Contributions to the tribute of Adrian Gary Van Giessen

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Anita Callan posted a condolence

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

I randomly thought of the Van Giessen family today (but what is random?) and came across the facebook message "please remember the Van Giessen's in your prayers". I met Pastor Adrian in about 1996 in an Ajax church- Crossroads, which was held in an elementary school. My friend invited me to the church and to bible study led by Barb at her house on Mantell Crescent. The church service was always very interesting and relatable to everyone's lives. It was enjoyable to go church for this reason, and I was even able to get my husband to join me. I found Adrian to be a very personable, intelligent, caring and fun-loving with a good sense of humour. Although late, Barb and family, please accept my sincerest condolences. I was truly saddened to hear of his too-soon passing. Anita Callan

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Karen DeBoer donated to NEW DIRECTION FOR LIFE MINISTRIES OF CANADA

Friday, December 16, 2016

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Harold & Ida Vyn donated to NEW DIRECTION FOR LIFE MINISTRIES OF CANADA

Monday, November 21, 2016

Our sincere condolences with the passing of Adrian. We pray for God's comfort for the whole family.

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James & Lara Vanderlaan donated to MENNONITE COALITION FOR REFUGEE SUPPORT

Monday, November 21, 2016

Adrian made an incredible impact on our life. We will miss him dearly. James & Lara

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James & Lara Vanderlaan donated to NEW DIRECTION FOR LIFE MINISTRIES OF CANADA

Monday, November 21, 2016

We make this gift on memory of our dear friend Adrian. He made an incredible impact on our life.

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Diana Robb posted a condolence

Saturday, November 19, 2016

I am so sorry to hear of the illness and passing of Pastor Adrian. Barb and family - my deepest condolences. He was a wonderful man who helped many connect with our beautiful Saviour. May the God of peace comfort you and yours in your time of loss.

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Henry Branderhorst donated to NEW DIRECTION FOR LIFE MINISTRIES OF CANADA

Saturday, November 19, 2016

In loving memory of Ade Van Giessen Ade: a cousin, best man and a loving Man of God. Well done!

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Henry Branderhorst donated to MENNONITE COALITION FOR REFUGEE SUPPORT

Saturday, November 19, 2016

In loving memory of Ade Van Giessen Ade: a cousin, best man and a loving Man of God. Well done!

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Karen Wilk posted a condolence

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Dear Barb and Family, I put a card in the mail for Adrian last week which I imagine arrived too late. So sorry. I just wanted to add my love and gratitude here for who Adrian was and all that he did. He inspired me, encouraged me and helped me navigate CRHM. He did so much good work, walking alongside so many people. I really enjoyed our conversations especially at the 'pub' after our meetings or conferences-- he was so much fun! And he was so willing to go deeper, be real, share and explore questions that really mattered. Barb, we only met several times, but you and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers for a long time. May the Lord be carrying you now in His everlasting arms and may you experience His peace and love in the midst of the pain and grief. Strength and grace to you all in the days and weeks ahead. Karen Wilk

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Brian & Gracia Hansma posted a condolence

Friday, November 18, 2016

Dear Barb and family, Our sincere condolences to you and your family. We remember you and Adrian fondly from your time here with us in Maple Ridge. May God grant you his comfort and peace.

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Bethany Mazereeuw donated to MENNONITE COALITION FOR REFUGEE SUPPORT

Thursday, November 17, 2016

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Grant Floris posted a condolence

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Barb: Our sincere condolences to you and your family, may the Lord grant you comfort in your time of sorrow. Our prayers are with you in this difficult time. Grant & Laurie Floris

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June Kiessling lit a candle

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Barb, I light this candle for you personally as you grieve the loss of you best friend and husband. You will shed many tears and may they never extinguish the light of your internal candle (wish I can take my own advice...it is hard). You are blessed with many close family and friends.

Derek Alexander donated to MENNONITE COALITION FOR REFUGEE SUPPORT

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

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Bianca Versluijs posted a condolence

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Dear Barb, So sad to hear of Adrian's passing! Reading his obituary brings back many fond memories of my time spe t with you. God bless you and carry you through this time of grief. Much love, Bianca

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Rick Ebbers posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Barb, I am so sorry to hear about Adrian and sorry for your loss. I always appreciated Adriana and was honored to be his colleague.

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Andy and Joey Buwalda posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

So sad to hear of this dear man's passing. May God's grace sustain you at this difficult time.

