Jack Koning is a beloved teacher who influenced generations of Abbotsford Christian School students to love music. He also taught us the benefits of perseverance, excellence, and that we are better and stronger as a community than as individuals. Jack now has terminal cancer and is in his last days.
I was teaching in Red Deer when Jack and the touring ACS band came to my school. My first impression was “Wow, that director sure is tall and thin.” My second impression, after the band began to play, was “Wow, that guy is a great band teacher.”
A Master Teacher
Jack Koning started teaching at Abbotsford Christian School in 1977 and built the music program from the ground up. Retired ACS teacher Janet Hitchcock recalls that the first band class at the secondary school, probably in grade 8, was held in the upper room where the ELL department offices currently are.
Part of Jack’s legacy at ACS is the amazing band room. When prospective students and parents take a tour of the building they gasp when they enter it. Jack spent a great deal of time researching the design of the room. Our current music teacher, Bill Workman, continues to enjoy the benefits of all Jack’s research. Each new class at ACS still gets to hear the story about the room that Jack built. This year, that audience included Jack’s very proud grandson.
Jack demanded a lot from his students, and with the instruction and encouragement he gave, individual musicians always became cohesive bands. Band tours were a highlight of the year. The first tour was to the Okanagan on which Jack was band director, tour guide, and even bus driver.
Band was an important part of secondary school for many students, and it was no secret that Jack was a master teacher. This was, in fact, acknowledged by the Ministry of Education who awarded him a Master Teacher Award for his exceptional care and the effectiveness of his instructional practices. He worked tirelessly as he created opportunities for his musicians to perform: music nights, chapels, community events, ensembles, musicals, Christmas CDs, and Disneyland.
We always knew that the music would be exceptional.
In all this, Jack simply wanted to glorify God with music and the development of the gifts and character of his students. You could always see the joy in his face when he saw his students perform. Jack gave the students a great opportunity to explore music and participate in an excellent program. ACS continues to be blessed by Jack’s efforts and abilities; Bill Workman says that he occasionally catches himself thinking WWJD? (What would Jack do?).
He worked at ACS for over two decades, until he had to stop teaching because of significant health issues, but he continued to help and support the school’s music program though his business. Bill Workman says, “It has been so amazing to have continued a relationship with Jack through King’s Music, as he and his son, Dan, are my main go-to guys for music, parts, instruments, and supplies.”
A Master Colleague
As colleagues, Jack is far more to us than a band teacher.
While I was still teaching at the elementary school, there was a small group of us that would meet weekly in a practice room of the band room to pray. Jack was one of those people. We’d pray for each other, and our families, and our school. There I experienced something we all love about Jack. He listens to you, really listens, and he’d then show sincere empathy and compassion. A lot of the time, he’d do something to help. His life experiences were, at times, difficult and filled with sadness, but he was always ready to listen to others and help in whatever ways he could. Jack’s faith and wisdom were a blessing to our young staff back in those days.
Community was always important to Jack, and he was often front and center in getting the staff together to enjoy fellowship and strengthen community. We will never forget the incredible creative gifts he would make for staff. Jack Boersma, retired ACS teacher and athletic director, remembers one such gift, a very realistic gigantic cardboard Crayola box of gigantic crayons. Gifts like these were often given with some hilarious poetry which Jack also composed.
Jack knew that building community wasn’t just about social gatherings. When retired ACS teacher Rob Bakker turned 40, Jack convinced the entire senior band to get to school in the wee hours of the morning. He loaded them all onto the school bus and drove them out to Rob’s house in Chilliwack. He quietly arranged the kids around the front door of the house. This was early. Rob was still asleep—the doorbell woke him, and he came to the front door. Luckily, having the wherewithal to adorn himself with a robe, he opened the front door to the whole band playing “Happy Birthday.” In the front yard. In the dark. Lights started flicking on all over the neighbourhood.
Rob characterizes this event as “pretty memorable.”
