With broken hearts we share the sudden passing of John on December 20, 2025. John was born on October 28, 1952, in Twello, Gelderland, Holland. He is survived by his wife Fay, sons Shawn (Alejandra), and Mark (Alison) and beloved grandchildren Isla, Paxton and Natalia. John is also survived by his brothers Gerry (Connie), Tony, Jim (Stacey), Paul and sisters Mary (Harold) Willers and Paula McGaw, brother-in-law Zane (Sandy) Pundyk. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews as well as the extended family in Holland, Arizona, Alberta and Saskatchewan. John was predeceased by his mother Theodora Verhagen, two fathers – Antonius Harleman and Jacobus (Jim) Verhagen, brother Peter, sister Dora and sister-in-law Lisa Verhagen.
Tributes, if desired, may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. #107 – 1001 Cloverdale Avenue, Victoria, BC V8X 4C9.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC V8Y 1B4.
Condolences may be offered to family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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23 Responses
Dear Fay,
Darcia and I are so very sorry that John’s time with all of us was cut far too short. When our family first met John back in the 1970’s he came across as a tall, handsome and jovial young man with a slight air of unpredictability – after all, at that time, he was working with explosives. When my mother met him, she immediately sensed this was something special. I remember thinking his smile had a slightly roguish quality—perhaps helped along by the gold earring he wore then—and I had my doubts. But my mother, who had an uncanny ability to see into people’s true character, reassured me that all would be well and that he would be a wonderful partner for you. As always, she was right on the mark. Over the decades, John proved himself again and again to be a devoted husband, a loving father, and a man of deep kindness and generosity. Darcia and I will always remember John with great warmth and respect. Fay, I cannot fully express how deeply sorry we are for you, for the boys, and for their families. John’s presence will be profoundly missed, but the impact of his life—the love he gave and the memories he created—will endure.
With our heartfelt sympathy,
Gary and Darcia
From our families to yours, our heart and prayers go to the family at this time. It is with deepest hearts that we are sending you our condolences to all of you at this time.
Louise and Carl Gundlach
Mary Spencer and families
Fay so saddened to see John has passed.
My thoughts are with you and family.
Love Lori Ramsay and girls.