The team here at MeetLifeSciences extends our sincerest condolences to John’s family and loved ones. From our community to yours, we wish you all peace, comfort, and healing.

John and Jeannie were our Bible study teachers once upon a time. 

John was smart, committed, and gracious.  He always challenged us to be authentic and deeper.  They were such positive role models.  It's so sad to hear of his early passing.  Praying for Matty and Jeannie- that God would draw nearer to you both and surround you with loving community to help you through this time.

I worked with John at Takeda many years ago, and recently he reached out to coach me on a new career path. My heart breaks for his family and friends. He was such a kind, and gentle person who truly cared about those around him. He made all of us laugh when we needed it to push on through tough deadlines. I am so grateful that he is a believer and is now resting in Jesus’ arms.  Rest in eternal peace, John and may perpetual light shine upon you always. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

Hi. I’m a work Friend/Neighbor of John’s. I just learned of his passing after the ceremony, so I wasn’t able to attend. I’m just heartbroken with this news. We would meet for lunch on occasion and talk business. I know he loved his wife and son so much. I could tell the way he spoke about you both. Matty was clearly the light of his life. He enjoyed giving me tips on how to run my business. I actually implemented some of them. I will always remember him every time I use his suggestions. He will not be forgotten!

Dear Jeannie and Matty,

My prayers and condolences on John's passing.  It has been many years since McGill University and John and I were not close but I mourn his passing with you.  To celebrate his life, I would like to share my memory of John. 

My strongest memory of John centers around the Montreal Screwjob, when Vince McMahon screwed Bret Hart and gave the belt to Shawn Michaels. John was in attendance and a witness to that event.  While I was familiar with wrestling, I was not the fan that John was. 

The impact of the Montreal Screwjob was palpable. Apparently, John had knowledge of what was supposed to happen at Survivor Series.  Bret Hart was supposed to win. And he didn't. It was pandemonium. John talked so excitedly about it and that excitement was infectious. And thus started the Attitude Era of the WWF (now WWE).

I don't know if he still followed wrestling, but his excitement over that event got me interested in following wrestling for a while.  Thank you for the memory, John. 

May God keep you all in peace and beauty.

My heart is broken as I write this.
I first met John in Toronto, where we attended the same seminary. I was about four years ahead of him and graduated first, but our friendship continued through ministry. While John served at Yumkwang Church and I served at Mil Al, we spent many days together through retreats, especially Vision X. Some of my favorite memories are the long conversations we had after ministry—about faith, calling, people, and life. Those were simple moments, but they became some of the memories I treasure most.
Years later, John moved to the Los Angeles area, and I also returned to LA in 2006. We reconnected many times, often over good coffee in Silver Lake. Whenever friends from Toronto came to Southern California, including John Baik and others, we would find a way to gather again somewhere around LA, Downey, or Orange County. No matter how much time had passed, being with John always felt easy and familiar. We could simply pick up where we left off.
John was caring, joyful, wise, and genuinely fun to be around. He could make you laugh one moment and say something deeply thoughtful the next. He listened well, noticed people, and had a way of making others feel comfortable and valued. That was one of the things I always appreciated about him.
What hurts most is that, for some reason, I had been thinking recently that I needed to call him. I kept meaning to do it, but I never made that call. I deeply regret not checking on him more often. I wish we could have shared one more cup of coffee, one more long conversation, and one more chance to laugh about our Toronto days.
John, thank you for being part of so many chapters of my life—for Toronto, ministry, Vision X, Los Angeles, coffee, laughter, and friendship. I thank God that our paths crossed and that I had the privilege of calling you my friend.
I will miss you deeply.
Until we meet again.

