On June 1, 2024 the world lost a remarkable person. Dr. John was a Mennonite prairie boy from Saskatchewan whose love of music, especially music for the church and the organ, led him to Toronto. He graduated from the University of Toronto in 1982 with a doctorate in musicology. Mentor, teacher, conductor, composer, organist, John inspired others to grow personally and musically under his loving and erudite guidance. He died peacefully at home after a brief and difficult battle with brain cancer. John will be forever loved and missed by his wife Kristen, his children Benjamin (Sofie) and Samuel (Melanie), his loving Derksen/Nickel family and Anema family and his many friends.

A celebration of life will be held at Islington United Church on June 21st at 11:00 a.m. If you wish to hear Dr. Jonathan Oldengarm’s magnificent prelude, please plan to arrive by 10:40.
A reception is to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Mennonite Central Committee emergency fund or to the music ministry at Islington United Church.