Hans (Johannes Marinus Joseph) Teunissen was born in Ottawa, Ontario August 24, 1953. He is survived by his loving wife Kim and two daughters he was proud to call his own- Tedra (Jamie) and Mahaila, and his grandson Kingston. Hans is also survived by his mother, Thresia and his three siblings Maion (Bill), Helmut (Vickie) and Lucien as well as a large extended family. Hans was predeceased by his father Johan.
Hans had a wonderfully happy life. He often loved talking about how much fun he had with his cousins growing up. They were a large gang and enjoyed building houseboats and tree-houses together, exploring in the woods and working at the family run lumber yard.
As a very young boy, Hans had a fascination with all things Chinese and harbored a secret desire to be a Missionary in The Far East. This desire was eventually realized in a way that he never imagined as a young boy. In 1974 Hans learned that God had a personal name- Jehovah- and this knowledge changed his life and started off his zealous search for truth.
Hans, being a very spiritual man, set goals for himself. He wanted to become a pioneer, serve as a ministerial servant, and to serve at the Canadian Branch and be a member of the Bethel family. He reached and treasured all these goals. After reaching these goals, he wanted to satisfy his desire to be married and have a family. He met Kim and her girls in the summer of 1992 and married her the following March. He was a wonderful role model for his family and a loving father and best friend. He took great pride in raising two beautiful daughters. In time Hans was also appointed to serve as an Elder. Hans was often asked for advice and help as an Elder. His best advice he often gave was ” Do the loving thing.”
In 2002 Hans and Kim were invited to move to Victoria, learn Chinese and help the fledging Chinese congregation there. This was a huge privilege of service that Hans loved. Six years later Hans realized a goal that he had never hoped to attain. He and Kim were invited to serve as Special Pioneers in Trinidad and Tobago, serving the huge Chinese population there. This was a wonderful three years of life. It was while living in Trinidad that Hans was first diagnosed with cancer. He survived three surgeries for colon cancer within the span of four months. After his last surgery Hans said “Wow, I’m still alive. I want to serve in Asia and teach the people there about Jehovah .” After receiving an assignment for Asia, Hans and Kim went off to fulfill Hans’ last goal. Hans absolutely loved living in the Far East. He relished the life there, and loved riding his motorcycle to visit his students.
While living in Asia, Hans was diagnosed again with cancer. This time it was terminal. What made cancer so painful for Hans was that it hit when he was living the Life of his dreams. He said he was living the best life ever. No regrets.
Hans – wonderful teacher, sterling role model. Yes, he will be missed. Can’t wait to see him again and say “well done”. We will have so much to tell him then.
Funeral and tea to be held at:
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses
2780 Shelbourne Street
January 17th at 2:30
Teunissenfamily@gmail.com
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
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Roland Jugandi
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Don & Joan Walters We came to know Hans when he was with the Kanata ON Congregation. It was when working in the service with him that we had a Chinese call when suddenly I realize that Hans was speaking to them in Chinese. This was as much a surprise to me as it was to them.
It gave me a measure of Hans. Quiet, devoted to Jehovah, having a goal and going about it in a no-nonsense manner. Greatly appreciated as a servant of Jehovah.
Don & Joan Walters.
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Erika Thompson Wish we could be there for you all during this difficult time! Please know we send all our love and hugs to you and wish you comfort in your time of grief! Hans was an amazing person and I have many fond memories of him! Thinking of you all!
Love Erika, Steve, Marieka and Amelia
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ALFRED TEN OEVER May strength be with Kim, Tedra, Mahaila, Tante Thresia, Maion, Helmut, Lucien and all their loved ones at this time with the passing of Hans.
I have fond memories as a cousin of Hans when we were young kids living in Aylmer Quebec. There was about 8-10 of us who were known as the Dutchie gang. We spent many hours at my uncle Gerri’s lumber yard. . WE spent many hours cycling, cross country skiing and walking on our ventures to the Gatineau hills.
