A pastor for 58 years, Barry Blankers was gentle, humble, godly, wise, and a genuine role model who tried to live what he preached. Described by some as a “silent undertow,” he was a quiet, continuous force influencing people as he visited, baptized, married, counseled, and preached the word of God. Blankers died on April 2 at age 82.
Following graduation from Calvin College and Seminary and ordination in 1961, Blankers pastored Cedar (Iowa) CRC. He then served for 11 years as a missionary and church planter in the Philippines with what was then called Christian Reformed World Missions. After returning to the U.S., he pastored the following congregations: Calvin CRC, Wyckoff, N.J.; First CRC, Ripon, Calif.; and Ocheyedan (Iowa) CRC. Although officially listed as having retired in 2001, he never did retire, continuing to minister for another 17 years at First CRC, Lynden, Wash., until the time of his death.
He had an adventuresome spirit and enjoyed travel, including cross country drives, trips to Costa Rica, and biking in Europe.
Blankers is survived by Clarice, his wife of 60 years, their four sons and spouses, and 11 grandchildren.
