The family of worship songwriter Brian Doerksen is inviting friends and listeners to remember him through the music and stories he leaves behind. Two memorial gatherings are scheduled for October 17 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Central Heights Church in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Admission is free, but attendees must reserve tickets online because space is limited.
The gatherings, titled Songs & Stories from the Heart of Brian Doerksen: A Memorial to Remember, will bring people together to share memories, sing, and hear songs from Doerksen's new album, Breathing. His family also plans to show footage of him singing that was filmed in February. The 2 p.m. gathering is expected to be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.
Doerksen died on July 21, 2026, after a diagnosis of stage 4 cancer. He was 60. His songs-including "Come, Now Is the Time to Worship," "Refiner's Fire" and "Faithful One"-became part of worship in churches around the world. The memorials offer a chance to remember the husband, father and friend whose life stood behind those familiar words.
In announcing the services, Vision PR Solutions remembered Doerksen's compassion, gentle spirit and love for his wife, Joyce, and their family. That personal remembrance gives the gatherings their purpose: to let those closest to him tell stories alongside the songs many others know by heart.
Both Abbotsford gatherings will take place at Central Heights Church, 1661 McCallum Road. Free reservations are available for the 2 p.m. gathering and the 6 p.m. gathering. Joyce Doerksen has asked guests to reserve only the tickets they intend to use so others have room to attend.
Doerksen's songs have traveled far beyond the places where he first sang them. "Come, Now Is the Time to Worship" invites people to draw near to God, while "Refiner's Fire" gives voice to a desire for a changed heart. Their words are simple enough for a congregation to sing together and personal enough to carry into prayer long after a service ends.
That is why music belongs at the center of his memorial. As family and friends share their stories, others will recognize a part of their own lives in the songs. Doerksen's voice will be missed, but each time a congregation sings one of his songs, his work will continue to help people pray.
