In Memoriam: Rev. William Versteeg

Rev. William Versteeg, age 55, a humble and scholarly pastor of unyielding faith and abounding love, died from bile duct cancer Jan. 28, 2011, ending his 25 years of ministry all too soon.

Versteeg was born in Edmonton, Alberta, where he attended West Edmonton Christian School and Edmonton Christian High School. He earned a degree in electronic engineering in 1978 from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.

 It was there he experienced the desire to change his educational direction with an eye toward preparing for the gospel ministry. He attended Dordt College and subsequently completed his training at Calvin Theological Seminary in 1985.

Versteeg went on to graduate studies at Trinity Western University in Langley, British Columbia, where he also pastored Immanuel Christian Reformed Church. Trinity Western awarded him a Doctor of Ministry degree posthumously, on April 16.

Versteeg served the following Christian Reformed congregations: Maranatha CRC, Belleville, Ontario, as youth pastor, 1985; Bethel CRC, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, 1988; Bethlehem CRC, Thunder Bay, Ontario, 1993; and Immanuel CRC, Langley, British Columbia, 2002.

Those who had the privilege of being Versteeg’s parishioners remember him for his patience, curiosity, humor, scholarship, and originality. His own strong joy in the Lord was the source of his deep concern for the spiritual well-being of all who crossed his path.

Versteeg put his technical training to good use in his ministry. He traveled for missions to Mexico, Haiti, and Liberia, where, as an adviser to Lifewater, his technical skills proved extremely helpful in well drilling.

Throughout his life he was deeply devoted to his family. He was also a fine guitar player and loved snorkeling and long-distance hiking.

Versteeg is survived by his wife, Judy, and their children: Peter Versteeg and fiancée Patricia, Naomi and Sean Lomele, Benjamin Versteeg and Michael Versteeg, and one grandson, Aiden William Lomele.