Johan Wouterloot

Our hearts are heavy as we share the news of the passing of our beloved Johan Wouterloot, who left us peacefully on November 15, 2023, at his Mission, B.C. home, at the age of 71.

Johan's life began in Leiden, The Netherlands, in 1952, and his family immigrated to Canada in 1958. For over 40 years, he devoted his life to the practice of medicine in his community, leaving an enduring impact on the lives he touched. His dedication to healing and his unwavering hope for his patients were at the core of his career, from general practice to his later specialisation in addictions medicine.

Beyond the realm of medicine, Johan pursued a myriad of hobbies that reflected his vibrant spirit. From capturing moments through photography to strumming the guitar, enjoying classical melodies and the Beatles, his interests were as diverse as they were passionate. Nature was his joy, where he found solace in activities like hiking, kayaking, and paddleboarding. His love for travel, stamp collecting, and tinkering with model trains were all testaments to his boundless curiosity. Johan could often be found in his tool shop, embarking on home maintenance projects and delighted in experimenting with new recipes to share with loved ones. A coffee enthusiast, he always had the first pot brewing in the morning and eagerly anticipated unwinding with a mystery series each evening.

Retirement in 2020 brought Johan a new chapter—one filled with precious moments shared with his beloved wife, Marietta, and their children, Elise, Kristianna, and Karl, and their respective spouses, Pierre, Joel, and Vania. His grandchildren—Bree, Haylee, Theodore, Wyatt, Felix, Freya, and Jannik—brought immeasurable joy and pride.

Johan's family extended beyond our immediate circle, embracing his brother Bill, sister Maggie, sisters- and brothers-in-law Maureen, Yves, Valorie, John, Brenda, and Louis, along with nephews, dear friends, colleagues, and grateful patients in the community. While his passing leaves an irreplaceable void, his memory will forever live on in our hearts.

As we navigate the depths of our grief, let us also celebrate the extraordinary life of our dear Johan. His legacy of love, selflessness, and healing stands as a beacon, reminding us of the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of many. In saying goodbye to a cherished husband, brother, father, Opa, and physician, let us carry forward the invaluable lessons he shared and honour his memory by perpetuating the legacy of compassion and service he so beautifully exemplified.

A funeral Mass in remembrance of Johan will be held at St. Joseph’s Parish on Friday, November 24, 2023, at 10:45 am, followed by a private burial for family and close friends.

Pallbearers: Bill Wouterloot (brother), Karl Wouterloot (son), Joel Grose (son-in-law), Pierre Abinakle (son-in-law), Vincent Wouterloot (nephew), Nico Wouterloot (nephew), Cameron Smith (nephew), and Elliott St-Pierre (nephew).

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the charity of your choice.