Brian Doerksen, a beloved gospel singer, songwriter, and worship leader, dies at 60. Doerksen had been battling stage 4 cancer. His death was announced in a message posted on his Facebook page.
“On July 21st at 6:45 AM, our beloved Brian passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home surrounded by those who loved him most,” the post read. “Thank you to the entire global community for praying, giving, and sending amazing messages of love.
“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,” the statement said. “He was a beacon of light to his close family and friends, even in his final moments, and he loved them until the end.
“May we all be like him, to love freely, be kind, and grateful even in the midst of the hardest of times.”
According to the Christian Post, Doerksen was hospitalized in February due to “undiagnosed medical issues” that caused him significant discomfort. A GoFundMe page set up for him stated that scans found “a tumor in the pelvis and spots on the liver, lungs, and near the heart.”
According to the Christian Post, Doerksen was best known for songs like “Refiner’s Fire,” “Faithful One,” and “Come Now Is The Time to Worship.”
His Facebook followers reacted with affection and grief to the news of his death.
“Grieved and praying for this family,” Dustin Crozier commented. “Brian’s music and ministry reached millions! “Imagining what he is seeing now… will definitely play ‘faithful one’ tonight at camp.”