The deeply loved visionary founder of Lifewater Canada died in July 2020. James Adrian Gehrels was a man of deep faith in God – a faith that fueled his passion to help others. He had many, many friends and colleagues in Canada and internationally.

Jim lived life to the fullest, despite being diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa as a young man. Driven by the knowledge that he would eventually go blind, Jim directed his efforts into helping those who lacked the basic necessity of safe drinking water.

Starting in the mid-1990s, Jim dedicated his life to bringing safe water to developing countries – principally Liberia, Nigeria, Kenya and Haiti. He established Lifewater Canada to realize this dream. In Jim’s time leading Lifewater, he oversaw the provision of life-saving clean water to hundreds of thousands of people.

Dedicated volunteers and staff – including his wife Lynda, who is now Lifewater’s president – are continuing this vital work. If you wish to make a donation in honour of the life of this great man, please donate here

Video from the funeral service