John Bakker 22 February 1953 – 4 March 2023
John first came to Keston church when Reverend Mike Keirle was the Incumbent in the 1990s and then returned to it after his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in October 2021. He found comfort and hope in his faith. He was voted onto the Parochial Church Council in April 2022 and enjoyed church life, taking part in the prayer walks, Book Reading Fellowship and social events. He had also started studying for the Bishop’s certificate in the Church of England which is a one year course for anyone who wants to be more confident about what they believe and read the Bible with more understanding. He was on the board that produced the Past Cases Review Report 2 into safeguarding in the Church of England, which was released not long ago.
John had qualifications in Neuroscience, Psychology and Social Work and had many hobbies. He loved climbing and climbed Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc, Mount Kenya and Aconcagua as well as Scottish and Welsh mountains over the years.
He was obviously a clever but also very adventurous man, a gentleman and always concerned for and ready to help others. He had an extremely positive outlook on life, even after his diagnosis, and characteristically bore his illness and all the treatment with great courage and positivity.
May you rest in peace, dear John.
