Montreal mourns loss of Father Emmett 'Pops' Johns, founder of Dans la rue

Montreal’s Father Emmett Johns passed away on January 13, at the age of 89.

Father Johns, known to most as “Pops,” had dedicated his life to Montreal’s homeless youth.

In 1988, he started the organization Le Bon Dieu dans la rue to reach out to young people in need.

He took to the streets in an old motorhome and offered warm meals and support for hundrends of homeless youth in Montreal.

The organization has grown and today Dans la rue has more than 65 employees and nearly 135 volunteers.

Johns was named to the Order of Canada in 1999. He also received honorary degrees from McGill, Université du Québec à Montréal, and Concordia.

Mayor Valérie Plante, Montreal SPVM, and Melanie Joly all took to Twitter to express her condolences.

C’est avec tristesse que j’accueille la nouvelle du décès de Pops. Un géant montréalais de la solidarité et de l’entraide vient de nous quitter. Mes pensées accompagnent sa famille et ses proches et tous ceux et celles qu’il a aidés au fil des ans. Merci pour tout. #polmtl

— Valérie Plante (@Val_Plante) January 14, 2018

Le #SPVM offre ses condoléances aux proches, à la famille @_danslarue et à ceux que le Père Emmett Johns a su aider au fil des ans. Pops était un grand homme respecté de tous et restera à jamais un modèle de dévouement et de compassion. pic.twitter.com/DGCP4jOgJ7

— Police Montréal (@SPVM) January 15, 2018

Sad news today. The founder of Dans la rue, father Emmett Johns “Pops” passed away. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, but also with all those who have known his immense generosity. Thank you for helping so many people in need. https://t.co/L17TPKfktW

— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) January 15, 2018

Dans la rue says that a date for John’s funeral services will be announced shortly.

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