He passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026, at the age of 49, surrounded by a room full of his loving family.
John was a caring person who was genuinely liked by everyone he met. He had an easy way of connecting with people, a quick sense of humor, and a kindness that made others feel welcome and at ease. Whether he was making people laugh or quietly showing up when someone needed him, John had a gift for making life better for those around him.
Above all else, John was a devoted father. He was endlessly proud of his two children, Eli and Madeleine. Eli, age 12, shares Johns love of sport and is very involved in soccer. John was a huge supporter of his team and was loved and appreciated by all of Eli’s coaches and teammates as well as other soccer parents. While Madeleine, age 10, expresses her creativity through her love of art and music. Being their dad was John’s greatest joy, and his love for them was unwavering and obvious to all who knew him.
John shared his life with his loving wife, Alena, who stood by him with strength, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Together, they built a family grounded in love, laughter, and care for one another.
John was deeply loved and cherished by his mother, Carol, and his father, Eugene, whose pride in him never wavered and whose bond with him remained strong throughout his life.
He will also be sincerely missed by his brother Brian, to whom he was also a best friend to and confidant. A partner in crime and his biggest fan.
He was treated and loved as a son and will be deeply missed by his mother in-law; Terri Patterson and father in-law; Ron Nagel and mother in-law; Lori Nagel.
He was a proxy brother to his sister-in-law, Lauren, and his Japanese brother, Ryu Hagihara, who held a special place in his heart.
John was a joyous and loving Uncle to his niece; Penelopea and nephew; Rufus. Whom he always had a joke for and cared dearly for.
John will be remembered as a loving father, devoted husband, cherished son, brother, uncle, cousin and loyal friend. His generosity and big heart will be deeply missed, but the impact he had on the people who loved him will never fade.
John is survived by his wife, Alena; his children, Eli and Madeleine; his parents, Carol and Eugene; brother; Brian, sister-in-law; Lauren, their children; Penelopea and Rufus, his many Aunts, Uncles and cousins who loved him dearly.
The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 31st in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Victoria Hospital Foundation, with donations directed specifically to the Cardiac Care Unit. Donations can be made by phone at 250-519-1750. The family would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Cardiac Care Team for their kind and compassionate care.
John will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Van Der Haegen” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
