Death Notices

DOERKSEN, John “Johnny” David - March 17, 1951 ~ August 9, 2024.  John was a man of many talents and an answer for everything. However, life waits for no one and after more than 12 years of various Cancers, John succumbed to their side effects in his hometown of Simcoe Ontario on August 9th in his 74th year. His family and friends were by his side throughout the journey.  John grew up within the larger Doerksen clan under the watchful eyes of his parents who predeceased him, Aaron (Butch) and Mary Doerksen.  Surviving John is his elder brother Edward Kennedy Doerksen of Port Rowan, younger sister Barbara (Doerksen) Shantz (Steve) of Saint John, NB [Steve & Barbara’s children; nephew Aaron (Shelley, Griffen & Clem) and niece Jasmine Shantz Chandra (Terence, Samuel & Naomi)]  John was a man of passions and love.  As the Lord, and life, deals different hands to us all, John loved different partners during his time on this planet. From those unions came four children who will each miss him in their own ways:  Melanie (Tim Wilson) and Clint (Juan Arenas); Joshua (Leslie) and Christina Foster (Robbie). Sons of Joshua & Leslie made John a proud grandpa to William and Spencer.  The family particularly wishes to recognize John’s special friends - “daughter” Nancy and  “family” Trevor and Vanessa Rutherford, who were always ready with their love and care.  John had an addictive laugh and a casualness that always made him an easy friend and conversationalist.  He revelled in story telling of triumphs, shenanigans, and mishaps during his life.  He was not fearful of self-deprecating humour where he might become the butt of the joke; the point was to make people laugh. Therein, stories abound as he was a certified, independent carpenter anywhere south of Barrie and later a project manager building new TSC stores across south-western Ontario.  John’s skills and pragmatic problem-solving talents were always put to good use in his and others’ building projects!  Later in life, he joined the local RONA staff in Simcoe where he became a favourite at the service desk.  His sharp mind and emotional quotient helped him understand someone’s technical issues quickly as he walked them to the aisle where a solution would begin. He is missed by his former colleagues there and certainly by the technically challenged amongst us! His rippled wake of stories will continue to touch each person reading this in special way, as did he.  John’s most passionate talent came after his Cancer diagnosis when he took the time to develop his innate love of painting - particularly bird subjects. He became addicted to that focus when he saw that his ability brought cheer to others suffering from Cancer and those unsung saints working in healthcare.  He would meet someone and say, “What’s your favourite bird – or animal - or scene?” Soon a painting would be produced for them.  Thousands of John’s paintings and drawings reside throughout the province and beyond, bearing “John D.” He gave most of them away but also sold paintings at the Capital Arts Market in Simcoe where they will continue to be available with proceeds going to the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton. That is where he spent a lot of time meeting others and very much appreciating staff dedicated to fighting Cancer. The staff at Juravinski and at Norfolk General have all been spectacular.  Thank you!  A special thanks as well to Kevin Livingstone who helped John get to and enjoy many appointments with Stella.  Oddly enough, paintings might be John’s legacy within plain view to those of us left behind.  His antics, his stories, and his Christian faith, known well to those close to him, give us much to mourn in his departure.  We say goodbye from John using his usual parting phrases, “See you at the beach!” Or “It’s been a slice!”  Friends are invited to share their memories of John with his family at the JASON SMITH FUNERAL CHAPEL, 689 Norfolk St. North Simcoe for visitation on Wednesday, August 14th, 2024 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.  A service of remembrance will be held at St. James United Church, 150 Colborne St. S., Simcoe on Thursday morning at 11:00 a.m.  A celebration of John’s life will follow the church service of remembrance at the Charlotteville Brewing Company near Walsh, Ontario (1207 Charlotteville West ¼ Line Rd, Norfolk County, ON)  In John’s memory and in lieu of flowers, please consider giving to his favourite charities: South Coast Community Caring for Cancer: www.cccsouthcoast.ca/donations  Juravinski Cancer Centre (hospital or research): www.hamiltonhealth.ca/memorialgiving  Personal online condolences at www.smithfuneralchapel.com