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John DOERKSEN Obituary
of New Westminster, passed away peacefully February 2, 2012 at the age of 66 years. John is survived by his loving family, wife Nancy, 2 sons Chris (Dana) and Geoff (Kris), 3 grandchildren Jade, Carter and Maya, brother Henry (Chrisanna) and sister Irene (Paul Schmor). John was an accomplished cellist and teacher, a former member of the Winnipeg Symphony, a founder of the Vancouver String Trio and a longtime member of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra. A celebration of John's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2012 at All Saints Anglican Church, 4755 Arthur Drive, Delta. Flowers are gratefully declined.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
23 Entries
Corbin Keep
June 2, 2020
I've been thinking about John a lot lately. There are important aspects of my cello playing and overall approach to music which I've only come recently to realize, are solely because of John. He made a huge difference and gave me tons of wonderful encouragement. His wisdom has also been passed along to my students over the years. Thank you John.
Clara Shandler
February 9, 2012
John Doerksen is one of the biggest reasons that I am still a cellist today. Always a challenging and encouraging teacher, John truly changed my life.
To Nancy and all of John's family and friends, I extend my deepest sympathies for he will be greatly missed.
Evelyn Creaser-Rumley
February 9, 2012
My deepest sympathies to you,Nancy and family, for the loss of John. He was such a warm and caring man, with a twinkle in his eye and a willing smile. I shall miss his presence in the Vancouver Opera Orchestra where his wonderful talent was felt for many years. I am sadly unable to be at John's service of celebration, but my heart and prayers are with you.
John Doerksen
February 9, 2012
Dear Nancy and family,
Cousin Betty was sorry to hear that John had passed away. She sends her love and prayers to you Nancy, Chris and Geoff.
Betty Kasper
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Paula & Roland Richard
February 8, 2012
Geoff, Kris & Family:
Geoff, Your dad was deeply loved. His life is your legacy and his spirit will live on in your children. I will so miss him and his stories of travel and history. He was one of the most interesting men, I have ever met. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. In deepest sympathy.
Love, Mom & Dad in Law
Paula & Roland Richard
February 8, 2012
February 8, 2012
Nancy,
With deepest sympathy in the loss of your husband. Your memories of him are the comfort you'll keep in your heart forever. The first time we met John, he took us out canoeing in False Creek. He had an infectious spirit for life, and will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with you and all your family.
February 7, 2012
Nancy and family,
I was shocked to hear of John's passing. Will miss his friendly smile-
his cheerful and gentle spirit. Blessings to you all. Holda Fast Redekopp.
Bob Martens
February 7, 2012
I can't imagine this earth without John walking on it.
Dianne Berthelsdorf
February 7, 2012
I met John many years ago when we shared a music stand in the Vancouver Opera Orchestra. A respected colleague, kind and generous, with a wealth of knowledge and experience, always interested to hear the stories of others, and always with a good (often funny) story of his own, I remember him fondly. I will not be able to attend the celebration of John's life on Friday, but extend my deepest sympathy to his family.
Ruth Enns, Thielmann
February 6, 2012
So sorry to hear of John's passing, I was a close friend of his sister Irene, the amazing pianist,and was in awe of the Doerksen family's musical talent and the fact that they all took lessons! So good to hear John "did" music all his life.May you feel God's nearness .
February 6, 2012
John was my cello teacher from 2005 to 2011. He was kind and very generous with his musical gifts. He was my friend, and an extraordinary teacher. I will miss him.
Mary Murphy
Shelley
February 6, 2012
So sorry to hear of the passing of your father, Geoff. Steve and I both send our deepest condolences.
Shelley
February 6, 2012
So sorry, Geoff. Both Steve and I have you in our thoughts.
Linda Brandlein
February 6, 2012
Dear Nancy, Geoff and Kris. We were so saddened to hear of John's passing. We remember him fondly. Just try and remember that time eases your suffering and when the time is right, you'll be able to rejoice in the many happy times you shared. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda & Tom
Rick and Karin Klassen
February 6, 2012
Dear Nancy and Family,
We just want you all to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. John was our cousin, our musical colleague and our friend. He will be missed. It is hard to imagine that his infectious laugh has been stilled! It will be an honour to pay our final tribute to him by attending his memorial service.
Richard Olfert
February 5, 2012
Dear Nancy and Family:
We are deeply saddened to hear that cousin John has passed away; he leaves a deep void in the extended family. John was a true artist, a teacher, a gentleman, and above all, someone who loved his family. His musical gift was superlative. John will be greatly missed. Our condolences.
Richard, Janice, (and Ted) Olfert
Karen McNeil
February 5, 2012
Nancy and family,
Words cannot express how deeply sorry we are to hear of John's passing. Please know that we are thinking and praying for you during this difficult time.
- Karen, Robert, Kaleigh and Hannah
February 5, 2012
Geoff, we are very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. We'll be thinking of you an your family at this difficult time.
-Angie, Ken, Emily, and Ryan Tonis
Dave Little
February 5, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. It was a privilege to have met and known John.
Love and prayers.
Dave and Michelle
Gerry Doerksen
February 4, 2012
Dear Nancy and family;
Lisa and I are saddened to learn of the passing of "Cousin John". I think the world was just a little richer for the beauty he brought to it with his cello playing!
While we are unable to attend the celebration of John's life on Friday please be assured that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sarah Tippett
February 4, 2012
Mr Doerksen was my cello teacher for twelve years. I owe much of who I am as a musician to him. A dear man, mentor and friend, he will be missed.
February 4, 2012
A respected colleague and most thoughtful person. He will be greatly missed by the music community in Vancouver.
Thelma & Martin McNeil
February 4, 2012
Geoff, we were very sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Take care,
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