Dear Jeannie and Matty,
My heart is broken, and I am deeply saddened by the loss of our dear brother and friend. There are no words that can truly express how sorry I am for your loss. He was taken from us far too soon, at only 49 years old.
I have known him for many years and will always remember him as a gentle, humble, kind, and generous man who gave so much of himself to others. As my fellow brother in Christ and a leader of our music workshop team, he was a blessing to so many. His faith was not simply something he spoke about—it was something he lived. He was truly a warrior of faith, and his strength, humility, and love inspired everyone around him.
Jeannie, my heart goes out to you. I cannot imagine the heartbreak of losing your husband and life partner. Please know that you are not alone. I pray that God will hold you close, give you strength when the grief feels unbearable, and surround you with His peace and unfailing love.
Matty, my heart is with you too. Losing your dad at such a young age is incredibly difficult. I hope you will always remember how deeply he loved you and how proud he was of you. His faith, kindness, and love will always be a part of your life.
Although we mourn deeply, I find comfort in knowing that he is now resting in the loving arms of his Saviour, free from pain. He fought his battle with courage and faith, and I believe the Lord has welcomed His faithful servant home.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Jeannie and Matty, please accept my deepest condolences. May the Lord carry you through this heartbreaking time, give you peace and strength each day, and remind you that you are never alone. He will be deeply missed, but his faith, kindness, music, and love will remain forever in our hearts.
With all my love, deepest sympathy, and prayers.

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I offer my deepest condolences to Jeannie, Matty, John's parents, sister, and extended family as you face this indescribable loss. May you find comfort in God's unfailing love, peace in His presence, and hope in His promises during this difficult time.

More than 30 years ago, through Wednesday meetings at the Newman Centre at McGill, I met John and immediately sensed that he was approachable and welcoming. We became part of a broader fellowship where many of us experienced the love of Christ through deep friendship and shared faith. Together, we grew in faith in a way that was both authentic and inspiring. These remain some of my most cherished memories of young adulthood.

When I joined the Friday Praise Night worship team, I got to know John better. Like many, I was impressed by his exceptional guitar playing and musical talent. He was gifted in leading worship, and his joy was contagious. I saw the sincerity of his heart, the maturity of his faith, and the humility with which he served others. During practice, he was always focused and fully present. He was fun to be around, often smiling and laughing, yet when it came to worship, he carried a seriousness rooted in conviction rather than  performance.

What I appreciated most about John was his sincerity and deep care for others. It showed in the way he listened, encouraged, and connected with people. He touched many lives in meaningful ways. I often felt he was called to full-time ministry, so I was not surprised when I learned he was attending Tyndale. He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and music that will continue to echo in the lives of those he touched.

I hold on to the hope that one day we will meet again and worship together in the presence of our Lord. 
“For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.” (1 Thessalonians 4:14)

John, you will be deeply missed.

I am deeply saddened by the news of your loss. Please know that my prayers are with you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. May you find strength and comfort in the cherished memories you shared with your husband. -Sang-

Dear Jeannie, Matty and Lee Family,
I am so sorry for your great loss, and am praying for you all in this time of deep sadness. It was evident how much he loved you all.

John Lee was one of a kind, and he left many footprints of love and music in this world that will carry on and will not be forgotten.

Although it has been many years since our university days at McGill, I still remember John's warm smile the first time I met him at MCF, and the way he welcomed me to the KPCM community (which also included Jeannie).  We were all so young, and eager to grow together in our faith. Many of us were not from Montreal, and that friend group became like family.

John had legendary guitar playing skills and an enthusiasm for worship that led to many beautiful (and fun) times of praise (actions included!). He was also generous in teaching which led to many "jam sessions" filled with guitars and songs. To this day, the "John Lee Strum" is my go-to when I play guitar for most worship songs.

There are so many memories from that special time. John was a constant, always encouraging, welcoming, accepting, building a community of faith and friendship. He was a true brother in Christ. I will always remember him, and look forward to the day we can worship together again.

My heart goes out to all who knew and loved John, and who were loved by him.

With love, tears and sympathy,
- Nhung Truong

I will always remember John whom I first met in Montreal when we were both around 19 years old. He was one of my first friends there, and some of my earliest and most meaningful memories are of attending church together and sharing the experience of going to KPCM as young McGill freshmen students. 

He also was the one who taught me guitar. I remember him as our fearless worship leader, introducing our group to songs that drew us closer to Christ and helped deepen our faith. I have memories of him with eyes closed, sometimes one hand raised, guitar strapped to his shoulder worshipping and leading us into God’s presence. It was a formative time for my spiritual life and God used John mightily, for which  I am deeply grateful.

Although we eventually went our separate ways, I am thankful we were able to reconnect online and exchange words of warmth and support before he passed.

I am saddened by his passing and think of Jeannie and Matty and pray for God’s hope, comfort and provision in this time of loss. I am comforted knowing that we will see him again in heaven and he is even now experiencing the fullness of joy with the Father.  

