Pastor and chaplain, George Van Arragon was a man who made people feel welcomed, accepted, and encouraged. He loved people fiercely, especially his family. George died unexpectedly Dec. 27.
Born in the Netherlands, George was 7 years old when his family immigrated to Canada. Eventually, following theological studies and ordination in 1979, George pastored Alliston (Ont.) Christian Reformed Church and Talbot Street Church in London, Ont., before being called to chaplaincy. After completing several courses of Clinical Pastoral Education he became a chaplain, serving at Oshawa (Ont.) General Hospital for six years and then at Shalom Manor in Grimsby, Ont., for 11 years until his retirement in 2007.
George had a deep love of Scripture and devoted hours each day to its study. He found deep spiritual meaning in his volunteer work with Kairos prison ministry, which he did for over 30 years. He loved to travel, took joy in woodworking, and read extensively, always ready to learn something new. He loved art and Russian orthodox music.
Predeceased by daughter Sara in 1981, George is survived by Freda, his wife of 48 years, four children and their spouses, and 11 grandchildren.
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.
