Canadian Christian musician Brian Doerksen has died at age 60 after a rapidly progressing battle with stage 4 cancer. The singer and songwriter, known for worship songs including Faithful One, Refiner’s Fire and Come, Now Is the Time to Worship, died peacefully at his family home on Tuesday morning.
Diagnosis and final days
His death came just days after doctors discovered cancerous masses throughout his body. Brian had been admitted to hospital after experiencing severe pain, with his family initially asking fans worldwide to pray. He was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer on Friday before his health deteriorated quickly.
Confirming his death on Instagram, his family shared a statement: "On July 21st, at 6:45AM, our Beloved Brian passed away peacefully in his sleep at his family home, surrounded by those who loved him most. Thank you to the entire community around the world that prayed, gave, and sent incredible messages of love."
Tributes and legacy
The message continued, "Till the very end, Brian continued to love those around him, encouraging them in who they are, and shared incredible gratitude to those in the medical field who tried their best to help him. He was a beacon of light even in his final moments to his close family and friends, and loved well right to the end. May we all be like him, to love freely, be kind, and grateful even in the midst of the hardest of times."
Tributes poured in from fellow musicians, church leaders and fans. British worship singer Matt Redman wrote: "So deeply gutted by this. I always loved the times I got with Brian. He wrote my all-time favourite worship song, Faithful One. He wrote so many other songs I loved. He was always such an encouragement to me personally. Brian, you’ll be deeply missed, but your legacy runs long. Praying for God’s comfort and peace."
Career and family
Brian was born and raised in British Columbia and began serving as a worship pastor at Langley Vineyard Christian Fellowship while in his twenties. He became one of the most prominent songwriters from the Vineyard Churches movement, with his work translated into several languages and performed worldwide. His achievements included a Gospel Music Association Dove Award in 2003 and a Juno Award for his album Holy God in 2008. He also received a GMA Canada Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.
Brian married his childhood sweetheart Joyce in 1984 and they had six children. Two of their sons were diagnosed with fragile X syndrome, an experience Brian said influenced his faith and songwriting. A fundraising page was launched shortly before his death to support his family with medical and other expenses.