Thank you John for your kindness and friendship. I will always remember you with much fondness and love.

Dear Jeannie, Matty, and the Lee family:

My deepest sympathies to you for the passing of John. May God be your comfort and strength in this time of deep grieving. 

John will be remembered as an 'encourager' in my life. As I came to KPCM as an unbeliever, corporate worship through song (which John often led) was a big part of my journey to faith in Christ. He later encouraged me to join the Deep Waters family, taking a risk on a relative unknown. But that was John - he was able to see through the unfinished product that people were and connect them to people/experiences that helped them to grow. I'm still playing the same intro guitar riff to "Not Be Shaken" that John taught me years ago!

I know that John loved Jeannie very much. I remember him raving about how Jeannie had once written an entire Sunday school curriculum; wide-eyed, beaming face, he was so proud of her. I'm sure he carried that same love and care for Matty as well. 

May you find solace amidst the grief through the promises of Christ:

And Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26)

Condolence Note

Dear Dr. Jeannie Han, Matty and Lee Family,

I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your husband, daddy, son, brother. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this incredibly difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope you find comfort in the love and support of those around you and knowing that he’s home and whole again. 

Wishing you strength, peace, and comfort in the days ahead.

With deepest sympathy,
Sandy H Padilla

continue part 3...
We prayed through everything together: exams, his relationship with Jeannie, his studies at Tyndale, their journey toward adoption, the joy when Matty came into their lives, his hopes as a father, and eventually, his battle with cancer. In the past year, John reached out often to share his struggles. He was brave and vulnerable. He told me he wasn’t afraid to die, but he was terrified of leaving Jeannie and Matty behind. We prayed over the phone, over WhatsApp, and across time zones. Even in suffering, his faith was unwavering.
John, I miss you so much. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there physically to support you in your final stretch. I grieve your passing deeply. I grieve the loss of my friend, my brother in Christ, my first companion at McGill, and one of the most authentic souls I have ever known. Your friendship meant the world to me. It is a rare gift to have a friend like you—someone who never stopped loving, never stopped caring, never stopped showing up.
I hope to see you again one day, my friend. I love you, John (AKA Huggie).

Continue part 2...
He introduced me to Star Trek and so many parts of North American pop culture. He was truly one of the best friends I have ever had.
One of the greatest honours of my life was standing beside him as one of his groomsmen. Being part of his wedding party was a privilege I will never forget. It felt like a full-circle moment—two young men who met in a hallway at McGill, now celebrating one of the most important days of his life. I will always cherish that memory, and I will always cherish his friendship.
After McGill, life took us in different directions—Toronto, Chicago, Los Angeles—but our friendship never faded. When I came out, John and Jeannie were among the very few Christian friends who made me feel completely safe, loved, and accepted. They embraced Chris and me with the same warmth and honesty as before. Their hospitality was legendary—whenever I visited them, they welcomed me with open arms, fed me well, and made me feel at home. Whenever they came back to Toronto, we always made sure to see each other. That was the kind of friend John was—constant, loyal, authentic, and full of love.
John looked out for me like a younger brother, though I am one year older—his Hyung. He edited my English assignments, polished my résumé, connected me with head-hunters, and encouraged me in my career. He believed in me so much that at one point he was convinced he would hire me into his new company. He wanted me to move to the U.S. because he genuinely wanted us to keep building life together. His friendship was rare—so rare—and so precious to me.
We prayed through everything together: exams, his relationship with Jeannie, his studies at Tyndale, their journey toward adoption, the joy when Matty came into their lives, his hopes as a father, and eventually, his battle with cancer. In the past year, John reached out often to share his struggles.

