Abbotsford’s music scene took a massive hit on Tuesday (July 21) as one of its more successful artists passed away after a tough fight with cancer.
Brian Doerksen had long been a prominent presence in the local faith music community, having consistently put out original tracks since the ’90s.
Throughout the years, he did a lot of solo work, but also collaborated with many other musicians from around the world, including as a member of The SHIYR Poets.
Live renditions of his music could often be heard at various Abbotsford events, and his work even received national attention, earning Doerksen a Juno Award in 2008 for Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year.
Throughout his career, Doerksen earned a total of three Juno Award nominations, with his latest being a 2020 nomination for his album The Heart of Christmas.
He was also recognized by the Gospel Music Association of Canada many times, earning six Covenant Awards.
While Doerksen continued to be active in the music scene – releasing multiple tracks in January 2026 – he was hospitalized in July due to a bout of prolonged pain.
View this post on Instagram
According to Doerksen’s official social media accounts, the diagnosis came back as stage four cancer, with his kidneys suffering complete failure shortly afterward.
View this post on Instagram
Doerksen passed away at home in his sleep at approximately 6:45 a.m. on July 21. He was only 60 years old.
“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,” shared fellow musician and frequent collaborator Luke Vandevert.
“He was a beacon of light even in his final moments to his close family and friends, and loved well right to the end.”
A fundraiser started by Vandevert and fellow musician Marika Siewert has already raised more than $118,000 for Doerksen’s wife of over 40 years, Joyce Doerksen.
The online fundraiser was started on July 17 and can be found at gofundme.com.