On January 25, 2026, early on a Sunday morning, God called his dear child Gerard Ringnalda. In his final days, our beloved Dad and Opa often said, “Ik ga naar de Heer,” (I am going to the Lord), and so we both mourned and found joy when God brought him home.
Gerard was born in Den Haag, Nederland on October 23, 1928. He studied at the Free University in Amsterdam to become a minister. While attending seminary, he met the love of his life, Nelly Verseveldt, and they tied the knot on July 23, 1955. Together they had five children, led six congregations, and embarked on an immigrant journey to Canada. Mom liked to joke that while Dad was praying about his calling, she was busy packing their bags. Dad used to say, “If you are going to do something, do it well.” And that’s exactly what they did. Together Mom and Dad served CRC congregations in Oude Horne Vriesland, Lindsay Ontario, Belleville Ontario, Edmonton Alberta; then back to Ontario for roles in Burlington, Ottawa East, and Orillia. In 1995, Mom and Dad retired by the lovely shores of Lake Couchiching before moving to King Tower in Holland Christian Homes in 2014.
Gerard truly loved being a pastor and later worked as a chaplain in Toronto. His gift was pastoral care; though he delivered great sermons, he cherished visiting people and teaching catechism classes. The community appreciated him for it. He encouraged his children to stand up for justice, speak out for those who can’t defend themselves, and be thankful for everything. He would praise his kids and grandkids with an enthusiastic “Good show!” while teaching them how to fish, drive a standard car or manage a boat-and even waterski! He adored Canada with its freedom, wild nature and vast landscapes; he built his own boat at age 30; threw himself into soccer goals at age 40; sprinted ten meters when he was 50; and sang loudly off-key at church no matter how old he got! Dad gave everything he had into whatever activity he pursued.
He was loved deeply and returned that love wholeheartedly: from his wife Nelly to his children Jackie Ringnalda; Arda and Jim Rooks; Helen and Ed Van Beilen; Wilma and Rick Guetter; Arie and April Ringnalda. They will all miss their father immensely as will those who called him Opa: Gerrit; Mariel and Chase; Nathan and Natalie; Linnelle and Joel; Laura and Tony; Sarah and Chuck; Elia; Brenden; Aaron; Marcel and Karla; Jordan and Alex; Eric and Maia; Rachel; Kieran; Annika. His great-grandchildren will fondly remember how their Over Opa would kneel down just to catch their eye or make them laugh! How easily could he get a baby smiling with that fun click-click sound! Over Opa knew each of them by name: Naia; Iona; Maddie; Bodie; Jonah Gerard; Elliott ; Jackie ; Blake ; Miles ; Jude ; Wren ; Vries ; Willem ; Adrie ; Marcus Gerard.
Dad passed away just like he lived-filled with gratitude. Some of his last words were “Thank you , thank you everyone , thank you God.” He often mentioned “It is between you and the Lord,” which allowed us the freedom in how we approached our faith with God. Until the end , our father demonstrated faithfulness through his relationship with Jesus Christ , service toward others , theological beliefs , and unconditional love for all of us. Dad embodied lightnessand love.
A private family service along with interment will take place on Saturday January 31. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled later at an announced time. Instead of sending flowers , please consider making a donationto World Renew https://worldrenew. ca Letters , cards or visits would be warmly welcomed by Nelly whose new address is Room 504 Faith Manor Holland Christian Homes ,7934 Mc Laughlin Rd Brampton Ontario L6Y5A7.
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