Rev. John Edward Fullmer

a.k.a “The Bishop of Favel”

November 2, 1922- August 12, 2017. Our dear husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle passed away peacefully at his home in Kenora, Ontario Canada. He was predeceased by his beloved son, Thomas; parents Howard and Rachel; brothers Don (infant), Arthur who died in Italy in WWll, Harold and William, Sister Fran and brother-in-laws Ernest and John, Sister-in-laws Marjorie and Mary, nephews Kevin and Greg; brother- in- law Fred.

John is survived by his wife of 63 years, Azalee; along with their children, Timothy (Lorena); Rebekah; and Ramona (Dennis). Grandchildren Melody (Pete); Joel (Desirée), Janine (Razoul), Alita (Dan); Megan (Kyle), Jeremy (Hayley) and Aaron. Great-Grandchildren Elijah; Cameron, Caitlyn, Rylan, Rachel, Solar; Akaylia and Kreston. Missing him from the United States are brothers Martin and Carl (Jeanette), sisters Edith (Denny) and Louise, sisters-in-law Ellen; Paulette, Tess (Duane), Joan (Ron), Verne (Charles), many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, numerous friends in the United States and Canada.

John was born in North Liberty, Indiana and grew up during the depression. He joined the United States Army to fight in WWll. He was captured during the “Battle of the Bulge” and was interned in a prison camp (Stalag IVB) near Dresden, Germany from Dec. 21,1944 – May 13, 1945. After his release, John began his post-secondary education receiving Bachelor degrees from Carthage College in Illinois, and Marion College in Indiana, and a Bachelor of Divinity from Pacific Lutheran Seminary in Berkeley, California. John married Azalee on April 11, 1954 and began over 60 years of ministry starting in Washington State, U.S.A. In November 1956, the family immigrated to Canada to serve churches in Gimli, Manitoba; Calgary and Evansburg, Alberta; Kenora and Bergland, Ontario. John spent most of his ministry in Kenora and in particular was passionate about his time spent with First Nations people. He started the Amik Association which funded employment projects for the local Treaty Three Communities. John, along with others, was involved in helping in the revival of the POW WOW movement in Kenora and surrounding area in the early 1970’s. He was also instrumental in working behind the scenes to bring about a peaceful resolution to the Anishnawbe Park occupation in 1974. John’s other passion was being at his property on Favel Lake surrounded by family and friends enjoying the rustic beauty. No electricity, no phones, just the beauty of God’s creation.

John was charismatic, a charmer, humble, strong and adventuresome. He loved to fish, sing in choirs, garden, read books and listen to classical music. John had a “twinkle in his eyes” and loved to tease. He was concerned about the way mankind treated each other and mother earth. Sometimes John’s decisions went against societal norms but he lived his convictions. He was a giver, always put others before himself and wanted to make things better for other people. He was a kind, caring, compassionate person who did not care about the colour of one’s skin or the amount of money they had. All were equal in his eyes. He knew when it was time to talk and respected times not to talk. He had magic and sometimes the magic worked and sometimes it didn’t. (His favourite saying from Chief Dan George in the movie “Little Big Man.”)

The family would like to thank special caregiver, Jaki Marsh; Dr. Workman, Treena, Sheri, and all the homecare workers from Nils and Paramed. Cremation has taken place.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Alban’s Cathedral at 11:00 AM on Saturday October 7, 2017. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorial donations can be made to The Fellowship Center, Canadian Lutheran World Relief, Bethesda Lutheran Church and Wesway.

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com.

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