John Willard “Johnny” Van Diest was born on June 25, 1932,
and entered his heavenly home on May 23, 2026. He left a strong legacy – a passionate
love for God and those who do not know Jesus as their Savior, a faithful desire
to serve in many ministries, and a steadfast deep commitment to his family and
friends.
John was born in Sumas, Washington to John and Tress Van Diest.
His younger years were spent on a dairy farm until his parents were radically
changed by salvation through Jesus. His parents, along with his two siblings,
his older brother Gale and his sister Fae, moved to attend Moody Bible Institute
in Chicago. After their education, the family relocated to Portland, Oregon,
where his parents founded Portland Rescue Mission and later Shepherd’s Door.
John attended Lewis and Clark University, Multnomah School
of the Bible, and Dalles Theological Seminary – (Master of Theology, The Lewis
Sperry Chafer Award in Bible Exposition). During his years of training, he met
and married Patsy Ann Robertson. They were married for 62 loving years and had
three children, Pamela, Brenda and David.
A couple of years after his wife, Pat, passed into glory,
John met and married Diane Bechtel Nelson as a late season love, companion and
partner for his final seven years of life.
John had a long, rich, full life. He was the Camp Director
of Trout Creek Bible Camp for many years, Christian Education and Associate
Pastor to John Mitchell at Central Bible Church, Head of 10 Christian Supply
Bookstores, Publisher of Multnomah Press (over 500 plus works), Tyndale House
Publishing agent, Editor and Author of several books; Professor, Teacher, Mentor
to many with a gift of specific spiritual insights – “hidden potential”. He
served on several boards, for example, Multnomah University, ECPA, Walk Thru the
Bible for over 50 years, and Teeny Foods for 40 years.
John loved the outdoors, for example, he was a water safety
instructor and lifeguard at Cannon Beach, he enjoyed a personal tree farm
business, he golfed for 20 years, he fished in Alaska. John traveled with his
various ministries and had fascinating sometimes “jaw-dropping” stories about
China, Russia, Africa and the USA. He enjoyed family gatherings, praying for
them faithfully that his legacy of unwavering faith would continue through future
generations.
John is survived by his wife, Diane; his children Pam
Cummings, Brenda Jacobson, David Van Diest, his two stepchildren, Christy
Nelson Brown, and Matthew Nelson, and his sister Fae Singletary. He has 16
grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; and many extended family and dear
friends.
“He is no fool who
gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Jim Elliot
I Peter 1: 3-8 The
Hope of Eternal Life
I Thessalonians 5:13-18
The Hope of Resurrection
Celebration of Life at First Baptist of Gresham (224 W. Powell Blvd.) on July 18, 2026
From 1:30 to 2:30 pm.