In loving memory of
recording artist & Songwriter
Brian Doerksen
Scroll down to learn more
A Message from Joyce:
I would like to thank each one of you who sent your love and financial support for our family over these heartbreaking weeks. We never expected to see such an outpouring of blessing, but to see it and have the resources to help my children in their grief and take care of household and medical expenses without worry has lifted my spirits.
It’s a whole new reality that I’m living in, and I’m so grateful for a community of people who are cheering my children and me, and my son-in-law on!!
Blessings,
Joyce
If you’d like to continue supporting the Doerksen family and their work in Brian’s memory,
you’re welcome to use the donation button below.
A place to remember
Who was Brian Doerksen?
Born on November 17, 1965 to Harry and Agnes Doerksen, Brian Robert Doerksen came from humble Mennonite roots and grew up in Abbotsford B.C. Brian was a songwriter, recording artist and songwriting instructor, who loved spending time with his family, which includes his high-school sweetheart Joyce. They were married 41 years and together, they had 4 adult daughters and 2 adult sons with Fragile X Syndrome. From when the Doerksen kids were young to adulthood, Brian was faithfully intentional about spending quality time with his family. Both as a father and a husband, Brian knew family mattered more than anything else and his family will carry on his legacy of love.
His songs are known and sung internationally in faith communities of all kinds, including ‘Come Now is the Time to Worship’, ‘Refiner’s Fire’, ‘Hope Of The Nations’ and ‘The River.’ Throughout Brian’s long journey within the Christian music world, the songs he wrote and sung inspired and encouraged countless people. In 1989, Brian began sharing songs he wrote with his local church, the Langley Vineyard, to which were recorded on the album ‘Changed By Your Glory’. The album included songs like ‘Faithful One’ and ‘Father I Want You To Hold Me’, and eventually had global impact, and was the very beginning of Brian’s musical impact on the world…(read more)
official livestream of memorial held in abbotsford
‘breathing’
Brian’s Final Project
Brian’s final album 'Breathing' was recorded at his home in Abbotsford, B.C. Originally, it was a collection of songs meant to serve those who have trouble sleeping, giving peace and comfort during the night. Although undiagnosed, Brian began showing signs of illness during the recordings of this project. In light of his passing, this album has become incredibly profound and a helpful way to not only exceed its original purpose, but also help those who struggle with anxiety, grief and sorrow.
Truly an artist until the very end, Brian had a deep sense of the human experience and created an incredibly gentle piece of art that speaks volumes about his character, kindness, and heart for others.
Brian the teacher
‘Unlocking Your Songs’
Brian always loved to teach. He often said his work felt like riding a bicycle: one foot pushed forward to create music and songs, while the other pushed into instruction, teaching others the craft of songwriting. Throughout his musical career, he mentored other creatives, helping them to improve their proficiency.
His final project was an educational website called Unlocking Your Songs, for anyone interested in learning and developing the art of songwriting. Co-founded with his son-in-law, Luke Vandevert, Brian educated students worldwide, helping them learn and hone their songwriting skills.
Unlocking Your Songs remains active to keep educating others and to instill the legacy of Brian’s unique and profound songwriting for others to learn from.