It is with great sadness that John's family announce his passing. John passed peacefully with his wife, Suzanna by his side Sunday, Nov 24, 2019 at the age of 83.
John is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Suzanna (nee Klaver), children Sylvia (Jamie), Tim ( Brenda) and Gloria (Steve) ; Grandchildren Crissy, Katie, Cody, Nathan, Tyson and Jaeden; Great Grandchildren Cohen, Zadie and Benson. Also survived by his brother and friend Frank ( Lia) and his sister Theresa (Herman)
Johanus Cornelius Verkerk was born April 15, 1936 in Amstelhoek district of Utrecht Holland. John travelled to Halifax, Canada when he was 14 in April 1950 with his parents John and Annie and his siblings Mary, Frank and Theresa. They then travelled to Vancouver and settled in Powell River where he spent his teenage years growing up to become a provider to his family. John attended Mission Seminary to become a priest, however plans dramatically changed when he met his soon to be bride, Suzanna, they married Dec 27,1958.
Until his recent passing, John enjoyed a lifetime of happiness and prosperity with is family in Port Coquitlam. John was an active member of the POCO community in both sports and his devotion to the Catholic Church, Lady of Assumption. John was well regarded as a Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus and his dedication to their work within the church organization. For many years John was a very active member of the Vancouver Rotary club and various other associations.
John's career was part of his Dutch heritage and his love for bringing enjoyment to others. John spent his whole career until the age of 80 working in the floral industry, ending his career with United Flower Growers in 2016.
John will be fondly remembered by his family and friends as a loving husband and father and a friend to many. John truly lived his life to the fullest, his bigger than life personality exuberant to others! John had a passion for sports " soccer / curling / golf & much more" but his competitiveness was second to none!! When he did take a moment to relax he enjoyed many wonderful summers camping with his family in Osoyoos. After that he spent time cruising in the Caribbean and other tropical paradises with his loving wife, Suzanna.
John will be forever in our hearts and we will miss him dearly.
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