(Jan. 14, 1923 - Feb. 29, 2008)
John died easily and painlessly, as he wanted, in the early morning of February 29, 2008 at Royal Jubilee Hospital, after a long and challenging life, well and honourably lived.
Predeceased by his first wife, Daphne, in 1978, he leaves those who loved him: daughter and grandson Jan Harder and Adam Brown of Vancouver; his ex-wife Lotus Hills of Victoria; his brothers and sisters; twin, George (Irene), Anne (Bernhard) Wiens, Amanda (Henry) Peters, Jack (Lorraine), Nick (Lena), and Ben (Jessie), Nettie (John) Klassen and all their families.
He was born in the Mennonite community in Kuban, Russia. He and his family came to Canada in 1926 as refugees from Stalin and his murderous regime, eventually settling in Greendale, BC.
He volunteered for the Canadian Army in World War II and served in the regular Army (Canadian Provost Corps) until 1973, serving in NW Europe, England and Cyprus.
Special thanks to John’s friends Steve Shewchuk, Dan Currie and Bill White for their camaraderie and kindness and to Dr. David Warnock, John’s GP.
No service by request.
Donations may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee in his memory.