I've had the privilege of calling John one of my closest friends for 30 yrs. We met during my very 1st week as a freshman at McGill. I was sitting in the hallway inside the Otto Maass Chemistry Building, nervous and new, when the TA asked us to form lab groups. John walked up to me with his best friend Mike and asked if I wanted to join them. I still remember the relief and joy I felt—someone saw me, welcomed me, and made space for me. That simple act of kindness became the beginning of a friendship that shaped my life.
From that moment on, the three of us—John, Mike, and me—became inseparable. We were the “3 musketeers” of the Microbiology & Immunology program. We studied together, played together, got into mischief together, and built memories that still make me smile. We exchanged notes before exams, devoured General Tao’s chicken at Montreal’s Eaton Centre food court, and once even blew bubble tea pearls through straws at each other (one ball stuck to John’s face). Those were the days of carefree laughter, youthful energy, and the kind of friendship that felt like family.
John was my first real friend at McGill. He didn’t just offer academic partnership—he offered brotherhood. He invited me to join him at his church, KPCM, where I met a whole community of fellow Asians and believers. I had just accepted Christ that same year, and John, also a believer, became one of the first people God used to nurture me as a baby Christian. We went to classes together during the week and worshipped together on Sundays. Those years were filled with prayer, fellowship, and spiritual growth, and John was at the centre of it all.
John was a natural-born leader—kind, compassionate, funny, helpful, and endlessly friendly. He had a heart for the underdog, including me. He was talented, especially with the guitar, and he was a gifted worship leader whose love for the Lord was infectious. We prayed together, worshipped together, shared hardships, shared joy, and shared life. He

Dear John,

I was heartbroken to hear of your passing. Memories of our time in Montreal feel so far away, and now losing you so suddenly makes everything feel even colder. I couldn't let another day pass without sharing how much you meant to me.

Back then, you were always that cool Korean-American guy to me. I still laugh thinking about all the things you taught me—like how to fake chords on the guitar so I could keep strumming, how to play MP3s on a PC for the first time, or how to flip coasters at the dinner table.

The faith and passion for Christ we shared during college still carries me today. Thinking back to you playing guitar always warms my heart and strengthens my faith. No matter where we were, as soon as you started playing, you turned the space into a spirit-filled worship night. I don't think I fully realized what a great friend and brother in Christ you were until I moved away from Montreal.

I’m so grateful we randomly crossed paths and reconnected a few years ago, but I really regret letting life get so busy and time slip away. My heart goes out to Jeannie, Matty, your parents, and your sister. It breaks my heart to say goodbye so soon, but I find genuine peace in knowing you are safe in the arms of the Lord right now.

Rest in peace, my friend.

Condolences. I know a few of my close friends who  lost their children before the age of 50.  The sorrow of parents is just unthinkable.

You know how when people try to show you videos of their kids you're usually like, "Oh yeah! That's so great!" but when John showed us videos of Matty doing Taekwondo we were amazed like, OMG he FLEW! Wait can you replay that?! 

He was so genuinely proud of Jeannie, always talking about how she knew she had a calling, responsibility, and gift, even when it was so hard managing a elite career with motherhood. He told us about how smitten he was with her when they met, but you could tell he was still  so in love. 

It was the greatest joy and blessing to serve with him on our Crossway worship team. He always recorded our rehearsals on his go pro and sent them to us afterwards so we could see what we could improve. I said he had the best guitar tone, and he always said how he wasn't that good and needed to practice more. One week he was wiped out from his treatments but brought a fuller body guitar and I overheard him saying it was heavy. I asked him why he didn't bring a slimmer one, and he said, "Because you told me last time you liked the tone of this one!" Same with the shimmer pedal - he always knew what sounds people liked and truly loved worship.

Whenever he shared about his journey with cancer, he always stayed positive and optimistic, even until the very end. Of course he lived well, but it was such a miracle to witness how well he died. 

The last time we led worship together he told me he didn't like "Great Things", which surprised me because I thought it had a fun electric part. He said, "'Hero of heaven' is just such a cheesy line!" I told him I'd let him pick all the songs for our next set. We never got a next set, but I know we'll have infinite sets in heaven, in the presence of the fullness of the glory of God. 

John, we miss you already, we'll miss you forever, see you soon, friend. I promise I'll let you pick the set. Not sure what the food situation is like in heaven, but I hope there's lots of Los Cholos tacos, pot roast, naked wings, and kalbi.

It's been over 30 years since the days of McGill University where I met John Lee.

We first met at the weekly "PPP" meetings on campus in McGill, where a group of students would meet every Wednesday to Praise and Pray (People, Praise and Prayer = PPP).   I was surprised by the fact that students would willingly give up an evening to meet. There was something special about this group - the friendliness, the spiritual unity and the passion for God.   This was my first exposure to "Korean prayer" (and if you haven't experienced this, it's quite something ... a bit akin to hearing the waves ebb and flowfrom the ocean and also being a part of the waves).  It was also my first exposure to John's guitar skills.