1 Corinthians 15:52-57 “in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Peace be with you,
Your cousin ALFRED TEN OEVER
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Stephen and Joanne Garrod Our heartfelt sympathies go out to you. May it be of comfort to know you are in our prayers. We look forward to the time when that “last enemy, death” will be brought to nothing and we can warmly welcome our loved ones back to life in the promised paradise.
With warm Christian love
Stephen and Joanne Garrod
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Scott & Debra Duggan In 1974 in Aylmer, QC, I was in my early teens, when one night at the congregation book study, held in the basement of Peter Hoepfner’s home , in walked in this group of young men. I remember it clearly, as they all had long hair, which was all the rage back then. I believe it was mid summer, and I think it was the group of five, Hans, Lucien, Helmut, Bill F., and the other guy Richard(?) who never took the truth.
This is my first memory of Hans, and over the next few months, I remember the phenomena of these young men taking the truth, and making it their own, as I myself had to do. Hans, Lucien, Bill F. and I were baptized on the same day, at the convention in Ottawa in 1975.
Our lives parted, when Hans went west, but intersected periodically over the years, Especially when he returned to the Ottawa area for a while in eighties. We remember him pioneering, and going to Bethel. We heard accounts of his work in Chinese, and these were all faith strengthening to us.
I remember talking to him once about his experience preaching for two months in Newfoundland in the late eighties, a few years later I married Debra, who had travelled there with him along with Lucien and the Jugandi’s. Debra has fond memories of that trip, Debra often says that spending those two months with Hans & Lucien and the Jugandi’s was one of the happiest moments of her life in the truth.
Our last crossing of paths was in the early 2000’s when a older brother who once lived in Weymouth, NS where we are now, died in Victoria BC. The congregation wanted to send flowers and a small gift to his widow, as they had served here for 27 years. We contacted Hans & Kim, and Hans offered to help pick up the flowers and the gift to deliver to the sister. While the flowers had been paid for, the gift had not been, but Hans said, we will pay for it, “it will be our share” , even though he did no know the sister at all. Such is the generous spirit of our brother.
Kim: we only ever met you once, very briefly at the Assembly Hall in Aylmer QC, Hans used to tell me he needed a girl who would “straighten his tie”. Debra and I are so very sorry for your loss, may you and your daughters find comfort in Jehovah’s promise of a resurrection to an earthly paradise.
Lucien: You who have made everyone laugh with joy, may you endure in the hope as well. Debra & I are so very sorry for the loss of your dear brother, we know how close and special your friendship always was with Hans.
To the rest of the Hans’s caring family: We do not know you, but we just want to say that Hans has the wonderful hope of being resurrected into a beautiful paradise on earth, where he hopes you will all be to greet him, when he “hears the call” and is resurrected (Job 14:15, John 5:28,29)
We too eagerly look forward to that day!
With warm Christian Love
Scott & Debra Duggan
Weymouth, NS
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Diane Van Ginkel We are at loss for words when we hear of a loved one passing. But knowing that he is in Jehovah’s memoir, bring us all joy, in seeing Hans in the resurrection. And all those that went before him. Hans was always a big part of our family growing up. my three sisters and me had two brothers. Hans and Lucien. where they were we girls followed. Hans worked for my dad back in the 70’s. I also remember Hans and my dad tried to start a business growing mushrooms and worms. there was many of laughs with the worm growing! we girls had a ball with Hans. May strength be with Kim, Tedra, Mahaila, Tante Thresia, Maion, Helmut, Lucien and all their loved ones at this time. its not long now, before we say “good to see you Hans”
Love Jan & Diane Van Ginkel
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Leslie That was such a touching tribute to his life. To be living such a cherished life knowing – what he was doing was completely good and true must have provided contentment that so many can only hope for. A true testament to faith. If he was living the life he dreamed of know that it was also along with you, Kim, his daughters and family. Although I did not know him well he reminded me of another kind, gentle and humble soul. I can only imagine how you feel, but know that it is just a “bye for now”. He will be rewarded and you will be reunited.
