In Memoriam: Rev. John Boonstra

Described as hard working, disciplined, and a meticulous record keeper, John Boonstra also had a dry sense of humor. He loved teaching and preaching and had a reputation for being a fast talker. He was known and appreciated for visiting people in the hospital or at other vulnerable times in their lives. John, 93, died June 20, after several years of gradually declining health following two strokes. Three days before his death, John and his wife, Carolyn, celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.

Born in Friesland, the Netherlands, John was 18 when his family immigrated to Canada in 1949. After two years weeding and pulling sugar beets in Iron Springs, Alta., and subsequently working on the family’s dairy farm in northern British Columbia, John experienced the call to ministry, and after upgrading his education to meet entrance requirements, he studied and graduated from Calvin College (now University) and Seminary. He was ordained in 1962 and then served First Christian Reformed Church, Brandon, Man.; Duncan (B.C.) CRC; Ottewell CRC, Edmonton, Alta.; Maple Ridge (B.C.) CRC; and Kelowna (B.C.) CRC. He retired in 1998. With Kelowna as home base, John then had a second career as an interim pastor serving in Penticton, B.C.; Thunder Bay, Ont.; Charlottetown, P.E.I.; Conrad, Mont.; Agassiz, B.C.; and Lethbridge, Alta.

In between these callings, John and Carolyn attended family graduations and professions of faith and John considered it an honor to have baptized and officiated the weddings of some of their children and grandchildren. He enjoyed reading, music, photography, and gardening. He loved orchards, and prior to his call to ministry thought that might be his life’s work.

Predeceased by a son-in-law in 1996 and a daughter in 2018, John is survived by his wife, Carolyn; five children and their spouses; 13 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.