John was born, raised and educated in Holland. A multilingual teacher, he arrived in Canada to follow the immigrant route, and eventually graduate from Toronto Teacher's College. He went on to earn his B.A. and B.Ed along with several specialist qualifications. All the while working, tutoring immigrants and teaching E.S.L. evenings and weekends, and raising a family of four. He was a principal for twenty four years.

John and his wife, have volunteered for several organizations over the past fifty years, including the Easter Seal Society and other support groups for physically challenged children. They have also been heavily involved in their church for many years.

John is a hobby photographer and continues to travel for adventure with his wife of over fifty years. They have raised the four lovingest children and are the joyous grandparents of eight grandchildren.

He has written and published multiple articles, stories and poems, and published several community newsletters. He has over 30 published books and chapbooks to his name.

John enjoys the challenges his new career presents and relishes meeting them. As part of it all he has opened a small bookstore on the web, and in line with his desire to help others, donates the proceeds to CHIRS. For more information on CHIRS, go to http://www.chirs.com