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It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of John Drektraan, age 88, of Vaughan Ontario, who passed away on December 17, 2025.
John was the beloved husband of Yvonne Drektraan, and a devoted father to Michelle Kremer (Ron) and Michael Drektraan (Rose). He will be lovingly remembered by his sister Lennie Kleywegt (Adrian), his brothers-in-law Ed Maguire (Kate) and Roy Maguire (Terri), and Sister in-law Wendy Kowalski and his cherished grandchildren Anthony, Liam, Laura, Brandon, and Elizabeth. He is also fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews.
John was predeceased by his mother Alice Drektraan and father Bill Drektraan, sister Ria Verbaas, brother-in-laws Larry Verbaas and Jim Maguire.
Born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, he completed carpentry school at 13 years old. He immigrated to Toronto, Ontario on February 10,1954 at the age of 17. Shortly after arriving in Canada he began working at the Ontario Flooring Company. Driven by a desire to learn and grow, John returned to school to study architectural drafting, which led to a 25-year career at Raywal Kitchens. Later, he followed his entrepreneurial spirit and started his own fine carpentry and cabinetry business, working with pride and dedication until the age of 75.
John married his beautiful wife Yvonne in 1965 and resided in Oak Ridges where they raised their family. A true craftsman, John designed and built their home, a lasting testament to his skill, vision, and hard work.
John was a hardworking, caring, and devoted family man. He deeply loved his family and worked tirelessly to provide financial stability for his wife and children. Known as the joker in the crowd, John had an amazing sense of humour and could always bring laughter to those around him.
John was such a wonderful human being, kind, thoughtful with an infectious laugh and had the biggest smile and always had that sparkle in his eye.
A devoted Catholic, John was actively involved in his church community. He lovingly cared for the altar flowers, loved to sing and participated in three choirs which brought him so much joy. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, served as Ordinary minister and could always be counted on to repair anything that needed attention around the church.
John had many hobbies, took art classes, stained glass classes and wood carving. His biggest love was making his speed boat which he spent endless hours watering skiing on Musselmans Lake and building a sailboat which he sailed on Lake Wilcox . He loved to play soccer and volleyball.
John also cherished traveling with his wife, Yvonne and family, creating many wonderful memories together and with their children and grandchildren.
After retiring at age 75, John faced numerous health challenges with remarkable strength and courage. He was a true fighter, enduring brain surgery, four strokes and bladder cancer. When he could no longer fight, he was surrounded by care and compassion.
The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital for the exceptional care John received following his massive stroke. Special and lasting thanks are extended to the incredible staff, nurses, PSWs, Bibi Khan and Dr. Anita at Sherwood Court Nursing Home in Vaughan, where John resided on Noble Corners for the past three years and ten months. Your compassion, dedication, kindness, and the care you provided – especially during the final six days of his life – will never be forgotten.
John was the best husband, father and grandfather in the world and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Rest in peace John with the Heavenly Father.
Always remembered, Never forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday January 31, 2026 at Our Lady of Annunciation Church 97 King Road, Richmond Hill at 11:00 am.
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6 Guestbook Entries
December 31, 2025 | Nadia Corrado
Dear Michelle, Yvonne and Family,
I will miss seeing your precious father, husband and grandfather at Sherwood Court. I will always remember John’s smile, laughter and song. He had a wonderful sense of humour and would always make me smile whenever I saw him. May he rest in peace. May your wonderful memories bring you comfort and peace.
With love,
Nadia Corrado
January 12, 2026 | Renata Oleniak
On behalf of everyone at Sherwood Court, we extend our deepest condolences to the Drektraan family during this difficult time. It was an honor and privilege to care for John, whose warmth, humor, and kindness touched all of us. His incredible spirit and devotion to his family and community will always be remembered. We are grateful for the moments we shared and the smiles he brought to our faces. May his legacy of love and laughter continue to inspire us all. Rest peacefully, dear John. You will be missed but never forgotten.
January 28, 2026 | Stuart McKinlay
Dear Michelle, Yvonne, and family,
We were so saddened to hear of John’s passing and extend our heartfelt condolences. We hope you find comfort in the love and support that surrounds you. John was always a kind and fun person to be around. One fond memory we have was his recommendation to paint our fireplace white. This brightened our home, much like John himself, who had a way of bringing light into every space he entered. His warmth, humour, and kindness remains with us all.
With love,
Joanne and Stuart McKinlay
January 30, 2026 | Catania Family
The Catania would like to extend our sincere condolences to Michelle and her family. May the love and support of family and friends carry you through this difficult time.
January 30, 2026 | Christine and Colin Davies
Today is a celebration of life, and as I am unable to attend I will add some thoughts to be shared about John
I always called you Johnny, and loved you like a brother. From when we first met, we became firm friends. You almost broke my hand with your firm handshake. Christine became friends with the love of your life Yvonne, and the four of us would meet up for coffee occasionally. I surprised you and Alex when I learned the words to Drie kleine kleutertjes . We sang it on the bus on the way home. I remember helping you repaint the risers in the garage. I had more paint on me than on the risers. When you were in the hospital, I visited you, and you were feeling down. To lift your spirits, I jumped into the bed beside you and we sang together. Another memory was at one of our barbecues. We staged an arrest. I put Johnny in the back of a police car, and he put his hands behind his back like he was handcuffed. He really enjoyed the fun. We were good pals and we miss you, your smile and your never-ending sense of humour. Rest in Peace our wonderful friend. Our Condolences to Yvonne and family. We will be thinking of you on Saturday
Love from Christine and Colin
February 1, 2026 | Carla Silver
May John’s memory always be a blessing. I shall remember his infectious smile and his craftsmanship, especially on our choir risers and my harp dolly.