John Kurtz

1932-2024

In his 92nd year, John passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s hospital in Kitchener. He will be reunited with Lois, his wife of 70 years, who passed away last November. John will be sadly missed by his sister Ann, son Philip (Yvonne), daughter Carol, grandkids Peter, Beth, Sarah, Annalisa, and Sasha, and many nieces and nephews as well as friends.

Born in Kitchener to Howard and Florence Kurtz, John found the love of his life at age 13 in Lois, and together they had a lifetime of adventures—from teaching at a hill station in India in the 1950s as daring 20-year olds, to leading a church in British Hong Kong in the heydays of the 1990s before the handover.

John earned his Bachelor of Divinity at Western University and his Master’s degree at University of Toronto. He was Dean of Emmanuel Bible College in Kitchener before becoming a minister in the Presbyterian Church. He touched the lives of many as minister of St. Andrew’s in Kingston, Knox in St. Catharines, Union Church in Hong Kong, and St. Andrew’s in Kitchener. After retirement, John and Lois attended St. Andrew’s in Niagara on the Lake.

As a pillar of strength and deep thinker, John was the perfect match for Lois’ outgoing, vivacious personality. Together they approached life with relentless positivity, a sense of humour, and willingness to try new things, which were generally Lois’ ideas!

They lived life to the fullest, reaching age 90 together in their own home in Niagara on the Lake.

John's memorial service will be held on Wed Aug 7, 2024 at 1 pm. In St. Andrew’s chapel in Kitchener. In memory of John and Lois, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Messages and condolences may be left at www.tricitycremations.com. Please visit John’s obituary notice on Facebook.