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
This obituary is the property of the “Verhagen” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Gary and Darcia Hasey
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Mary Spencer 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
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Lori Ramsay Fay so saddened to see John has passed.
My thoughts are with you and family.Love Lori Ramsay and girls.
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Theo van der Krogt Dear Faye and family.
We were saddened to receive the news of John’s passing. We remember him as a hospitable man who maintained warm ties with his Dutch family. The hospitality we received at the start and end of our vacation trip to BC will remain with us forever. I also look back fondly on our encounters during my Canadian (business) trips, where we could catch up over a beer or a whisky. I wish you and the Verhagen family much strength in coping with this loss.
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Carolyn (Borden) Pennell The Borden and Verhagen families have been neighbours for more than 50 years and we will remember John as a good neighbour. More than once John helped us out during haying season with the loan of equipment. His kindness and willingness to help was much appreciated. Our deepest condolences to all the Verhagen family.
Bruce Borden and family
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Leanna Faye and family
John was a kind man, a man with such presence.
I always enjoyed my chats with him .Leanna Eastgate
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Gary Rogers To Fay and family.
Jessie and I were saddened to read about John in the TC newspaper. We spent many happy years with him in the Fire Department, CS Municipal yard and the Lions club.
Our thoughts are with you.
Jessie and Gary Rogers
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Grimston Faye, Mark, and family
We are so very sad to hear of John’s passing. He was such a hard worker and a great family man.
He greeted everyone with a smile and we were alway happy to see him and have a chat.
We fondly remember the times we spent at basketball games and Fire Department functions.
Our thoughts are with you.Mike, Laury, and Dale Grimston
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Sjaak en Marjolein Beste Faye, kinderen, kleinkinderen, familie Verhagen en verdere dierbaren van John,
Onze innige en oprechte deelneming met het overlijden van John.
We herinneren hem als een warme joviale man met een goed gevoel voor humor. Toen wij in 2017 bij jullie kwamen, voelden we ons meer dan welkom bij jullie thuis.
In gedachten zijn we bij jullie. Heel veel kracht gewenst voor de komende tijd.Hartelijke groeten,
Sjaak en Marjolein de Jong
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anneke de jong Met Oprechte Deelneming
Een paar woorden van TROOST
bij dit moeilijke afscheid.
Een paar zinnen voor wat STEUN
in deze zware tijd.
Maar er zijn haast GEEN WOORDEN.
die het gemis kunnen beschrijven.
en die wat TROOST KUNNEN GEVEN
aan degene die nu achterblijven’.
EN TOCH …..
Een paarwoorden voor wat WARMTE
oprecht en uit het hart
Een paar woorden van TROOST
misschien geeft dit wat kracht !!!!!Hopelijk vinden jullie VEEL kracht, troost en steun van elkaar en jullie dierbaren.
VEEL STERKTE GEWEEST!!!!!groetjes,
Anneke de Jong ( nico )
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Wendy and Ollie Moilanen Dear Fay and family, we are so sorry to hear of Johns passing.We have wonderful memories of the times we spent at your home with the basketball parents. John was a funny, kind and giving man who has definitely had an amazing impact on the people in his life.
Wendy and Ollie Moilanen
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Thierry Ponchet I first met John at Claremont High School in 1970 and we became friends. He was hard working, generous and funny. We spent close to a year together travelling in Europe and it was there that John introduced me to his family in Appledoorn and he got to meet my family in Orleans. Over the years, we lost touch with each other and led our separate lives, but I will never forget him. My deepest condolences to Faye and family.
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Michelle Passmore Condolences to all the Verhagen family and everyone that knew John. He was an amazing person and our connection started when we were in 4h with Shawn and Mark. A memory that is still so vivid was at the old fairgrounds and John would haul the animals there in the back of his truck. The memories kept building from there he always had a smile and a great attitude. I had the pleasure of getting hay from him every year so we had time to visit. I cant believe his is gone. Was going to visit this winter but missed the opportunity. He was a special person and will be missed by so many people. So sorry to all the family for your loss. Sending hugs to you all ❤️
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Clayton Chu Fay,Shawn,Mark and family. Sorry for your loss.
Clayton and Debbie Chu
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Pleun Bulk Fay, our condolences with the passing of John.
Good memories of the times we saw each other. We always appreciated John’s insight in matters pertaining the farm.
Praying that you may receive the strength and comfort you need at this time.
Paul and Yvonne Bulk
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Ed Gait Dear Fay and family,
I am very sorry for your loss.
Many memories of John will remain with me forever. Your John was admired as a dedicated family man who also shared his good will and hard work to serve his community as a 4H leader, volunteer firefighter, Lions Club member and a friend to many.
I will miss John.
Ed Gait
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The Halvorsens Dear Verhagen Family
We are very sorry for your loss and we send you our condolences. John was a very special person and will be dearly missed.
Brent, Teresa, Cael and Kelly Halvorsen
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Rhodena Finlay Dear Fay, Shawn, Mark and family,
We have wonderful memories of John from our days in 4-H. He was a great 4-H Dad and could be counted on to step up and help all the members not just his kids which is a special quality. So thankful for our brief visit this past October when we met. Take care, with prayers for you all. Albert & Dena Finlay Spallumcheen, B C
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Vicki Pettigrew Fay and family….
Sorry for your lossVicki Pettigrew
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Rosalee MacKinnon (Cobb) Mark, Shawn and Mrs. Verhagen – I’m so very sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories from back in the day of spending time on your beautiful farm and staying for dinner. I always loved being there with your family. Thinking of you all and sending my deepest condolences.
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Susanne Barker and Les Peterson I am so sorry for your loss. John was a clever, funny and charming person. He will be missed.
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Darlene McNamara Dear Faye,
Our heart goes out to you and your family. We are so incredibly grateful to have known John for all the years that we did. He was a kind warm hearted man who devoted his time to family even on the Seniuk side of the family. We will always remember his good sense of humour and the many laughs that we had together. May the cherished memories of John bring you comfort. Sending all our love and prayers.
Marty, Darlene, Jessica and Jayden McNamara
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Peter Edel We are very sorry for your loss.With heartfelt condolences.
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