Rev. "John" Jan Hubert Betkowski

Rev. Father “John” Jan Hubert Betkowski died suddenly at his home in Dresden, Ontario, on Friday, February 13, 2026, in his 89th year. Cherished brother of Jenny Kosar and lifelong brother-in-law/friend Bogdan Szymkiewicz. Loving Uncle, affectionately known as “Wujek” of Anne-Marie Longshaw (nee Kosar) (Daniel), Stasia Kosar (Greg Castonguay), Yolanda Conte (Frank), Henry Bentkowski, Peter Siniowski, Bozenka Soares (Jay), Paul Szymkiewicz (Angie), Wandzia Bentkowski (Tony Hitchins), Rick Teper, and Ann Vanderkuyl (Lee) and beloved great uncle and great great uncle of many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his many friends in the community of Dresden. Predeceased by his brother Joseph Bentkowski (February 21, 2024) and his sisters Krystyna Siniowski (March 3, 2025), Stasia Szymkiewicz (1972) and Teresa Teper (2012).

Father John was born in Belweder, Poland in 1937. Shortly after he was born, war broke out and he and his family were taken into a labour camp in Siberia in Russia. They managed to escape through India and settled in Tanganika where they stayed until the war was over. Because his father served in the British army, the family went to England, and then came to Canada and settled in London, Ontario in July 1953. Father John studied at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Polish Seminary in Orchard Lake, Michigan. He was ordained to the priesthood May 17, 1969 and earned his Master of Divinity in 1976. After teaching for three years at the Seminary, Father John came to the Diocese of London, serving in many parishes as Associate Pastor and Pastor. He retired in 2007, as Pastor of St. Michael’s Parish, Dresden, Ontario, where he served for 10 years. He continued to be active in the Dresden community, up until the time of his passing. 

Father John was infamously known for his passion as a fixer or re-purposer of all things mechanical and rebuilding discarded computers. He was a great outdoorsman with a passion for nature and hunting. His hunting nickname was “Sharp Shooter”.

He will be remembered for his love of God, family and for his sharp wit and humour.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Father John, memorial contributions may be made to “Save a Family Plan” https://safp.org/  (an organization which Father John frequently supported) or “St. Peter’s Seminary Foundation” https://stpetersseminary.ca/st-peters-seminary-foundation/

Visitors will be received on Friday, 20 February 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 419 Hill Street, London, where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., by the Most Reverend Bishop Fabbro, followed by interment in St. Peter’s Cemetery, London. Online condolences at www.oneilfuneralhome.ca

Live Streaming of the Mass will take place on Friday, February 20 at 11:00 a.m on this link: 

www.youtube.com/c/OurLadyofCzestochowa/streams