John Paul Van Der Haegen passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026, at the age of 49, surrounded by a room full of his loving family.
John was a caring person who was genuinely liked by everyone he met. He had an easy way of connecting with people, a quick sense of humor, and a kindness that made others feel welcome and at ease. Whether he was making people laugh or quietly showing up when someone needed him, John had a gift for making life better for those around him.
Above all else, John was a devoted father. He was endlessly proud of his two children, Eli and Madeleine. Eli, age 12, shares Johns love of sport and is very involved in soccer. John was a huge supporter of his team and was loved and appreciated by all of Eli’s coaches and teammates as well as other soccer parents. While Madeleine, age 10, expresses her creativity through her love of art and music. Being their dad was John’s greatest joy, and his love for them was unwavering and obvious to all who knew him.
John shared his life with his loving wife, Alena, who stood by him with strength, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Together, they built a family grounded in love, laughter, and care for one another.
John was deeply loved and cherished by his mother, Carol, and his father, Eugene, whose pride in him never wavered and whose bond with him remained strong throughout his life.
He will also be sincerely missed by his brother Brian, to whom he was also a best friend to and confidant. A partner in crime and his biggest fan.
He was treated and loved as a son and will be deeply missed by his mother in-law; Terri Patterson and father in-law; Ron Nagel and mother in-law; Lori Nagel.
He was a proxy brother to his sister-in-law, Lauren, and his Japanese brother, Ryu Hagihara, who held a special place in his heart.
John was a joyous and loving Uncle to his niece; Penelopea and nephew; Rufus. Whom he always had a joke for and cared dearly for.
John will be remembered as a loving father, devoted husband, cherished son, brother, uncle, cousin and loyal friend. His generosity and big heart will be deeply missed, but the impact he had on the people who loved him will never fade.
John is survived by his wife, Alena; his children, Eli and Madeleine; his parents, Carol and Eugene; brother; Brian, sister-in-law; Lauren, their children; Penelopea and Rufus, his many Aunts, Uncles and cousins who loved him dearly.
The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 31st in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Victoria Hospital Foundation, with donations directed specifically to the Cardiac Care Unit. Donations can be made by phone at 250-519-1750. The family would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Cardiac Care Team for their kind and compassionate care.
John will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Van Der Haegen” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Michael J. kelly
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Holly I was shocked when I heard the news of Johns passing. I’ve thought of John many times over the years. I truly enjoyed working with him back in the day. He was one of my favourite bosses that I’ve ever had.
John had the best personality, and the best humour.
We really did lose a good oneSincere condolences to the whole family
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Ameerali and Hykin Family We can’t think of John without seeing his characteristic smile and hearing the heartfelt laughter that erupted at least once every time we spent time together. Our hearts are breaking for his family – and all of the people he made feel like family from the instant he connected with them. John loved and supported his kids in a genuine and generous way and what is truly amazing about him is how much he extended that love to the other kids in his life. He was the best cheerleader and supporter anyone could ever have, was endlessly generous with his attention and kind with his words. He was genuine, fun-loving, hilarious and a great inspiration to the parents around him. The world is lesser without him, but we are all better for having known him.
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Humphries Family My condolences to the Van der Haegen family. John was such a great guy to talk with, always had a smile on his face, and was always ready to laugh. I had the pleasure of coaching his son Eli for his first two seasons of soccer and saw John around sports and the school all the time. He will be deeply missed. The community wants Alena, Eli, and Maddie to know we are here if you need absolutely anything 🙂
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Joanna Hadfield Carol and Eugene and family, I am so shocked and sad to read about John this morning. All I can do is send condolences and to let you know that I am thinking of you and sending my best wishes. Take care of yourselves.
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Heather Anderson I am so terribly sorry to hear of John’s passing. Although it has been many years, I’ve always remembered him with great respect and appreciation from our time working together in Summerland. Alena, please know that my thoughts are with you and your family during this unimaginable time.
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Laura K Bates John was an absolutely beautiful soul who carried light and love with him wherever he went. Whether it was at school pickup or on the sidelines of a soccer game, he had a way of making everyone feel comfortable — there was never an awkward moment with John. His easy sense of humour and genuinely down-to-earth nature put people at ease instantly. He was a loyal and steadfast friend, an incredible and devoted father, and above all, a truly wonderful human being. Our hearts are shattered by his passing, and he will be missed more than words can express. John’s kindness, laughter, and presence will live on in all of us forever.
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Gonzales family Our deepest condolences to the whole family of John. His passing fills us with great sadness. John was a wonderful father, and he left knowing that he always did his best for his children, supporting them and being present in everything they loved and were passionate about.
Eli, keep moving forward in everything your father always supported you in. Dedicate every goal, every victory, and also every defeat to him. You know he will always be watching over you.
Maddie, keep being the sweet, smiling, and friendly girl that you are, just like your dad was.
Alena, we send you all our strength and love during this very difficult time. Please continue teaching your family the values of generosity and friendship that have always been part of who you are.
Even though we are far away (Peru), please know that you can always count on us. We will always remember with great affection Maddie’s friendship with Julieta and the opportunity John gave me to be Eli’s coach.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family.
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Adam Helm Deepest condolences. John was such a kick to be around growing up and he grew into such a wonderful human being. What a horrible loss this is Much love to Carol, Eugene and Brian and your lovely extended family in this tough time.
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Nelly van Schagen I am so proudly sad for the loss of John—gone far too soon. Please know that my heartfelt condolences extend as well to your parents, Eugene and Carol. It is profoundly unnatural for a child to pass before a parent, and that reality makes this loss all the more painful.
My thoughts are also with his two young children, Eli and Maddie, who will need the love and support of their extended family now more than ever.
Please also pass along my deepest sympathy to Alena. I cannot begin to imagine the weight of this loss for her, and I hope she feels surrounded by care, strength, and love during this unimaginable time.
The hole left in your heart may never fully heal, but I hope it will, over time, be filled with cherished memories and moments of love that can never be taken away.
Personally, the memory of John that will always stay with me is his smile.❤️
John helped me build a bar top at my cottage where I have enjoyed a few beers from time to time. This summer I will sit there John and drink one for you! I love you buddy.