REV. TONY DOERKSEN

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REV. TONY DOERKSEN

Rev. Tony Doerksen passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, during a brief stay at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg on July 13, 2025, at the remarkable age of 92. He went to be with Jesus, whom he faithfully served throughout his life.

Tony was predeceased by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Louise Doerksen (née Griggs) in 2018, and his daughter, Charlotte Coyston, in 1992. He is lovingly remembered by his son, Stan Doerksen (Carol); daughter, Ruth Bonneville (former husband Richard); grandchildren, Charity Van Tine (Bart), Sarah Coyston, Justin Bonneville, and Celine Cramer (Graydon); great-grandchildren, Penelope and Cordelia Reed, and Jacob Cramer; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Tony was the seventh son of ten children born to Heinrich and Katherine Doerksen (née Klippenstein). His siblings included Henry (killed in the Second World War), Kay, Eddie (Eva), Andy (Frances, later Margaret), Bill (Anne), Earnie (Nellie), Herman (Mae), Leonard (Madelene), and Sonny. All of his siblings and their spouses predeceased him, except for two sisters-in-law.

Born and raised on a small farm near Morden, Manitoba, Tony and his siblings attended Lloyd George School, a one-room schoolhouse they reached by horse-drawn carriage. He developed a strong work ethic and early dreams of building a large commercial farming operation. In 1951, his life took a new direction when he accepted Jesus Christ in his heart and felt called to ministry while attending Manhattan Beach Family Bible Camp, near Ninette, MB.

In 1954, he enrolled at Horizon College and Seminary (then Bethel Bible Institute) in Saskatoon, where his love for writing and passion for theology and history blossomed. He served as editor of the college graduation book for three years and met the love of his life, Louise Griggs, whom he married on October 3, 1959, in Oak Lake, Manitoba.

Tony graduated in April 1957 and began serving as a licensed minister in Napinka, MB, followed by Lac du Bonnet and Pine Falls, when their first child, Stanley, was born. On March 1, 1964 - the day their second child, Charlotte, was born - they accepted a new pastoral role at Evangel Chapel in Winnipeg (now New Beginnings Church). Their third child, Ruth, followed a few years later. It was during this time that Louise spotted a home that she fell in love with. The family purchased their cherished home on Worthington Avenue, where they would spend the rest of their lives together.

Tony’s inspiring journey as a writer reflected his deep love for family and storytelling. While working night shifts at Christie Biscuits and MacMillan Bathurst, he often used his breaks to write. His book, The Saga of Turtle Mountain Coal, became a significant resource in university libraries, highlighting local history. He also contributed historical articles to the Winnipeg Tribune, The Western Producer, and Manitoba Pageant, and wrote faith-based plays and TV scripts, including The History of Bethlehem, The Book of Ruth, and segments for Interfaith Productions on SundayScope and Word of Faith on CKY.

He was gifted with a voice that could fill a room, with a rich, resonant tone that reached the lowest notes with ease. He was also a skilled interviewer and spokesperson - talents he shared while hosting guests on SundayScope. Louise and Tony collaborated on these productions, with Louise hosting inspirational messages on Word of Faith.

Tony’s life was marked by faith, hard work, creativity, and a deep love for family. He loved the simple things in life - like sunsets, a grove of evergreen trees, and reading the daily newspaper. His legacy lives on through the stories, photos, and songs he preserved - and the nightly prayers he faithfully offered over every member of his family.

We miss you, Dad, but we know you're with Jesus - and we will see you again.

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,

which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day:

and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.”

- 2 Timothy 4:6-8 KJV

A celebration of Tony’s life will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at New Testament Church of God, 6 Dunraven Avenue, Winnipeg, MB. All are welcome to attend. Parking is available at Glenwood Community Centre, 27, Overton St. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith to Live By in Tony’s memory, https://faithtoliveby.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 26, 2025