1926-2025
John entered into the presence of his Lord on May 13, 2025, having served in the ministry of Word and Sacrament of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, for over sixty years. Loving and beloved husband of Anne, they were the best of friends, and faithful colleagues in ministry. He is predeceased by his parents Marion and Frederick Hibbs, and brothers Robert (Bob), and Donald.
Surviving him is his sister-in-law, Virginia Hibbs, related nephews and nieces, and many close friends who “walked the talk of their faith” with him, over the years.
Prior to his being ordained to the ministry, in his home congregation of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Galt, (Cambridge), Ontario, John was a Cost Accountant for Babcock-Wilcox of Canada in that city. A graduate of Galt Collegiate Institute, and the universities of Waterloo (Western), McGill, Brock, and Knox College (Seminary) in Toronto, he also did post-graduate studies at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, on a scholarship from Knox College.
John served in three pastorates, Iroquois/South Mountain, Ontario, Edmonton, Alberta, and Hamilton, Ontario. He entered the Interim Ministry Program of Princeton Theological Seminary of the Presbyterian in the U.S.A., and as a graduate served in this ministry of having seven congregations in Ontario, looking at re-imaging their ministries for their future. And this ministry also saw him serving in the national office of the Presbyterian Church in Canada on the Board of World Mission, and its successor, the Life and Mission Agency.
John’s pastoral ministry within the Church, showed his deep expression of love for the people he served, as with Anne, and in their local congregations, and their wider ministries within the Church. In his retirement years he continued to serve the local and wider Church in what he called his “recycled years”. He and Anne were serving as Ministers in Association, and elected Elders, in St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Ancaster at the time of his passing.
He was an avid hockey and baseball fan (Toronto and Edmonton). He loved singing in his congregational choirs, and with his wife Anne enjoyed their community ministries, and were patrons and supporters of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. And they thoroughly enjoyed their many travels in Canada, the United States, Europe and Israel, over the years.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 23rd at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 31 Sulphur Springs Road, Ancaster, at 10am, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 11am., with committal in Grove Cemetery, in Dundas at 2pm.
I knew Rev. Hibbs through my association with the Presbyterian Church. He was a man who really lived his faith. He was a competent minister, a good administrator and a very kind person. John had quiet enthusiasm and a unique sense of humour. Service, to God and the people of God, was John’s focus always. I send my deepest sympathy to his beloved wife, Anne.
We remember John as a friend , sharing stories at many barbeques. He was a faith led minister much respected by his fellow clergy. Our sympathy to Anne.
Linda and Bob Dawson
It has been a long time since our days in the Presbytery of Brockville. Anne, you have my deepest sympathy. Nick
I remember him dearly from my days as a summer student with Bob Wilson in Edmonton. Funny, wise and with tremendous zest for life and for the wellbeing of the Church. We met again, years later when my Knox College class was having its reunion, and four members of his class were present. Anne, I wish you every sympathy. And thank you both for your recycled ministry, Herb and I are both now busily recycled in London, and drawing inspiration from colleagues who continued to serve the church long after they officially retired.
Anne, our sincere sympathies to you as you grieve the death of your beloved husband John. Thanks be to God for John’s long life, faithful ministry and legacy. May the God of hope comfort and strengthen you today and in the days ahead. And may the peace of Christ be with you Anne.
John and Laurie Bannerman
Anne, may the Friend who Jesus sent, accompany you and support you as you grieve your personal loss!
Peace of Christ !
Arnold Bethune
Sincere sympathy Anne