In Memoriam: Rev. Peter Breedveld

Peter Breedveld was thoughtful, patient with questions, non-judgmental, and always positive and encouraging. His desire, when he began ministry, was to be “a healer of the wounded human spirit,” said his son, John, at Peter’s memorial service. “His life, his love for Jesus, and his outlook on everything were colored, influenced, and defined by his faith in Christ,” testified a granddaughter. Peter died Feb. 2, just two weeks short of his 95th birthday.

Born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Peter’s early years were difficult. Due to the early death of his father and the subsequent hospitalization of his mother, Peter and his five siblings were individually moved from foster home to foster home until eventually a loving family took in all six children together. During the war they experienced extreme hunger.

In 1951 the extended family immigrated to Coaldale, Alberta, and moved shortly thereafter to Surrey, B.C.

After graduating from Calvin College (now University) and Westminster Seminary, Peter was

ordained in 1963. He first pastored Strathroy (Ont.) East Christian Reformed Church, during which time he married widow Janny Zwart and became the loving father to her three children. He then served Bethany CRC, Bloomfield, Ont.; Holland Marsh CRC, Newmarket, Ont.; Community CRC, Kitchener, Ont.; and Ottewell CRC, Edmonton, Alta. From 1992 to 1996, he was on loan to Gereformeerde Kerk in Grootegast, the Netherlands, after which he served Trinity CRC in Edmonton, retiring in 1999. 

Peter greatly enjoyed organ music and outdoor activities and international travel with his wife, Janny. He was an avid reader and loved conversations, discussions, and sharing life stories. Even toward the end of his life, he could surprise his listener with a story he had never told before.

Predeceased by Janny in 2021, and a son, Edward in 1996, Peter is survived by four children and their spouses, 12 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.