Redekop, John (1932-2021)
John Redekop: farmer, businessman, philanthropist, churchman; born 12 November 1932 in Nieder-Chortitza, Chortitza Mennonite Settlement, South Russia, to Jacob Johann Redekop (12 May 1903, Nieder-Chortitza, Chortitza, South Russia - 10 December 1987, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada) and Maria (Guenther) Redekop (25 June 1899, Nieder-Chortitza, Chortitza, South Russia - 11 December 1988, Abbotsford, British Columbia). He was the third in a family of four, with an older sister and two brothers (including Jake Redekop). On 22 September 1962, he married Lorena Reinke, daughter of Frank and Helena (Penner) Reinke. They had three children: Randy, Joanne, and Michael. John died on 30 November 2021 in Abbotsford, British Columbia.
As a youth, John and his family fled war-torn Ukraine, hiding, evading Soviet-German conflict, often traveling without food or a place to sleep, and finally found refuge in The Netherlands. Through the help of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), John and his family immigrated to Canada, arriving with nothing in 1947, and settled in Abbotsford soon thereafter. In May 1952 John was baptized on confession of his faith at West Abbotsford Mennonite Church.
John had a strong passion for farming, starting from the first chicken barns he and his brothers, Jake and Peter, built in 1957, and he remained a poultry farmer for the remainder of his life. In 1965, he entered the property development industry as a co-founder of Wall & Redekop Corporation (now Wall Financial Corporation), along with his brother Peter and his cousin Peter Wall. John managed the Fraser Valley real estate offices when the corporation went public in 1967.
John was active on numerous church and church-related boards, including Mennonite Central Committee, Mennonite Benevolent Society, Mennonite Educational Institute, and Mennonite Church British Columbia. John played an active role in the founding of two Abbotsford churches: Eben-Ezer Mennonite and Emmanuel Mennonite. He was congregational moderator at Emmanuel Mennonite for several years.
John prioritized generosity with his time and his resources; many organizations and causes were the beneficiaries of that generosity. These included Camp Squeah capital projects, Clearbrook Golden Age Society, the Redekop School of Business at Canadian Mennonite University, Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Abbotsford Regional Hospital, Columbia Bible College, Mennonite Economic Development Associates, Mennonite Museum Society, and BC Cancer Foundation.
John spent his recreational time traveling with Lorena and enjoying golf, skiing, and fishing.
John has been described as a modest man with a robust passion for life and people. He was gracious and focused on the positive. He was a family man who never forgot his roots. He advocated for Mennonite education; he was a steadfast supporter of the Mennonite Church and Mennonite schools. John never let his limitations slow him down, and rather than complaining, his life was one of being patient and working harder.
He will be remembered as a humble man who embraced life and who loved the Lord. He was deeply committed to both his immediate and extended family. He gained many friends over his lifetime and was a mentor to many people in business, church, and everyday life. He ran his race without looking back, but always remembering where he came from. He left behind a tremendous legacy and those that knew him will always cherish their fond memories of John.
| Author(s) | David Loewen |
|---|---|
| Date Published | November 2022 |
Cite This Article
MLA style
Loewen, David. "Redekop, John (1932-2021)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. November 2022. Web. 26 Apr 2024. https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Redekop,_John_(1932-2021)&oldid=174283.
APA style
Loewen, David. (November 2022). Redekop, John (1932-2021). Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 26 April 2024, from https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Redekop,_John_(1932-2021)&oldid=174283.
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