Following the Master
I will never forget Jack’s penny devotional. After reading a passage from the Bible, he had us hold a penny up to our eyes and said that sometimes our problems seem so big. Then he pointed to the pennies on the walls which had, till then, been unnoticed. Our problems, like those pennies, with the proper perspective, are not so big. Our struggles, in the proper perceptive, are not so big either. Our lives are meant to be lived against the backdrop of Christ’s death and the promise of our participation in his Resurrection. I have gone back to that devotional many times since then. Thank you, Jack. Interestingly, the last of those pennies was still on the wall just a few years ago.
Bill speaks for all of us when he says, “Jack’s inspirational legacy is permanently etched into the fabric of ACS and in my life. I am continually aspiring to be the kind of educator and person that he modeled so well.”
Thank you, Jack, for your wisdom, help, friendship, and for the gift of your music.
Jack is unable to have visitors, but if you would like to honour and encourage him with stories, thoughts, and prayers feel free to do so in the comments below.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Thank you Jack for who you are and all you’ve done. You are a legacy! Thank you for your willingness to always help as you served people in your store. Thank you for being such a person of integrity.
My family moved to Canada and Abbotsford in the Summer of 2000. I enrolled at ACS that September. I remember meeting Jack for the first time during a tour of the high school campus. It was his welcoming kindness and sincerity that solidified my decision to join the grade 10 band. Jack had a way of encouraging you to be the best version of yourself. He believed in his students, and knew how to help them set goals and achieve them. He also led by example, living out those same principles in his own life, through his love and dedication… Read more »
Jack, you certainly are a legacy! We will never forget the amazing concerts you and your bands performed at the Abby Arts Centre and all the fantastic musicals you directed. Talk about thoroughly enjoyable entertainment and appreciation in terms of the incredible talent that you were able to get from your students. You and Sieglinde and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jack, I’m so thankful for the years we spent supporting one another in how to serve our God in the realm of business as well as the rest of our lives. You have always been such a good listener, encourager and supporter. By honestly and safely sharing our thoughts, challenges, wisdom and folly we all grew and we’re able to keep going in the hard times. You have made a difference for me in so many subtle ways. Praying for you for the strength and patience you need particularly now.
Mr Koning! As one of your former students, I counted a true privilege to learn from you. I still play my clarinet to this day. Our band trips were epic!! I loved singing in the school choir. To this day I lead worship at our church. A very fond memory for me was that Mr. Koning played the piano at our wedding. It was so lovely to come and see you at King’s music when my children were needing instruments for Band. Praying for you as you battle cancer. May God give you and Sieglinde peace and surround you in… Read more »
So blessed by Mr Koning. Will never forget his “music cart” that he pushed into the classroom (in the years before the fire). I loved it when he played records for us! His signature “ta, ta, ti, ti, ta”!!! The best way to learn how to count rhythm!
May God bless you, Mr Koning. May His peace pour over you and your family like sweet honey.
Even though you didn’t teach me. I was not musical whatsoever. You always made time when I was in the music room just sit quiet. You were a highlight when I went to the school. You always listened. You always made students feel special. My heart goes out to you you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you Jack for all your instructions in music that my girls enjoyed. The band tours and the concerts were absolutely amazing! You truly are a gift to so many! Always smiling. Thank you for sharing your love for God and music. You have touched their lives in a very Special way! Thank you
Dear Mr. Koning, I am grateful for you- for your passion, your kindness, and your dedication. When I look back on high school, Band was a huge part of my experience. You taught us to be excellent. You led us in community. And you brought us together in music that worshipped our Lord. Those experiences shaped who I am now. Thank you.
My years in high school band and concert band have such good memories! I tell my kids of all the band trips we would go on as a group. They were the highlight of band for sure! Thanks for all you did at ACS Mr. Koning!
Tonia (VanderHorst) Feeleus
Jack and Sieglinde, We have such wonderful memories of all the good times we’ve had together. We’ve enjoyed so much together–music in the last row of the Orpheum, coffee visits, dinners, rides in the van. We have missed the symphony with you both for awhile now. Time spent with you was meaningful and enjoyable. We are praying for you and your family during these difficult days.
My wonderful Mr. Koning!
I’m so sad to hear of your suffering!
I wish I could see you one last time to give you a hug of such grateful appreciation for all the music you put in my life!!
