Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Dr. John VanDeursen
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Mary Schned posted a condolence
Friday, September 8, 2023
Peter and Mary Schned donated to Canadian Mental Health Association in memory of John, our good friend ❤️❤️
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Lynn Zajdner lit a candle
Friday, September 8, 2023
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Herveen Sachdeva uploaded photo(s)
Friday, September 8, 2023
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Dear Christine, Mike, Cate and Nicky
Our family sends our sincere condolences- your family is a large part of why we love our spot on vic park and the small everyday greetings, down to earth and kind nature, chit chatting way of John, the joy of sharing meals and his love of spicy good food are memories that we will cherish. We are grateful to have known him and he will be very much missed - sincerely Ajay, Herveen, Sienne and Niall
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Herveen Sachdeva uploaded photo(s)
Friday, September 8, 2023
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Dear Christine, Mike, Cate and Nicky
Our family sends our sincere condolences- your family is a large part of why we love our spot on vic park and the small everyday greetings, down to earth and kind nature, chit chatting way of John, the joy of sharing meals and his love of spicy good food are memories that we will cherish. We are grateful to have known him and he will be very much missed - sincerely Ajay, Herveen, Sienne and Niall
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Betty Johnson pledged to donate to Community Centre 55 (Toronto Beaches)
Friday, September 8, 2023
In memory of a dear friend who was very passionate about caring for those in his community.
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William Berry pledged to donate to Canadian Mental Health Association
Thursday, September 7, 2023
In memory of Dr John Van Deursen, a great guy who left us far too soon.
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ROB MARTIN lit a candle
Thursday, September 7, 2023
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I trained with John at Ron Day's and I have fond memories of the many many hours spent sparring together. John loved his sparring, as did I, and I was always pleased when I saw his red Miata in the parking lot at the Wednesday class, or Friday night's blackbelt sessions. Of course his sister Joanne usually joined as well and I got the chance to become friends with her too. He was a great training partner; competitive, positive, and always encouraging. Our chats outside of class were always nice and it was a treat to catch up with him at tournaments or events after he had moved to Toronto. He was such a genuine and warm person. Reading all the tributes here it is clear we are diminished without him. Our thoughts are with John's family and his many friends. Rob and Linda.
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ROB MARTIN pledged to donate to Canadian Mental Health Association
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Condolences to John's family from Linda & Rob. Too soon for someone who was such a positive force.
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Russell Preddie posted a condolence
Thursday, September 7, 2023
We offer our sincere condolences to the family. As much as we had long conversations over all the years when we spoke, sufficient words do not now present themselves. We pray that God will bring relief and comfort.
Russell and Heather.
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Kathleen Barret posted a condolence
Thursday, September 7, 2023
I have known John for over 25 years as both a neighbour and friend
John was warmth and light, a man so full of life
I could always count on him - for his kindness, emotional support, and brawn!
There is a song from the movie Scrooge, sung by the Ghost of Christmas Present, which captures how I think of John:
I like life
Life likes me
Life and I fairly fully agree
Life is fine
Life is good
'Specially mine, which is just as it should be
I like pouring the wine and why not?
Life's a pleasure that I deny not
I like life
Here and now
Life and I made a mutual vow
'Till I die
Life and I
We'll both try to be better somehow
And if life were a woman
She would be my wife
Why?
Because I like life!
I love you John and I will miss you.
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Tim Johnston posted a condolence
Thursday, September 7, 2023
My deepest condolences to the family. Dr. John was an incredible person. I feel very fortunate to have known him.
I will miss our conversations and your friendly smile.
Dr. John you helped countless people for some many years.
Thank you
Tim
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Andrea Raine posted a condolence
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Christine & the entire VanDeursen/Van Alphen family - I am so very sorry for your loss. I was shocked and saddened to learn of John's passing, but I am so grateful that I had the chance to know him. Thinking of you all as you prepare to say goodbye this week, and wish that I could be there in person, but I'm sending so many hugs with those who will be.
