The family of beloved Canadian worship leader Brian Doerksen has announced three public memorial experiences celebrating the songs, stories and faith that defined his influential life.
Titled "Songs and Stories From the Heart of Brian-A Memorial to Remember," the gatherings will take place in Abbotsford and Vancouver, British Columbia, during October. Admission is free, but attendees must reserve their places through Eventbrite using the three links provided in Doerksen's official Instagram bio.
Two memorials will be held at Central Heights Church in Abbotsford on October 17 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. A third gathering will take place at The Centre in Vancouver on October 25 at 7 p.m.
For those unable to attend in person, the October 17 service at 2 p.m. Pacific time will be livestreamed, allowing the worldwide worship community shaped by Doerksen's music to participate in the remembrance.
The family is also giving attendees the opportunity to add Doerksen's forthcoming album, Breathing, or his complete album collection to their free ticket reservation. Physical copies ordered through Eventbrite will be available for collection at the selected memorial event.
The announcement carries particular emotional weight because Breathing will now become one of Doerksen's final musical gifts to the Church. His official website says the album is expected in late fall, with a complimentary digital edition being offered to those who join the family's mailing list.
Doerksen died peacefully in his sleep at his Abbotsford family home on July 21, 2026. He was 60 and had recently been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer following several months of serious health problems. His family said he remained grateful, encouraging and loving until his final moments.
The songwriter's death sent shockwaves through the international worship community. Songs including "Come, Now Is the Time to Worship," "Refiner's Fire," "Faithful One," "Hope of the Nations" and "The River" crossed denominational boundaries and gave generations of Christians language for worship, repentance and trust.
Vineyard Worship remembered Doerksen as one of the formative fathers of its worship movement, while the Canadian Bible Society praised his gift for helping listeners hear God through Scripture and song. His compositions were never simply vehicles for performance; they were written to be carried into churches, hospital rooms, family homes and private places of prayer.
That legacy makes "Songs and Stories From the Heart of Brian" more than a conventional memorial. It will allow those closest to Doerksen to place the stories behind his songs alongside the music through which millions first encountered him. Even in grief, the gatherings reflect the central conviction of his ministry: worship gives believers a language for both sorrow and hope.
Doerksen is survived by his wife, Joyce, and their six adult children. His voice may have fallen silent, but the songs he gave the Church will continue to be sung-and these October gatherings will offer one more opportunity for the community he served to sing them together.
Memorial Details
- October 17 at 2 p.m. - Central Heights Church, Abbotsford, British Columbia; livestream available
- October 17 at 6 p.m. - Central Heights Church, Abbotsford, British Columbia
- October 25 at 7 p.m. - The Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia
- Admission is free, but reservations are required through the Eventbrite links in Brian Doerksen's Instagram bio