I will never forget you!
My favourite choir director, musical leader, band director!
You taught me singing since elementary, musicals in junior high, and band in high school.
The memories. Laughter, energy, band trips, the efforts you put in was endless with ALL magical outcomes!
You are an amazing man! You will never be forgotten!
And ALWAYS appreciated!
Jack, we have known each other since childhood, when to school together in Edmonton, played music together, travelled to and studied in Toronto including an eventful road trip, entered the teaching profession after that… and so many more things. I’ve experienced much with you, learned much from you and was inspired by you. While we’ve not spent a lot of time together in the later years, my heart was painfully grieved to hear of your illness. May the God whom you love give you and your family comfort and peace.
Jack thanks for all the years of friendship. I hold our lunch in your backyard (during covid no less) as a special visit upon my retirement. Getting to know you through Kings Music was a pleasure. You can be proud of Dan and Brennen taking over and caring for the business. God bless you.
I am saddened to hear this news. Mr. Koning has inspired so many students with his pursuit of excellence but also his fondness for fun and enjoyment. I’ll never forget riding the Zipper with him at West Edmonton Mall or the fun had by all at Disneyland. Thank you Mr Koning for all you shared with so many! We are keeping you and your family in our prayers.
Jack, I just wanted you to know how influential you were during my high school years. For me, going into band took a lot of effort. Normally, I would have not signed up for a course like that. You made me feel very comfortable and equal to even some of the better players in the band. You were always patient with me. I knew I was not very good, yet you showed great care and patience through the years. You gave me a sense of team playing that I didn’t know was possible. It was funny when I would play… Read more »
Jack, you have been an inspiration to me in many ways. As a colleague you showed kindness, care and compassion for your fellow colleagues and your many students. As a musician you freely shared your talents, giving glory to God through your music ministry. I have many wonderful memories of accompanying choirs which you directed. In addition to a great sense of humour, you were always encouraging and patient. I will always remember how special it was for Bryan (my husband) and I to be part of the band & choir tour to Smithers in the 80’s. One of the songs which the choir sang was… Read more »
I can’t summarize in a short paragraph what this incredible teacher meant to me throughout my high school years, and the years I knew him beyond that. God bless you Jack, you made such a difference to me and so many with your kindness, wisdom, generosity and talent – Your sacrificial giving and patience is what Paul told us to model, when he said “Be known by your gentleness” all the while unwavering in your commitment to excellence, and bringing out the best in us. We love you so much Jack, God bless you and your amazing family.
Jack, I want to thank you for giving me a chance in your band when I showed up at ACS for Grade 12. Thanks for regularly expecting more of me. You opened my eyes to the value of excellence in music, and (years later) I think I eventually got it. But you modelled that well. Thank you.
I benefitted a lot from your instruction.
Bless you.
When I joined the inaugural ACS secondary school staff in the fall of 1979, Jack Koning became one of my colleagues. He was this young, talented, music teacher that had already made quite the impression in the community directing amazing elementary musicals and demonstrating what students could achieve musically. The ACS Society had recently made the decision to expand the Secondary program by adding Grade 11 & 12 and Jack took up the challenge to develop a matching high school band program. Through hard work, perseverance, patience, and skill he quickly built up a reputable band program, aided by the recruitment incentive… Read more »
Trent did such a wonderful job of describing you, Jack. What a privilege it was to have all four of our sons in your music and band classes. They all had such respect for you. The band trips were highlights during those years. I count it a privilege to call you and your precious wife, friends. You displayed immense courage when Julia passed and through your decades of illness. Your kind ways and love for the Lord have not only been passed onto your own children but have been a testimony to all of your students. You and your family… Read more »
Good memories of learning music from you in highschool, Mr. Koning! I definitely learned an appreciation for music. I too had a small part in the Enchanted Journey musical, and to this day (40 years later!) I still remember the lines! You have impacted so many lives, may you now be blessed as you leave this world to enter the amazing-ness of heaven. The music of the spheres.