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wilfred seerattan uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, September 7, 2023
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It is with great sadnesss I learned of John's passing, it came as a shock to me and his fellow karate family. John started his karate journey in 1978 training for many years acheiving his black belt, he took a break for a few years then started with my dojo in 2006 in the Beaches as his kids started a yeard before that. He was a great role model and leader and soon became one of our instructors to lead in classes, he especially enjoyed kumite ( sparring ) but eventually found value in Kata ( forms ) Although he had a busy life John was always the first to vollunteer to assis in classes, tournaments and a huge supporter in the people and events. We became close friends and shared many stories together but the thing I remembered most is how much he cared about his family, making time and supporting them in his way, We will continue to tell stories of John, as a true leader in the community, in Karate and the lives of his family and friends. You will always be in our hearts and mind.
Sensei Wilfred Seerattan
on behalf of your karate family
Toronto JKA Karate
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Lynn Marie Hampson pledged to donate to Community Centre 55 (Toronto Beaches)
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Christine, our sincere condolences to you and your family.
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Lynn Hampson posted a condolence
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Christine & family, our hearts go out to you and your family. As a neighbour, it was always a pleasure to see John as he offered a friendly hello, a warm smile and an opportunity to laugh. We are both saddened and shocked by the loss of John. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Sending you our love. Lynn & Will
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Kathy Sammy posted a condolence
Thursday, September 7, 2023
John was a caring and generous man. I knew him as Kathleen and Julian’s dear friend and neighbour, who, with Christine, included and supported us all during Julian’s illness. He will be sorely missed by all who knew, loved and admired him.
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Paul Campbell posted a condolence
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Hello Christine,
We are sorry to hear of John's passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this time of loss.
Brenda and Paul Campbell & Family.
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Lisa and Joe Ciccone posted a condolence
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Our sincerest condolences to John’s family. We are saddened by his loss, but we remember him with great fondness. John helped our family through some challenging times, both as a doctor and as a friend. The Van Deursen family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
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Rick Sawyer posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
We are so very sorry to hear of John's sudden passing. Another high school classmate gone too soon. Our sincere condolences to Christine and family. We will keep everyone in our thoughts and prayers for strength and courage during this difficult time.
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Martin Castle posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
as a long time patient of dr V. this is devastating news.
John played a critical roll in my success with veteran affairs and so much more.
he was extremely smart. ..and together, we succeeded where many other veterans have not.
i look to him as my brother and very good friend (only friend). sadly he cannot be replaced.
dr Vs compassion and willingness to initially take on my case was a life-saver. he's been continuously fighting for me on many levels. he never gave up.
as a result, his efforts paid off with great success! my life has changed for the better. but we both fought for it ...hard.
i'm grateful for dr Vs help and friendship over the years. i apply his intelligence into my world.. and it's a much better place.
Chistine, i know John cared for you very much. he spoke about you lovingly and often. i hope that brings you comfort.
John will always be remembered in the highest regard. i will continue looking up to him for guidance.
my sympathies go out to you and your family.
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Walter Mittelstaedt posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Patty and I were shocked and saddened to hear of John's passing. Our heartfelt thoughts are with Christine, Michael, Katy, their partners and John's grandchildren. You have to hold in memory the pride and joy he showed when he spoke of all of you.
We had the pleasure of walking along with John as we faced the unknowns, successes, and challenges of professional training, relationships, parenthood, careers, and retirement...it makes me sad to reflect that John will not experience the last of these, even though his adventurous nature and joy of life put him in a great position to truly benefit from the fruits of his years of commitment to his family and practice (and we know he had plans).
Among other memories, John's gift to me was food preparation. As grad school roomates, we pushed each other to make the most of low budget meals (I was reminded of the different ways we prepared liver). Later in his life, he generously offered wonderful main meals for our annual guys weekend. His paella over the open fire was epic.
These are some of the memories that we are left with. Even if they can't cover the profound sense of loss that his family and friends are dealing with now, they might give us a brief reminder of how fortunate we are to have known John.
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Victoria Nichols pledged to donate to Canadian Mental Health Association
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
My deepest condolences during this time. Wishing you all comfort and strength.
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Mary Jenkin pledged to donate to Canadian Mental Health Association
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Kate and Family,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Sending lots of love.
-The Jenkins
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Kristine Laderoute posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Dear Christine and family,
I am so sorry for your incredible loss. I am shocked and saddened to hear of John's passing. I have not seen him in many years, since I worked at Main St. Psychological Centre in 2009-2010, but some of the things I learned under his supervision still impact my work as a psychologist to this day. He was a very compassionate and caring clinician. I am grateful for the time I had at MSPC, including my interactions with John, Christine and my colleagues there. Christine, my heart breaks for you. I hope that you are able to find some moments of comfort along this journey. I often drive by MSPC, and will always think of John when I do.
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Coralee Popham Lane posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
I was deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. I valued John both personally and professionally, having first met when we were both "junior staff" within the psychology department of what was then KW Hospital. Over the years, this expanded beyond work to knowing both John and Christine and valuing both of these relationships. I valued John's kindness, intelligence, humour and compassion. I admired his commitment to his family and friends, and to his profession. He embraced life and was generous with his heart, his knowledge and his time. My thoughts are with Christine and his family through this challenging time. May his love and memory continue to comfort and sustain you.
Coralee Lane
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Paul Kelly posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
I knew John through his work in professional Psychology. Our community has been shocked and saddened at his passing. He was an exemplary mentor and leader for Psychologists in Ontario. I was always impressed by his kindness, curiosity and judgement.
Dr. Paul Kelly
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Sam Mikail posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
John,
Forty-one years ago, nearly to the day you left unexpectedly and far sooner than any of us would have managed to understand, you and I loaded up my Toyota Tercel to its full capacity with our belongings and headed off to Saskatoon for what would be six years of countless memories, laughter, times of anxiety and anticipation, and tremendous personal and professional growth. The drive took nearly three full days as we made our way around Lake Superior and into the prairies. I remember one early start to the day when we were searching for someplace to grab some breakfast before the day’s long drive. We stopped off at a roadside dinner in the middle of nowhere only to be met with the refrain “I don’t fry on Mondays” no matter what we tried to order. On we went to the next town where we managed to grab a bite but when we tried to refuel the attendant announced “we aint had unleaded for three days.”
When we finally reached our destination, and made our way to the Arts building of U of S, there was Doug, waiting for us with the keys to the apartment he so kindly found for us. The years that followed brought so many precious memories and friendships that I hold dear to this day. And be sure that the friends we made will stand in support of Christine and your family.
I do wish we would have had more time John but I’m grateful for the time that was had and shared. So, next time I’m looking for a bite to eat at some unfamiliar place, be sure that your prayers from where you sit now ensure that they always fry, regardless of what day or time of day it happens to be.
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Darryl and Betty Johnson posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
If you had asked me back in 1973, would I be happy with 50 years of friendship with John, I would have happily said yes. But life has shown me that it was not nearly enough! I could have not predicted how deep our friendship would become and how important you and Christine were in our lives. I will sorely miss our long chats, with a beer in hand, centered around family, travel and motorcycles! I will miss you dearly, goodbye my friend.
Darryl Johnson
Christine, you and John have been such huge part of our lives. John's passing has left a giant hole in our hearts. We will miss him so much. Spending time with the two of you was always so special. Whether it was camping with all of the kids when they were little, a weekend at the cottage, a motorcycle trip to who know where, or just a quiet visit, it was a time we will hold in our hearts forever. May the love of your family and friends comfort you at this most difficult time.
Kate and Michael, your dad was very special to us. He loved to tell us all sorts of stories about you and his deep love for you always shone through.
Nikki, Sophie, Owen and Emma, you had the best opa ever. Whenever he talked about you he had the most loving smile on his face. May you always know how much he cherished each and every one of you.
Love to you all
Betty
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Gerald Britton posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Denise and I are shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our dear friend John -- a man full of life, smarter than anyone else we know, deeply compassionate, kind to everyone and happily giving his time and self for any and all. We miss him more than a few words could ever express.
Our love goes out to Christine, Mike and Kate and their children as they mourn the loss of this incredible husband, father and grandfather.
Christine, we are and always will be your friends. We mourn with you.
Love,
Jerry and Denise Britton
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Michelle and Gary Henry posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Dear Michael and family,
We were shocked and so saddened to hear of your father's sudden passing. Although we only met him briefly a couple of times, he exuded warmth with a big smile, and was so proud of his family. May the many wonderful memories you made with your dad bring you comfort in the coming days.
Michelle and Gary Henry
(Tory Hill)
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Penny Shackelton lit a candle
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
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Sincerest condolences to the family and siblings of John. I was friends with Corinne and Henrietta growing up and fondly recall the kind and soft spoken older brother, John. His sudden passing is so hard to accept for his loved ones left behind to deal with his loss. Thinking of the entire family and each sibling having to deal with the sudden loss of their loved one. Sincerely Penny Shackelton
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Peter Spruijt posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Also on behalf of Mathilde and Machiel my deepest condolences to Christine, Michael and Katelyn, and all family for the unexpected and tragic loss of John. John was the son of my sister, and I was his 'Dutch uncle'. I still remember how excited we were about his birth. When he was 4 years he visited Holland with his mother and 2 sisters. I remember him as extremely talkative full of stories and fantasy. Later on when I visisted Canada several times, I was always impressed by his friendliness, cordiality. and open mind. Somehow, without knowing it, he kept a Dutch 'cosy' atmosphere in his house, probably inherited by his mother. Also when he visited Amsterdam some years ago we had long talks. He was deeply interested in 'roots', his own roots and roots of his family and patients. Always fond of stories, like in his childhood. What a tragedy for the whole family! We in Holland sympathize with Christine and all of you and we will never forget John. From Amsterdam, Peter Spruijt
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Aubrey Gleeson pledged to donate to Community Centre 55 (Toronto Beaches)
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Continuing John's work at the Community Centre 55
Aubrey, Kris, Yin, Kathy, and Judy
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Jenny Stys posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
So sorry for your loss. I didn’t know John that well the past years but we grew up together as children on the farm in Belmont. John’s parents were my godparents and we spent a lot of summers together. You were taken way too young. Thinking of you and your family. Love Jenny (Vanderlee) Stys
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Ontario Psychological Association lit a candle
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
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On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Psychological Association, we want to express our profound sadness on hearing of John’s sudden passing. The entire OPA Board and office want to extend our deepest sympathy to John’s wife Christine, his children and grandchildren. John was an extremely well respected psychologist, colleague and friend of the OPA. The OPA significantly benefited from his work on the Board and his tenure as President. John will be greatly missed.
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Ontario Psychological Association posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Psychological Association, we want to express our profound sadness on hearing of John’s sudden passing. The entire OPA Board and office want to extend our deepest sympathy to John’s wife Christine, his children and grandchildren and many colleagues who will miss him. John was an extremely well respected psychologist, colleague and friend of the OPA. The OPA significantly benefited from his work on the Board and his tenure as President. John will be greatly missed.
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The family of Dr. John VanDeursen uploaded a photo
Monday, September 4, 2023
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Jim Oliver posted a condolence
Monday, September 4, 2023
I am so glad to have had a chance to spend time with John and Christine this Summer on our motorcycle trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway. You will be sorely missed John, but I know you will be riding that endless highway in Heaven !
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Terri Sands posted a condolence
Monday, September 4, 2023
To John's family,
I have known John as a colleague for over twenty-seven years. So very sad to hear of his premature passing. His passion for his profession, his patients, and his love of family and life always shone through. God rest his soul and may his laughter, warm memories and love give you solace at this very difficult time.
Terri Sands
