willms; his grandchildren, Daryl, Lindsey, and Bethany and Tim; and his great-grandchildren, Joshua, Bronwyn, Indianna, and Bowen. He is also survived by his sister Mary and husband Herman, brother Peter and wife Evelyn, and sister Agnes and many nieces and nephews.

Now John is in Glory, singing praises to his Lord and Saviour—once again perfectly in tune, without the need for his hearing aids.

“My chains are gone, I’ve been set free

My God, my Saviour has ransomed me

And like a flood, His mercy reigns

Unending love, amazing grace.”