Pastor John Howard (1936-2026), who founded ADRA Canada in 1985, sadly passed to his rest on July 25, 2026.

In the months and weeks leading up to the end of his life, ADRA Canada was fortunate to receive the testimony of a family who had become hospital roommates with John by sheer chance during an emergency visit. During their time sharing a hospital room, John Howard—himself recovering from an injury—made such a powerful impression on the family with his life story, with his overflowing joy and compassion, that they continued to visit him even after their time receiving care ended. The family spoke glowingly about their inspiring new friend.

Though it was not known at the time, this story emerged just over a month before John Howard would pass away. For a 90-year-old man to still be overflowing with such life-changing vibrancy is both uncommon, and yet unsurprising for those who knew him.

In the 80’s, when he became aware that provincial and federal funds were available for humanitarian work, Pastor John fronted his own travel costs to go to Ottawa. That trip gained him over 80 thousand dollars for a project in Ethiopia. It was this kind of determination and unshakeable desire to serve that enabled him to spearhead a movement, begin ADRA Canada, and ultimately lay a foundation that continues to be built upon to this day.

“All I wanted to do in my mind was to make sure that by the time I retired, ADRA would be a fixture that couldn’t be taken out,” he said. “And from then on, of course, it’s gotten bigger, and bigger, and bigger.”

In 2002, Pastor John was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (civil division) by the Governor General for his work benefitting families around the world.

In November of 2023, John Howard attended ADRA’s 40^th anniversary celebration in Oshawa, ON. Over about 30 minutes, he thrilled the attendees with a continuous string of inspiring stories of hope, faith, justice, compassion, and love for humanity. There was no mistaking the depth of his commitment, joy, and impact on the people around him.

At that same event, ADRA Canada announced the creation of the ADRA J. Howard Legacy Society for individuals who desire to extend their humanitarian impact beyond the span of their natural lifetimes. ADRA Continues to encourage and enable Legacy Giving in honour of John Howard through this society. https://adra.ca/legacy-giving/

ADRA Canada is grateful to John Howard for his years of service, inspiration, and leadership. He was an untiring champion of God’s justice, compassion, and love. We extend our continued sympathies to his family as they grieve his loss, and we yearn for the great hope all Adventists share in the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.