Obituary of John Bjorndahl Sorensen

Our Beloved Father, John Bjorndahl Sorensen, left us on December 22nd, 2025, at the age of 104.

Born in Aarhus, Denmark, in 1921 to parents Peder Christian Sorensen and Dagmar Louise Andersen.  He is pre-deceased by his siblings, Christian, Hilda, Esther, Helga, Arne and Knute. 

John was a man of great character, known for his pragmatism and humble ways. He had an insatiable curiosity for all things new and innovative and was a life-long woodworker and model train enthusiast.

John spent his entire career working for Renold Coventry Ltd., starting out in 1940 in the company’s Montreal warehouse, studying mechanical engineering at night school and working his way up through the company’s ranks, eventually becoming Vice-President of Sales and Engineering.  John moved his family to Brantford in 1970 when Renold transferred it's Canadian head office there. John retired in 1986 after 46 years with Renold Canada   

In 1942, John answered the call and volunteered in the Royal Canadian Air Force, where he graduated top of his class as a pilot in 1943. He attended Flying Instructor School in Pearce, Alberta, followed by Instrument Flying School in Deseronto, Ontario.  John was posted to the RCAF’s Service Flight Training School in Souris, Manitoba, teaching hundreds of pilots over the next two years.  

In 1945, John accepted a commission in the Royal Naval Fleet Air Arm in the UK as a Sub-Lieutenant and trained on various aircraft, including the F4U Corsair, attached to an advanced fighter unit.  He was training for action in the Pacific Theatre when the war ended, and John returned to Canada.  

John married the love of his life, Margarita, in 1949, and they raised 5 children.  Margarita passed away in 2019, just shy of their 70th wedding anniversary.  

He is survived by his children: Dr. Ronald (Annie) Sorensen, Claudia Ainsworth  (Neil Fraser), Carl (Marilyn, deceased) Sorensen, Lisa (David) Aldred and Angela (Serge) Soucy. Grandchildren: Erica (Shawn) Miller, Christian Sorensen, Jami Dwyer (Jermaine Francis), Jesica Dwyer, Carly (Mike) Callan, Jon (Carrie) Sorensen, Julia Ainsworth, Christina Ainsworth, Alexander Ainsworth, Haley Aldred, Emily (Jeff) Harsh, Gabrielle Soucy, Graden Soucy and Evan Soucy.  Great-Grandchildren: Zion, Vanden, Onyx and Emmanuella Miller, Mila Dwyer, Mackenzie, Maddox and Jase Callan, Avery Sorensen and Rowen Harsh.  Also held in the hearts of Joani (Larry) Miller and many nieces, nephews and friends. 

A Celebration of John’s Remarkable Life will take place in Brantford, where he lived for over 50 years. Guests are welcome to attend the event at St. Andrew’s United Church, 95 Darling Street, Brantford, on Saturday, May 30th, 2026, from 1-4 pm.

A second Celebration will take place on July 11th, 2026, in Nanaimo, BC, for John’s western family. 

“God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.”
-Voltaire