Tribute

John was born in Killarney, Manitoba on September 3, 1935 to parents Aaron and Annie Thiessen. They lived on a farm right by a lake and a golf course. He spent  a lot of time as a young boy watching the golfers, thus began his love for the sport. He was born into a loving family with brothers Barney, Henry (deceased), Jake and Art, and sisters Sarah, Mary and Marg. Times were difficult on the farm so eventually the family moved to Abbotsford, BC. There they purchased property and all worked very hard clearing the stumps so they could build their home and barns and plant berries and fruit trees. 

John accepted the Lord as his personal Saviour at an early age and was baptized on the confession of his faith and joined the South Abbotsford MB Church. There he was honoured to join the church choir. That's when his singing career began.

He worked in the poultry industry in different capacities, learning as he went. He started out driving a feed truck, was later promoted to book keeping, and then switched companies to become the buyer for feed and then salesman where he made many new and lasting friends. 

His love for music was evident. He joined Menno Neufeld's Bethel Choir where he learned all the great oratorios and began his solo tenor career going on to be soloist for numerous choirs. 

It was in Bethel choir that he met Rita Baerg who he married on August 28, 1959. It was with great joy that they welcomed their three boys into their life.  Howie came first on July 6, 1962.  Two years later on October 10, 1964, Rob was born and then Brian was born February 26, 1966. John was so proud of the men his sons have become, hard working, creative and committed to Jesus. 

Over the past 10-15 years John and Rita were part of the Trinity Masterworks choir and at that time had the opportunity to travel to Kiev with a group of around 32 to visit the Music Mission Kiev. That became a passion for them, joining the board and assisting wherever they could. 

John and Rita enjoyed camping with their boys and then their grandchildren. Recently they went on a lot of fishing trips with the “three Johns” (John and Mary Fast, John and Giesela Baerg and them). They also went on various cruises with their dear friends Abe and Elfrieda Konrad. 

So many great memories. Thank you to all who have been a part of their life.

Isaiah 40:31. “They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.”

John is grieved by his wife Rita, 3 brothers, 3 sisters, his three sons and their families; Howie and Tanya with Skye, Jadon and Erica, Rob and Lori with Davis and Garrett, and Brian and Loralee with Tyus, Brendan, Makenna, Jonathan and Samuel and many dear cousins and friends.