Family Owned & operated since 1941
Vineland Phone #:
(905) 562-5454
Tribute Wall
Plant a tree in memory of John
An environmentally friendly option
3 tree(s) planted in memory of John Derksen
Loading...
A
Alana Chegus planted a tree in memory of John Derksen
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
The gift of his experiences and perceptions of the world will get to live on.Another role model lost, another good soul gone too soon. RIP Prof JD Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait
A
Alana Chegus posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/dove.png
To Professor Derksen's family,
A few weeks ago I was informed of Professor Derksen's passing. In an instant, I was completely shocked and devastated. Prof. Derksen had empathy that knew no bounds. Personally, he had a profound affect on my life and career that has had a domino effect in spades.
I would've dropped out of university. He saw through my fog. I was beaten down and feeling incredibly discouraged and broken as a young adult. His guidance, persistence and patience with me was unwavering, even when I just wanted to be a lazy soul in the back row. He never let me be lazy, but gave me space to be myself always. He provided care in unique ways that affected students in a multitude of ways I'm sure.
One example was during a summer night course I took with him. The intensity of these fast paced classes was no joke. In the middle of a heavy exam, out of nowhere he asked us what our favorite flavour of pizza was. Confused, pens on paper, we all looked up and answered. He immediately went and made a pizza order while we continued to write our exams. We took a very strict but fun 10 min pizza break mid exam. He later said part of the exam was to see if we powered through with no nutrition or stopped for a mind and social break. He was curious if those that accepted the break felt it affected our productivity and subsequent grades. This was a pivotal moment in my life, and the reason I finished my CRS degree.
He stood with me on my grad day and told me he was proud I never gave up on myself. His profound impact on my life and career was something I got to tell him about, but long ago.
He was a gift to all in heart, mind and soul. I knew a lot of his backstory but not the finer details as described in this impeccable obit. Nor did I know he was publishing a book, which brought me to more tears when my advisor told me. The gift of his experiences and perceptions of the world will get to live on. Another role model lost, another good soul gone too soon. ❤️
My deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.
-Alana Chegus
D
Don Derksen posted a condolence
Sunday, February 11, 2024
The shock, sadness and spontaneous pain of John’s untimely death is strong. John’s gentle ways, his positivity, his voice… employed to speak the good things he reliably did will be sorely missed. Condolences Nell and family.
R
Rennie Schulz posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
I knew Mr Derksen while attending MBCI school in the mid 70's. Mr Derksen taught me the love of running. After school we would go on long runs down the railway tracks in Winnipeg. I have not seen or spoken to Mr Derksen since, but when i recall days gone by, I always remember Mr Derksen fondly. What sticks out, is his solid incredible character as a man, teacher, and Christian. You just felt genuine love and acceptance around him. My deepest condolences to his family.
Thanks Mr Derksen!!!.......I am 61 now and still running.
Rennie Schulz
O
Odette Mukole posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
John lived a remarkable life and left a positive impact on many people. I have fond memories of him from our trip to Congo back in 2006. He inspired us all, and I often referred to him as my Congolese "Brother John". We would chat and catch up before he passed the phone to Nel. May John's soul rest in eternal peace.
H
Hildi Braun posted a condolence
Monday, January 22, 2024
John stayed at our house while attending MBCI, at his parents' request, and while our sons were quite young. Peter taught him at MBCI. It was a distinct pleasure to get to know him then, and we have followed his accomplishments throughout his journey here. NELL, my sincerest condolences at this time. JOHN'S was a life well lived! Hildi B. Winnipeg.
J
Julie Lamoureux posted a condolence
Friday, January 19, 2024
John was my instructor for a "World of Islam" class at the U of W. He took care to facilitate respectful dialogue between Muslim and non-Muslim students. I do not recall his ever mentioning his own religion, but I do remember in the last class he spoke of his commitment to love and peace. John is one of very few professors whom I remember clearly from my university days, due to both his instruction and the quality of his character. My condolences to his friends and family.
N
Nicholas posted a condolence
Friday, January 19, 2024
John was my first university professor at UW. His passion for all things peace led me to pursue a degree in Conflict Resolution studies. His ability to engage with a class during lecture through story kept us engaged. John was a tough marker, but wanted the best for his students—he always took the time to become better. John has doubtlessly inspired the next generation of peacemakers, and his legacy will live on. Condolences to friends and family.
M
Mike and Marilyn Toews posted a condolence
Thursday, January 18, 2024
Deepest condolences to Nel and family at the passing of John. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Mike and Marilyn Toews
L
Louise Landry lit a candle
Thursday, January 18, 2024
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/material_candle_blue.jpg
My condolences to the family. R.I.P John
J
John Longhurst posted a condolence
Thursday, January 18, 2024
Condolences to Nel and the family from John & Christine Longhurst. John was a good man, and friend. He will be missed.
B
Bev Windjack posted a condolence
Thursday, January 18, 2024
Dear Nel and family, I was so sorry to hear of John's accident and passing. I met him at Paul & Leah's wedding rehearsal barbecue, and clearly remember his warmth and kindness.
Deepest condolences from Rod and I
E
Ellery and Mark Rauwerda posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
John was one of our first points of connection during our year at Westview. His warmth, his gentle spirit, and his deep care for people are what we will remember most about him. We will miss him and are so grateful to have known him.
A
Anonymous planted a tree in memory of John Derksen
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
I am so incredibly sorry to hear about the sudden passing of John. Holding you all in my heart. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait
A Memorial Tree was planted for John Derksen
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Tallman Funeral Homes - Vineland Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait