A man well-known to 琉璃神社 residents and especially the homeless community has died.
John Thiessen regularly fed and clothed people living on city streets, and used social media to raise awareness of the constant need to help others.
His wife, Debra, announced on Facebook on Dec. 4 that he had died.
鈥淪haring very sad news. John Thiessen who has been my best friend since I was 19 and my husband for 34 years passed away Dec. 2 at the young age of 60 from yet another heart attack. Funny, kind, caring, empathetic, and talented to name a few of his qualities. We find comfort knowing he is no longer in pain. Hopefully, someone will take over the much-needed caring for the unhoused on the streets of 琉璃神社 in his absence.鈥�
Thiessen鈥檚 daughter Katie also took to Facebook to share the family鈥檚 grief.
鈥淢y dad, was truly one of a kind. Kind (he spoke a lot about kindness), compassionate, empathetic, weird (so weird), resilient, stubborn, generous, thoughtful, friendly, goofy, and tender-hearted. I will remember him for all these things and more. In memory of my dad, give someone a compliment, a hug, or give something to someone less fortunate than you today.鈥�
City councillor Loyal Wooldridge, and Mayor Tom Dyas, paid tribute to Thiessen at council鈥檚 Dec. 5 meeting.
鈥淚 want to offer my condolences to the Theiseen family and thank them for everything they鈥檝e done for to support the most vulnerable in our community,鈥� he said.
Dyas also spoke to Thieseen鈥檚 compassion.
鈥淚 know John was a champion within this community and tried to take care of as many individuals as he could,鈥� said Dyas. 鈥淗e had an amazingly big heart.鈥�
has also been set up in Thiessen鈥檚 name.
鈥淚t is my promise that if you feel inclined to donate, the funds collected will go towards John鈥檚 true passion, helping our unhoused (In John鈥檚 Honour!) and a portion of the funds will go to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in memory of John,鈥� reads the page set up by Chrystelle Crockford.
A celebration of life for Thiessen will be held in January.
READ MORE: City of 琉璃神社 on board with 鈥榳arming bus鈥� pilot program
gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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