John Driedger
Obituary
A life well lived, beginning March 10, 1938, came to a meek end the morning of Thursday, February 22, 2018, as John Driedger slipped away from his earthly body. He was born and raised on a small mixed farm near Grunthal, the son of John and Helen Driedger, who had come to Canada as very poor Russian-Mennonite immigrants. The third of seven children, he developed an early appreciation for hard work, loyalty and integrity.
John is survived by his loving wife Judy, with whom he shared 52 years together following their marriage on July 4, 1965. Their three sons survive him: Tim (Kris), Cainen and Cassidy, Davin (Erin) and Toren; Jon (Judith), Abby, Sienna and Natalia; and Grant (Allison), Liam, Avery and Sawyer. He is also survived by two sisters, two brothers and eleven brothers and sisters-in-law. He was predeceased by his brother Albert, sister Ellie, and six brothers and sisters-in-law.
Faith, family and community were priorities and passions. He loved outdoor pursuits, particularly sports, playing hockey and baseball, and coaching championship teams in hockey and volleyball. He followed his father’s footsteps in his love for music, playing and teaching piano, conducting the church choir and leading singing groups from his teenage years until nearly the last days of his life. He supported community and school organizations in every way, serving as a leader for a wide array of organizations including the Hanover School Board, the Rural Municipality of Hanover, Grunthal Minor Hockey, Hanover Ag Society, Grunthal Sports Association, Grunthal Livestock Auction Mart, and the Grunthal Chamber of Commerce.
His career began in teaching, which continued for 21 years as teacher and principal. He valued education and loved his students, telling stories from school for decades to come. He took over the family farm at age 39, which then became his occupation as well as his passion. After retiring as school principal, and while running the dairy farm, he continued in the education field as School Trustee and Chairman for another 14 years.
After leaving the school board, he delved into municipal politics, serving two terms as Reeve for the RM of Hanover. John truly loved his community, particularly its people.
As a young adult, he was baptized at Elim Mennonite Church, where he remained actively involved his entire life, providing music and leadership. Though rarely vocal about his faith, he lived it from deep within. He carried himself with gentleness, humility, patience, wisdom and integrity, and defined character.
Even though dementia robbed Dad’s wisdom from us in these last years, his mere presence remained a comfort and living reminder of all that he had been. He will be missed.
The memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Grunthal Elim Mennonite Church, with the burial taking place prior to the service at the Grunthal Cemetery.
