John passed away into the presence of the Lord on November 30, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. John was born on November 12, 1932 to Jacob &Maria Redekop in the Mennonite Village of Nieder Chortitza, Ukraine. His family endured much difficulty through the early years of Stalin and the establishment of the Soviet Union. During World War II, they suffered many hardships as they fled across Europe. The family immigrated to Canada in 1947 and eventually settled in the Abbotsford area where John spent the last 73 years of his life. John and his family arrived in Canada with nothing, but he and his family worked very hard
and eventually prospered in their new country.
John was active in many charities and has been a member of Emmanuel Mennonite Church since its founding in 1980. John had many business interests in his lifetime and spent his recreational time traveling with Lorena. He also particularly enjoyed fishing,
golf and skiing.
John was predeceased by his sister Mary Bergen (Hans) and his brother Jake.
John is survived by his wife (of 59 years) Lorena, his brother Peter (Helen), sister-in law Hilda, his three children (& spouses) Randy (Val), Joanne (Murray), Michael (Janice), his eight grandchildren Ashley (James), Nicole (Maxwell), Rachel (Mark), Laurel, Jacqueline, Keoni, Carter, Callahan and his two great grandchildren Clara and Leo.
Thank you for all who have supported John and the family with their helping hands and prayers during these last few years when his health was declining. He will be remembered as a humble man that embraced life and loved his family and friends.
He will be missed dearly.
The Celebration of Life service can be viewed at:
https://www.legacystreaming.com/dignity-abbotsford/
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John's memory to the Mennonite Central Committee (donate.mcccanada.ca).
Online condolences to the family may be made at www.woodlawnfh-abbotsford.com.
Woodlawn Funeral Home