Long-time Kelowna advocate for the homeless passes away

A well known Kelowna man who was active in bettering the lives of those living rough has passed away.

Friends and family took to social media Sunday to share news of the passing of John Thiessen.

His family said he died on Dec. 2 at the age of 60 from a heart attack.

"Funny, kind, caring, empathetic and talented to name a few of his qualities," a post on his Facebook page reads. "Hopefully someone will take over the much needed caring for the unhoused on the streets of Kelowna in his absence."

In August, 103.1 Beach Radio's Big Ginger caught up with Thiessen on the streets of Kelowna doing what he did best.

Check out the video to see his generosity in action.

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This story was originally published on Aug. 9, 2022

If you’re around Leon Avenue, you’ve likely seen a blue PT Cruiser hanging around, and wondered what it’s up to.

Inside the car is John Thiessen, as well as a bounty of sports drinks, snacks, and other necessities that most people take for granted day-to-day.

And for the past 12 days, Thiessen has been roaming around Kelowna, helping those in need.

He told Big Ginger from 103.1 Beach Radio, that he has become ‘John 2.0'; a changed man after the pandemic.

A COVID-19 infection, he said, has left him with bouts of prolonged fatigue, but helping people inspires him to get out of bed in the morning.

“It validates me,” he said. “This morning, when I woke up, I wasn’t sure whether I’d be here today to help with the streets. Because of the people on the streets, it gave me some additional energy to get up and be something to somebody, mean something to somebody and give purpose to my day.”

Thiessen said what he’s been doing has left a positive impact.

“People are consistently saying, ‘you don’t know how much of a difference this is making in our day. We wait for the blue PT Cruiser. We look for it. When we see it, our hearts jump a bit,” he said. “When you can make someone’s heart jump, your day is better.”

Thiessen had these words to live by: "If anybody can bring change, or help another person on a daily basis, you are doing the right thing in the world."