Michael Reitsma

May 12, 2017

REITSMA, Michael

January 24, 1944 - May 12, 2017

Rev. Michael Reitsma passed away after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Ruth(nee Bajema); children, Laura Stenhouse(Jason Naylor), Kara Vogt(Jeremy), Ann Kilbreath(Layne), and Christopher Reitsma(Janelle); and 13 grandchildren. Michael was born in Lacombe, AB. and attended Calvin College, and Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, MI. Michael was privileged to pastor the Christian Reformed churches in Raymond, MN, Bloomington, MN, Fresno, CA, and River Park Church (First CRC) in Calgary, AB. Michael was an avid outdoor enthusiast and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his friends and family. He had a heart for people and had a passion to share God’s love. The family will greet friends and family at Bethany Chapel, 3333 Richardson Way SW, Calgary, AB on Friday, May 19, 2017 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Mike and Ruth Reitsma Endowment Scholarship Fund to support seminary students (Donations can be sent to Calvin Theological Seminary 3233 Burton St. SE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546). Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.myalternatives.ca.

The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27

Messages of Condolence

Dear Reitsma family, I am so sorry for your loss. Pastor Mike has made a big difference in my life when he was pastor at First Church. His teachings/sermons were exactly what I needed then and they supported me through some difficult years. I will fondly remember his grace and kindness. My prayers are with your family.

- Greta Wiegersma

We wish to pass along our sincere sympathy and condolences to your family. I have had the pleasure of knowing Mike since we were in high school. We played many basketball games together on the high school team. He was a great athlete and the star of our local team. We have enjoyed visits with them at school reunions and most recently at Rosebud Theater. He was an inspiring individual in so many ways. He will be missed by so many. Thinking of you at this difficult time. David and Sharon James

- David James

Ann, Layne, Noelle, Tyson and Molly... So sorry to hear of the death of your father and grandfather... our hearts and thoughts are with you at this time.

- Brad and Tonalee Andrews and Family

Please accept our sincere condolences in the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. We are so thankful for the lasting legacy of Hope left through Mike on our family. Len, Jeanette, Ethan, and Kayla Vanderveen

- Len Vanderveen

Dear Ruth and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Even in the midst of your sorrow, how good it is to know that Mike has gone to be with the Lord, and now is able to see by sight what he believed by faith. Our deepest condolences to you. Tom and Marge Worman and family

- Tom and Marge Worman and family

Dear Ruth and the rest of your family. We pray for your comfort and peace; it has been a long and difficult journey for all of you, and now it will change but still be tough! Do know that Pastor Mike in his preaching and living his life, has been a big influence on our lives! We will miss him too! Our prayers are with you all! Psalm 71:20-22 (NIV) 20 Though you have made me (Mike/us) see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my (his/our) life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me (Mike/us) up. 21 You will increase my (Mike's/our) honor and comfort me (Mike/us) once more. 22 I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, my (Mike's/our) God; I will sing praise to you with the lyre, Holy One of Israel.

- Allan & Cindy Bouwers

Pastor Mike had a significant impact on me through the 1990's from the time of his first sermon in April, 1989, when we also first arrived at the First CRC. I was impacted by his huge heart for both God and people, sincere interest in others, challenging sermons and dedicated ministry, and his Christ-like integrity, humility, and servant attitude. Ruth and Pastor Mike have left an incredible legacy which can be clearly seen in their family. What a blessing! We pray that God's strength will sustain and support Ruth and the family during this time of sadness and transition.

- Rob Oostenbrink

Dear Ruth and family Praying for comfort,strength and peace to sustain you. I am your your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up. Isaiah 41:10 Dave and Mae

- Dave and Mae Abma

Dear Ruth and family, our condolences with the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. We will miss Pastor Mike's presence at every CCS sporting event where he always had a big smile and a warm handshake for everyone he met. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.

- Wendell, Regina, Sonia, Fiona

Dear Ruth and Family So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincere condolences to you. Jan & Lloyd

- Jan & Lloyd Hakl

To the Reitsma family: We would like to express our sincere condolences to you. Pastor Mike was a real spiritual counselor to me (Bruce), and I was always able to connect to his preaching of the word. We also appreciated his way of teaching the bible. Our prayers are with you.

- Bruce and Michelle Sytsma

Dear Ruth, I was saddened to learn of your husband's death. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

- Marilyn (Boyce) Johnson

Subscribe to updates

Please enter your email address to subscribe to new updates. A confirmation email will be sent to verify your subscription.