John C. Doepker

John C. Doepker, age 92, passed away in Abbotsford on April 7, 2019. Service is scheduled for April 24, 2019 at Sevenoaks Alliance Church in Abbotsford at 11am. Internment Robinson Memorial Park in Coquitlam at 3pm.  Donations in lieu of flowers may be made for the Abbotsford Regional Hospital through the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation by calling 1.877.661.0314 or online at https://www.fvhcf.ca/donate

John is survived by his three daughters Linda, Donna, and Valerie and their respective husbands Ralph, Tom and Laurie, three grandchildren Tammy (deceased), Sarah and Samuel and five great grandchildren Lindsay, Nick, Katrina Lucas and Kaden. He is also survived by step-son David (Laraine) and step-grandchildren Carl, Lesley and Genevieve, a step-daughter Kim (Don) and step-grandson William.  John was predeceased by his first wife Elsie in 1976,  whom he married in 1950. John subsequently married Joyce in 1980 who passed away in 2003.  He was blessed to have been married to two encouraging, faithful and loving wives. John is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He had great devotion and love for all his family.

John was a man of keen wit, resourcefulness, patience and kindness. He was a skilled handyman, eager to help and tackle any kind of project.  He always had the ability to celebrate the accomplishments of others without drawing attention to himself. He was a generous man in all senses of the word. He loved playing his guitar until his recent hospitalization in November. He was self taught after being gifted a guitar at the age of 19 by his roommates.

John was born outside Anaheim, Saskatchewan and came to BC when he was 17. He worked at Eburne Sawmill for over 20 years working his way up to a trimmer-man.  He left there to work as an emergency roadside assistant with BCAA, retiring after 15 years.  As a hobby John was a skilled watch and clock repairman, having taken the course at Vancouver Vocational Institute in the 1950s.

John worshipped his Lord and Savior Jesus, Christ, at Sevenoaks Alliance Church in Abbotsford. He had many  networks of significant friends:  his morning coffee buddies at McDonalds, his vocal and instrumental friends, faithfully attending  their cherished jam sessions, often twice a week, his Tuesday evening prayer group and his many neighbours. Thank you for your ongoing friendship over the years and your many visitations while John was in the hospital.  He was blessed to have known all of you.

The last five months of John’s life were spent in hospital, having four surgeries. They were a real challenge for him but he dealt with them with patience and humour.  John eventually succumbed to the effects of poor circulation and congestive heart failure. 

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation for all of the tender and steadfast care that John received from the many doctors, nurses, caregivers and staff at the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre.  Thank you so much.

 While we grieve, we are comforted by these words from Thessalonians 4:13,14 (NKJV)

13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.