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August 14, 2014
Fr. John Van Deerlin (2.11.1947 - 13.8.2014) , US citizen, incardinated priest of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia since 1984 passed away in his home town San Diego, California on 13 August 2014 at 12 noon, after struggling with severe cancer since February this year.
He is survived by three sisters: Liz, Susie, Vicky and his younger brother Jeff. Their mother Mary Jo died in 2007, father Lionel in 2008 at 93.
Fr. John had a first degree in Philosophy and English language teaching qualifications. He moved round the world as a volunteer teacher for Peace Corps, Caritas and other international organisations before he joined the Vicariate of Arabia from Jordan at the age of 32, to study theology in Rome, where Pope John Paul II ordained him on 31 March 1984.He worked as a priest in different parishes of the Vicariate but is best remembered for his 13 years as Parish Priest in Doha, Qatar, from 1989-2002. He knew many languages, including Arabic and got a licentiate in Arabic and Islamic Studies at PISAI, Rome, in 2006.In the last five years he lived in St. Mary's Parish, Dubai, dedicated himself to the service of the seamen in the ports of Dubai, Jebel Ali and Fujairah as Apostleship of the Sea Chaplain, in close cooperation with the Mission to Seafarers. In 2011 he was appointed AOS Regional Coordinator for the Gulf States Region.Fr. John is remembered for his optimism, openness and positive attitude to life.
Funeral Mass and arrangements:Funeral Mass on Wednesday 27th August 2014 at 1.30 PM in Oceanside, a few kilometres north of San Diego. After the service the ashes of Fr. John will be placed in the family tomb in Oceanside Cemetery next to the church. Bishop Paul Hinder will conduct the service
Address:
OLD MISSION SAINT LUIS REY PARISH,
4070 Mission Ave
Oceanside, CA 92057
Tel +1-760-757-3250Condolences may be sent to :
Van Deerlin Family
8582 Fireside Avenue
San Diego, CA 92123Or to:
Jeff Van Deerlin
4805 Hawley Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92116
cell: 619-756-4463
jeffandlupe2@cox.netFor flowers please contact undertakers :
Services in the Vicariate:
Community Mortuary
855 Broadway
Chula Vista, CA 91911
Tel: +1 619-426-2006
Fax +1 619-426-3616
info@communitymortuary.comSt. Mary's Dubai has a memorial service for Fr. John on Sunday, 17 August at 7 pm (Fr. John was stationed at St. Mary's from the end of 2008 until his hospitalization in February 2014).
Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Mussameer, Doha has a special service on Wednesday, 20 August at 7 pm (Fr. John was parish priest of Doha from 1989-2002)