It’s been many years since I attended ACS, but band tours, concerts, recitals, and band classes are still a highlight of my high school years! Thanks, Jack, for always encouraging us to do more, to practice, to persevere, for teaching us to expect more of ourselves as well as each other. Blessings to you and your family – may you experience God’s peace during this time.
Jack, you’ve been such a mentor for me the past 16+ years that I have known you. Through music clinics, Moonliters gigs, and the King’s Music repair shop – your kindness and encouragement have pushed me the extra mile at times when I needed the nudge. Thank you, Jack! I’m putting pennies in my music room now and praying God will help me with perspective as often as I need it. Bless you and your family.
Love, Lisa-Joy (Lindahl) Dubois
What an orchestra of beautiful memories! I pray that you and your family will be encouraged by the fond memories and the impact that you’ve had on so many. It’s funny that someone just asked me a few weeks ago what my favourite thing about highschool was. It was Jazz Band. It was a pleasure to wake up early, make the dark trek to the bandroom and then soak in the fantastic music. Thank you for always encouraging us, not only to play better, but to be better. I was complaining once, probably on the end of the dreaded band… Read more »
Jack, Thank you for being a teacher, mentor, role model. After almost 20 years since graduating, I can still remember your classes fondly.
You have impacted so many with your encouragement, wisdom and genuine compassion. I am greatly blessed to have known you.
I always enjoyed catching up with you at my families store; you were always so proud of your family and sincerely cared about what was happening in mine.
I am praying for peace for you and your family.
Mr. Koning, it’s taken me too many years to write you…and since reading Trent’s blog entry, I still can’t find the words fitting enough to describe the influence you’ve had in my life. There are so many special memories I have–playing music night concerts, enjoying well-planned band tours, even playing those evening church services–that were all made possible by you and your passion. However, what shaped me even more (and what I remember even more clearly) are the little moments: the way you’d light up and come alive when we played a piece right; the way you convinced us to… Read more »
Mr. Koning, Although God didn’t bless me with much musical gifts. I persevered through your band classes all the way to grade 12 because you inspired and led a community of belonging, of growth, of worship and even with my meagre talent, a desire to reach my fullest potential. Thank you for playing a formative role in my education. May God give you peace and courage.
I enjoyed many years of band class and also the fun on band tours! You always pushed us towards excellence. You were passionate about teaching and about music. Thank you!
Jack is a lovely man in all things! Not only in his music but a superb dancer as well. So many good times! Great nights at the Copper Room, local hall dances with the Moonliters. Always music!
Jack, we will always remember your huge, warm smile that you greeted us with whenever we saw each other at all the dances we attended together.
Thank you for the music Mr. Koning!! You truly were an inspiration to me and so many others over the years. You are a legend at ACS! I am so appreciative of everything I learned from you over the years in music/band. Going on five concert band tours in high school was an honor. Some of my best memories were made on these fun trips as we travelled all over and got to know students in other grades better. What a blast! I will never forget doing those band tapes and rehearsing a ton for concerts and musicals. Being in… Read more »
Dear Jack, My sister Aimee just pointed out this article to me and I am sitting here thinking fondly and with much appreciation about the years I played clarinet at ACS, under your leadership. I have, so very often, been thankful for that experience. So many times, I recall these memories – or tell my children a story from then, or make them pause and listen to some great song – like Copland’s Rodeo, when it comes on the radio. Some of the memories that stand out were your lesson on how to make up a song with five notes… Read more »
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their memories of our Dad. Over the last four weeks, he was able to read all your beautiful thoughts and stories. He was overfilled with gratitude and joy, and was overwhelmed that his life touched so many lives just by using the gifts that God had given him and by treating people with the dignity and respect they deserve. Dad peacefully went home to be with his heavenly Father today (May 15, 2022) at 11:30am. We sure will miss him. We will miss his passion for music, his passion for… Read more »
Jack – I appreciated getting to know you through King’s music. You were always so helpful to me with my work in teaching music and in my song-writing / recording journey. We had some good conversations in the store and I will be thinking of you often in these ‘last days’. May you know deep peace and rest of your soul. May you feel the embrace of others through these messages. With love and blessing, Cathy Hardy