Condolence: Rus in vrede.

Condolence: We wanted to offer our condolences to Joan and Mark, at the passing of John. We remember fondly the personal and often humorous stories (yes, relevance of golf to our spiritual journey came up frequently) that John shared with the congregation in his very relevant sermons. Our son Will was very partial to John - what wonderful bear hugs he used to greet him with! Our daughter Ana was too young to remember his ministry but we certainly remember that she was a bit afraid of getting swallowed up by one of John's welcoming hugs :) We know John is now in heaven where there's always the best tee time waiting, he's hittng 'em straight down the middle and putting for eagles on every hole!

Condolence: Dear Joan and Mark, We would both like you to know that our thoughts are with you at this sad time. We are so pleased to hold happy memories of our last time together with you all in Vancouver ten years ago in 2006. We were saddened first to hear to John's fall and his subsequent suffering. May he now rest in peace. Our love and condolences to you both. Fond regards from Pete and Rory

Condolence: Dear Joan & Mark : I am so sorry to hear of John's passing . Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I have fond memories of John at our Christmas dinners with Alison & Kathy . He used to tell some very funny stories that made me laugh whenever I thought about them . I am hoping to be there next Saturday for his funeral and will talk to you both then. Love Diane

Condolence: John you are going to be missed,so much.I have known John since I was a young girl of 15,when he and my sister Joan started dating.I remember him as always laughing and joking and good fun to be with.He helped to get me through a very difficult time at the death of my first husband.He and Joan were always there for my children and myself.He and Albert my husband got on very well together and were very good friends.Joan our love and Prayers are with you and Mark at this very sad time.

Condolence: Sadden to hear of passing a very nice gentleman. Mel & I met Rev.John Gouws in the Seymour Pro Shop many years ago when he first became a member and Mel was the Head Professional. We were doing Golf Tours to many countries round the world and John said to me "Why don't you take a Tour to South Africa"....so, we ended going there 6 times and many golfers got to enjoy that beautiful place and their many golf courses. What wonderful memories we have of Rev. John, his love for golf,& South Africa. Our condolences, to you all. Sincerely Trish

Condolence: I was saddened to learn from the Sunday service on May 8th that Rev. John Guows passed away. I do not have a chance to attend the services at the West Vancouver United Church when he served as a lead minister. However, as I noted, even after his retirement, he greeted everyone in the congregation with his infectious smile and his caring attitude every Sunday. I am sure he would be missed by all of us. Now Lord has a better plan for him where he will be freed from all worldly pain and frustration. May he rest in peace.

Condolence: Joan and Mark - We were saddened to see the news of John's passing in today's Sun. In spite of his health problems in recent years John seemed to continue in the important ways as always - the perpetual smile and the familiar inquiry as to how we and our family were doing. We are all thankful for having known him, for the wonderful manner in which he conducted the marriage ceremonies for both Chris and Ian, and for his many, many thoughtful messages from the pulpit. Sincere condolences and best wishes to you both. Bill and Helen Brown

Condolence: We knew John [almost] all our lives, starting in South Africa and then in Canada for the last 27 years. He, Joan, Bronwen and Mark were the reason we came here and we enjoyed many happy years together in this wonderful country. (He was our brother-in-law) We loved him dearly and will miss him so much. He was also very special to our two dogs Duke and Lola and they will miss him too.

Condolence: How blessed we were,with John's unconditional love and wonderful smile. Our whole family loved John and felt enlightened by his Christian witness. We were so fortunate to have known you when you moved to West Vancouver. How we enjoyed his sense of humor and his Holes-in-one! Thank you Joan and Mark for taking such good care of John, and for graciously sharing him with us. We admire your strength and example of generosity.

Condolence: Our thoughts are with all the family at this time. Used to bump into John & Joan on the seawall & always found John happy & smiling. Our daughter Kristi was a friend of Bronwen's in school, & remember the sadness of that time. John was a lovely person, & a true gentleman. With deepest condolences, Mary & Barney

Condolence: My sincere condolences to Joan, Mark and the extended family, I am truly saddened for your loss. John & I worked together at St. David’s and he married Tricia & I thirty two years ago. I will always count John as being a truly great friend. In all the relationships that have come and gone, I can say, without reservation, that John was truly unique in no small part because he personified our primary calling from Jesus Christ: Love one another! There’s a long party happening in heaven right now and it’s for John! Warmest regards, Ian