Much love,
Leslie
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Rees Moerman Hans’ great testament, in an all too brief but meaningful life, was to demonstrate to others – how one could be happy and content … despite the imposition of life’s vagaries and frailties.
Growing up as a small- town, Ottawa-Valley boy to that of a global pilgrim reflects a rather remarkable journey, and confirms how much each person’s life unfolds as one circuitous, amazing, and-at-times unpredictable miracle.
Hans always shared his enthusiasm for engaging in the ‘practical sacred’ … enjoying the paradoxes of living in a world that at times was ‘dark at the fringes’ but held great light at the centre. This light was the core of Han’s life, and guided him on his unique path.
Hans collected, traded, and even borrowed the many adventures from his “Dutchie” childhood. He often regaled others with his rich early years, growing up in Quebec with an extended passel of siblings, and relatives adding to his growing repertoire of adventures. He relished in sharing these colourful, wild and at times transcendent experiences with others.
Pilgrim, Elder, story-teller, adventurer, welder, tinkerer, husband, son, brother … all these roles he performed to make the world a better place.
Rest now Hans, and find your eternal peace. It has been well earned.
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Suzanne Zubris Hans .. So many happy funny memories ! This Dutch famly has a wild heart and with all our stories and fun reunions Hans was a big part of that. He will be missed but never forgotten. My heartfelt sympathies to everyone near and far. Xoxo
Love Suzanne , Craig , Anthony and Cole Zubris
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Hilda Kim, Tedra, Mahaila and our Tante Thresia, and our cousins Maion, Helmut and Lucien and their families – We want to send our deepest condolences for your loss from the family in the Toronto, Brampton, and Mississauga Areas: Hilda & Murray & Joanne (and family in EDM), Ed & Nancy & Jason, Tony & Ryan, & Alyssa & Kathryn and Lisa & Emily & Meagan. We all remember Hans as a gentle soul and know that he quietly did much good for so many. We know he was a caring son and brother and a wonderful husband to Kim and father to Tedra & Mahaila. He lived a noble useful life. He will be sorely missed by his community and by his family most of all. Kim you were an amazing caregiver for Hans, you’re so strong. Tante Thresia, his mother has lost her sweet boy but he will be waiting on the other side. We send Our Love to all of you and wish you all peace. Love from the Raitano, Coletta Morris/Woolacott families.
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Leona Leason Kim, Tedra and Mahaila,
I was so sorry to hear about the death of Hans and want to express my deepest sympathy. May you find comfort in all the wonderful memories of your life together as well as strength to cope in the days ahead from our Creator, from your family and friends.
Warmest thoughts and love,
Leona
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Janice Gardiner So sorry for the loss of your husband, father and best friend. It will be a privilege to get to greet him in the resurrection, for now he is at rest and out of pain. We have the task of staying faithful and making sure we are there to greet him.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Warm Christian Love,
Second cousin, Janice
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Merilee Kim, Tedra and Mahaila,
Words can never express the feelings in my heart. The time I spent with your family …out in service, at your house, seeing Han’s art and inspiring ideas ….are memories that I have always held close to my heart.
What an example Hans set, what a life he lived of service to others….. and giving his best to Jehovah (& in turn you 3 lovely ladies).
Love you all. Cherish the memories. Laugh, cry, reminisce…..and try to remember that each day the pass we are one day closer to seeing those sparkling eyes and that great smile again.
Warm Love, Hugs, Kisses & Prayers….
Hans was a good man and can easily be counted among the faithful mentioned in Hebrews 11 where it said: ‘the world was not worthy of them’.
It is because of people such as Hans, that John 3: 16 is true and we can distinguish between the two different meanings of the word ‘world’.