Dr. John Nicholas Dorner

With love in our hearts, the family of John Nicholas Dorner announces his peaceful passing. Surrounded by family, he took his final breath moments after each of his grandchildren expressed their deep love for him and how he inspired them to carry on his work of making the world a better place.

Loved into being by John and Margaret Dorner, John treasured his role as big brother to Dan (Emily), Peg (Tony), Deborah (the late Peter) and Kathleen (Danny). With Barbara Conrad John had three children. John fully embraced being a father to Sarah (Chris), Jennifer (Stephan), and Joel (Kim). John's love for his wife Anna was unwavering and pure, and he was forever grateful for the support, light, and joy that she brought into his life. John's love for his grandchildren Zoé, Thea, Odessa, Charlotte, Elliot, and Nadia knew no bounds, and he cherished every moment he spent with them playing, being silly, and inspiring them to do great things. From the start, the Kessels family became his own. They loved him as the son, brother and uncle that he was to them. John's family was defined by love and grew to include Baptiste Divita, and Xiaofang Chi and their families.

From a very early age John knew that he was loved by his family and by God. His parents lived their lives simply and humbly. From them he learned to work hard, reach out to your neighbour, listen without judgement and respond with compassion. In his family life, in his community and throughout his career as School Psychologist and Educator with the Ottawa Catholic School Board, John lived these values.

Following his retirement in 2006, John was able to devote his full attention to environmental degradation and its impact on children and future generations. He was welcomed and thoroughly supported by the Archdiocese of Ottawa to establish a Creation Care Ministry. Working with other Faith communities, John's unwavering commitment to climate justice was matched only by his gentle approach, believing in the power of inclusive collaboration to inspire both individual and collective conversion of the heart.

When John was presented with the Benemerenti Medal awarded by Pope Francis in March of last year, he was profoundly moved. Given in recognition of his exceptional service to the Community, Catholic Education and the Catholic Church, he thanked all the people in his life who had brought him to this point.

Throughout his illness, John received excellent and compassionate treatment from the medical profession, and from the kind people who came into our home to support and care for him. The cards and prayers from many friends and family sustained him and gave him hope and comfort. Until his last breath, he knew he was loved. Thank you!

A funeral Mass will be held Saturday May 13th at Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church, 100 Main Street, Ottawa, ON K1S 1C2. Visitation at 10 a.m. Mass at 11 a.m. A reception will follow at Immaculata High School. The Mass can be viewed here .

If you would like to donate in memory of John, please consider the Mouvement Laudato Si' Movement Canada.