At the recent celebration of life service for Bill Dykstra, a friend described the big smile Bill always had when he told the story of how God led him

Adventurous and service-oriented, Art Schoonveld was a pastor who looked out for others and stood up for what he believed. He died Nov. 16 at age 88.

“Through and through a pastor,” Rev. Louis Tamminga died Nov. 11 at age 94. He had served the denomination in pastor-church relations, as a longtime Banner contributor, and a pastor to missionaries.

A wise and confident leader who modeled for others his deep love for the Lord and for his people, Sid Cooper died Nov. 13 at age 94.

A pastor, chaplain and past Chaplaincy director who “would go out of his way to connect with people that most of us would overlook,” Jake Heerema died Oct. 11 at age 87.

A member, in his retirement, of Aylmer (Ont.) Christian Reformed Church, Norman Jones was described at his funeral as “beloved pastor to the entire town.”

Pastor, chaplain, and Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Anthony Begay was known for his deep faith and kind and generous spirit. He died Sept. 5 at age 86.

Vern Geurkink was an academic who sought to be a person of integrity. He had a lifelong commitment to justice and mercy. Vern, 88, died Aug. 2.

As a pastor, church planter, and home missionary, Don Griffioen spent his ministry career bringing churches together, focusing on similarities rather than differences. He died May 26 at age 92.

A pastor who saw his calling as being “a Storyteller with a capital ‘S,’” Herm Van Niejenhuis loved to help others explore the wonder and truth of the Christian faith. He died July 24 at age 75.

From “Dominee Vanden Ende” to “Pastor Tony,” Anthonie Vanden Ende’s pastoral ministry spanned 43 years, two countries, and three Canadian provinces.

A pastor, missionary, and theology teacher, Arnold Rumph seemed ready at the end of his life to “dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” He died June 19 at age 94.

A hard-working, disciplined teacher and preacher with a dry sense of humor, John Boonstra pastored five congregations and served another six communities as an interim pastor. He died June 20 at age 93.

Dave Weemhoff was a humble man with a ready smile and a caring and gentle spirit. He died May 2 at age 69.

Trained as both an engineer and a pastor, Scott DeVries had a calm demeanor and shared his strengths of patience and strategic thinking as a denominational leader.

Tony Schweitzer was a pastor who also served outside of the church in ministries offering spiritual care and belonging for people with disabilities. He died Feb. 25 at age 81.

A “faithful, honorable, and dependable man of God,” Dick Duifhuis died May 22, 2023. He was 86.

A kind and approachable pastor known for his passionate preaching and pastoral heart, Allan Jongsma died Feb. 2. He was 90.

A pastor to fellow pastors, who was passionate about preaching, Archie Bazuin lived to 97 years. He died Jan. 12.

A pastor, seminary professor, and leader of prison ministry, David Schuringa, had a commitment to the Christian Reformed confessions and an impact beyond the denomination. He died Sept. 14, 2023, at age 70.

Described as compassionate, affectionate, and generous, Jerry Alferink was a pastor and chaplain who loved preaching. He died Dec. 29 at age 78.

A steady, compassionate man who was a highschool teacher before he was a pastor, John Pasma lived his final years with Parkinson’s disease and esophageal cancer. He died Nov. 22 at age 73.

Pastor and missionary, Ken Van De Griend, was a passionate, humble man with a heart for missions. He died Nov. 22, at age 79.