Gerard Ringnalda had a gift for pastoral care. Although he preached a good sermon, he relished making visits and teaching catechism. He encouraged others to seek justice, speak up for the oppressed, and be grateful in all things. Gerard, 97, died Jan. 25. “To the end, he modeled faithfulness in his walk with his Savior and Lord in his service to others, in his theology and beliefs, and in how he so deeply loved us all,” said his children.
Born in Den Haag, the Netherlands, Gerard studied for the ministry at the Free University in Amsterdam, graduating in 1955, the same year he married his wife, Nelly. He first pastored a congregation in Oudehorne, Friesland, before immigrating to Canada.
Gerard was ordained in the Christian Reformed Church in 1958 and served Jennings Creek CRC in Lindsay, Ont., for five years. He went on to serve Maranatha CRC, Belleville, Ont.; Second CRC, Edmonton, Alta.; New Street CRC, Burlington, Ont.; Calvary CRC, Ottawa, Ont.; and Living Hope CRC, Orillia, Ont. In 1987 Gerard transitioned from congregational ministry to hospital chaplaincy within Classis Toronto. He served as a chaplain until 1995 when he and Nelly retired in Orillia, in a home on the shores of Lake Couchiching.
Gerard loved the freedom, wilderness, and vast nature of Canada and its opportunities for fishing and water sports. He built his own boat at age 30. He put his whole self into whatever he did.
Gerard is survived by Nelly, his wife of 70 years; five children and their spouses; 15 grandchildren and their spouses; and 15 great-grandchildren.