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Jan Klooster posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Grieving for your loss and remembering your family before God. May you be surrounded by the deep love of Jesus in this hard time. The tribute you have written is beautiful and inspiring.

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Robin Huggard posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Kevin and I (Crossroads) are deeply saddened to hear of Adrian's passing. The world is surely a darker place without him. Amazing though, to think he is standing in the presence of God.

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Tom & Greta Luimes posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Dear Barb and family - we remember so fondly working with Adrian in various ways over the years. We remember his passion for bringing Jesus to others, his encouragement to live our faith every moment, his leadership in ensuring there were innovative ways people could learn more about Jesus. We're praying for all of you as you experience the emptiness of his loss. May the coming days be filled with great memories, and God's comfort and nearness for each of you.

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Jillian Schroor (Lim) posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

So sorry for your loss Ellen and family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you peace in the heartbreak. Xo

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John Lawson posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Please accept my sympathies. I didn't know that Adrian was ill . . . I am shocked by his death. ( I saw it on Facebook.) Adrian was a wonderful mentor to me when I was beginning a new ministry. He extended a helping hand to a colleague outside his circle - in the United Church - as a true brother in Christ. I thank God for his life and ministry . . . and remember how he spoke with such love of you his family.My prayers are with you. Sincerely, John Lawson

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Don and Yvonne Dreise posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Yvonne and I wish to extend our sincere sympathy to you all. We are praying for you all at this time. What a great tribute to his life after reading his obituary. God bless you all.

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Mark Afman posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Dear Barb. My deepest sympathy. Adrian was such a good man. I was not aware of his illness until recently and this notice of his death has caused me great sadness. I have known you so many years and watched your family go though so many difficult times and Joyous times. God is good All the time. Please take comfort in that. My prayer is that you can get through this in some way and find joy in your children and in the life that lies ahead. Mark Afman

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Direct Approach Educational Services Inc. donated to MENNONITE COALITION FOR REFUGEE SUPPORT

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Sorry to hear of your loss. Sending love and prayers of support for the entire family. Judy & Myra

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Andy and Grace Blokzyl posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Our condolences with the passing of Adrian. Holding the family in our thoughts and prayers.

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Mike Hayes posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

I had the privilege of working with Adrian on a long standing RCA-CRC collaborative church planting effort. I appreciated his wisdom, his experience, his amazing and gentle ability to challenge and help us be better. Above all I remember his love for Jesus and how often he spoke of his family. Adrian will be missed, may he rest in peace and rise in glory, and may the God of all comfort be with you all during this time.

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Luke and Margie Bandringa posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Dear Barb and family, Our sincerest condolences to all of you with the passing of Adrian. This news has saddened us deeply. We fondly remember you both during your time here in Maple Ridge. Adrian was such a bright and funny person! Our prayers and thoughts are with you and we hope that you may find comfort and peace in the times ahead. Sincerely, Luke and Margie Bandringa

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Sue Newman posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Our sincere and heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Adrian is in the arms of his loving savior and perhaps that will console some. We will be praying for all of you.

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Terry KLoosterman donated to MENNONITE COALITION FOR REFUGEE SUPPORT

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

In memory of Adrian whose compassion and love made God's Kingdom come on earth. He will be missed.

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Allan Kirkpatrick posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

I give God thanks for the presence of Adrian here on this earth. Held an awesome spirit of God's hunger to grow people deeper in faith and a spirit of grace to let them walk at their own pace. He taught much about learning and listening and living life to the full whether it was a Day of Encouragements or in sermons themselves. May God give his family peace and blessings during this time of loss and mourning. May God give His church more leadership like Adrian to continue on the work.

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Ron Fisher posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Barb, family, Our deepest sympathy in the death of Adrian. We know he fought the good fight and is now receiving his reward. But for you, Barb,especially there is a big empty space. May our gracious God comfort you, walk with you through the funeral and beyond, and always remind you that He will never leave you.

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Gord Martin posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Adrian through interdenominational church planting circles and always appreciated his warmth and dedication to the cause of spreading the good news of Jesus. We will all miss him but you his family will feel the loss most keenly. I pray that you will discover some special grace from God along the way, something that God only gives at times like this.

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The family of Adrian Gary Van Giessen uploaded a photo

Monday, November 14, 2016

Adrian Gary Van Giessen

1959 - 2016