In Memoriam

A man of prayer and an inspiration to many, Harvey Ouwinga welcomed each day as a gift and tried to reflect God’s love in every moment. He died Oct. 13.

A missionary and pastor, Bob Ruis was a Christ-focused and mission-focused man with a gift for languages. He died Sept. 30.

A man of deep faith, intensity, and passion, Martin Geleynse dedicated his life to testifying to the love and faithfulness of God. He died Oct. 1 in Clinton, Ont.

A teacher, preacher, and loyal friend, David Doyle died Sept. 5.

John Aupperlee, pastor and chaplain, was most shaped by his identity as a child of God. He died Aug. 31.

Pastor and professor, Paul Bremer, centered his life around God’s story of love and grace. He died Aug. 2.

Albert Hamstra, former Asia regional director and director of special projects for World Missions in the Christian Reformed Church, died July 13.

A humble man with a servant’s heart, pastor and theology professor Carl Gerhard Kromminga died June 25.

Chaplain and pastor, Carroll Keegstra, known for his sense of humor and wonderful laugh, died May 4.

A pastor in the Christian Reformed Church since 1983, Rich Hamstra led his congregations with energy, enthusiasm, and love.

A pastor in the Christian Reformed Church for 45 years, Bob Holwerda loved the Lord his God with all his heart and soul, and his passion was obvious and contagious. He died April 30.

A vibrant leader, a man of deep convictions, and friend of God, Ken Gehrels, pastor of First Christian Reformed Church of Kemptville, Ont., died May 10.

Huu Phu Nguyen served Vietnamese New Hope CRC in Wheaton, Ill., for more than 25 years. He died April 17.

A humble man with a “holy” legacy of leading many people to Jesus, Ron Baker died May 5.

Pastor and church planter Henry Karsten died April 26 in Visalia, Calif.

Witty and wise, with a deep love for people, Gary Veeneman died April 25.

With 76 years of active and retired ministry, Jim Van Weelden loved “to tell the story” of salvation in Jesus Christ. He died April 18.

‘Straight shooter’ with a ‘warm heart,’ Dirk Velthuizen died April 14.

A big man with a powerful voice, Henry Katerberg was also gentle, honest, and sociable. He died April 4 at age 84.

A pastor and missionary who wanted to be known for being a child of God, Merle Den Bleyker died March 23.

Ralph Bruxvoort, who preached, taught, and lived out a theology centered on God's unconditional love and grace, died March 23.

Peter Boodt lived to preach and bring the Word of the Lord to any and all. He died Feb. 14.

Peter Kang’s life as a longtime minister and missionary was marked by a passionate dedication to Jesus Christ. He died Feb. 11.