While there was the draw of fellowship and sharing and praise, there was also something special about the way John was able to make the guitar sing and the way he could effortlessly play any song that was requested each evening.  I had the privilege of learning guitar from John as well and I feel blessed to carry a memory of him every time I play

We were able to serve together for worship nights, me on keyboard and John on guitar with the rest of the band, and we had a mutual appreciation and admiration for each other's musical instruments.   I remember his enthusiasm and upbeat attitude, especially on display as he sought to mentor the youth as they started their worship band.

John was also known as one of the few (perhaps only) students with a car on campus and he generously gave rides to students to church (which was a ways away from campus) and to other events.   

I was so happy to hear of John and Jeannie and their courtship and wedding and then how they welcomed Matty into their lives.   

In the words of one of the Psalms and a worship song we knew: My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

I am John’s luthier, and I am from China.
We met on Facebook in March 2024. Although the weather was a bit chilly back then, through our conversations, I experienced John’s optimistic, upbeat, and humorous outlook on life; he shared so much wisdom and advice with me that I benefited greatly.
We didn’t stay in touch every single day, but our interactions were always delightful.
The last time we were in contact was in March 2026. Sadly, John never once revealed his illness to me; he remained optimistic, cheerful, and talkative to the very end.
It is heartbreaking to hear the news that John has left us, yet he remains in our hearts—as if he had never truly gone.

Jeannie Han and Matty, I am so sad to hear this news and I'm heartbroken for your loss and heaven's gain. When I went to visit Montreal, I saw John leading worship on his beautiful GUILD guitar with a Zoom 505 II special effects pedal, and I was in awe of his playing and ability to beautiful integrate technology into worship music way before I saw anyone else do this. He taught me so much on the guitar and about worship as we both were serving on Deep Waters worship ministry impacting thousands of lives for many years.

Another time I visited Montreal while working at RBC, he encouraged me and rolled down his Toyota Camry window and prayed with me. It was one of the most touching moments of my life that someone would listen and pray with me in my troubled time.
I miss him greatly and am so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences and prayers for you and your family for God's comfort. His impact and legacy lives on forever in my heart and that of others.

John was my punk rock youth pastor and he (together with his wise, beautiful Jeannie) helped form the foundation of how I viewed the world and God as a teenager. John’s impact was profound, such that he was the only person that I could hope for and ask to officiate my and Peter’s wedding. He and Jeannie gave us practical advice about marriage and how a husband and wife love and live together. I also learned a lot by observing their grounded dynamic and sense of humour as a couple. He was so warm, so casual, so funny, so genuine, so real, always. How could he be gone from this world so soon. I do not understand it. Jeannie, you and John together are bright gems of wisdom and love in my memory and my heart today and tomorrow. My love, thoughts and prayers are with you and Matty during this difficult time. Love Judy McNeeley (Bang)

My deep condolences to Jeannie, Matty and Johns family.    John was the very first person who welcomed me the day that I visited the church in Montreal about 27 yrs ago.  He took me out for steak at Le Bifteque with Louis and Justin.  He came with me to help me buy my first guitar.   While we were the same age it felt like he was an older brother, mature in his faith, confident in his purpose, and lovingly empathetic.  Thank you John for making a mark in my life by just being you.

Thanks John for being a light in the world. Too soon did your light pass through, but it will be carried on by those who are near and dear to you. Although we lost contact for many years, I last contacted John about 5 years ago asking about his experience with fostering/adopting, as my husband and I were having initial thoughts about the process. 
John shared his experience and was  encouraging about it. It was so clear that he has so much love for his beautiful family. Jeannie and Matty, know that you will always be loved by John, and I hope that you are continually surrounded by love and support from family and friends around you.

My deepest condolences to the family. John was an amazing guy. Funny roommate - loved his "boom shakalaka" whenever he was playing his NBA video game. He was an immensely gifted musician and worship leader. His love for God and family was truly admirable. I will miss him deeply. My prayers are with the family in this time of loss.

Jeannie, I am so sorry for your loss.  John (my birthday partner) will always be in our hearts.

OBITUARY

John Eun Hyuck Lee

January 19, 1977 – August 4, 2026

Pacific View Mortuary & Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Visitation

Graveside Service

Celebration of Life