Peter Boodt lived to preach and bring the Word of the Lord to any and all. For over 40 years he pastored numerous Christian Reformed congregations across Canada. In the latter years of his life, Peter lived with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and longed to be in the arms of his Lord. He died Feb. 14.
In 1961, Peter and his growing family emigrated from Delft, Netherlands, to Calgary, Alta. They then took the long cross-border trip to Grand Rapids, Mich. He graduated from Calvin Theological Seminary in 1964 and went on to pastor the following churches: Wallaceburg (Ont.) CRC; Stratford (Ont.) CRC; First CRC, Rocky Mountain House, Alta.; Bethel CRC, Brockville, Ont.; and Sonrise CRC, Ponoka, Alta., where he formally retired in 1996. He continued to serve churches throughout central Alberta, and later, after moving to British Columbia, he served churches in the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland.
An accomplished pianist and organist, Peter often preached and played the piano during a worship service if needed. He also directed several choirs in the churches he served and was active in Summer Workshop in Missions (SWIM). He was an avid fisherman. As someone who enjoyed having people over for coffee and dinner, he could often be found busy in the kitchen preparing a meal or making bread for the week ahead.
He was active in his community and genuinely loved people. When not tending his garden, he could be seen out with his dog, enjoying the neighborhood and engaging his neighbors and strangers alike in convivial conversation.
Peter is survived by Janet, his wife of 63 years; five children and spouses; 13 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased in 2005 by son, Jeremy.
About the Author
A former nurse and chaplain, Janet Greidanus is a freelance news correspondent and long-time writer of the In Memoriam column for The Banner.
