“But I trust in you O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hands…” Psalm 31:14
Pastor Ken Gehrels of Kemptville passed away peacefully at home with his family after a valiant battle with cancer.
Ken was a vibrant leader, a man of deep convictions, a friend of God and countless others. Many years of schooling earned him a Bachelor of Science, Master of Divinity and a Doctorate of Worship Studies. His faith was evident in the way he reached out to serve the young and old. It was common to see him sitting on the floor at the front of the church surrounded by kids, sharing a message with them. Sharon and Ken made a great team together for over 40 years, whether curling, sailing or at home together. Ken’s quiet, competitive spirit easily lent itself to running, which grew from 5km races to marathons, and inspired his children to pursue their own running passions. He took great joy in encouraging his children as they built their lives and pursued their own passions. He enfolded his sons-in-law and daughters-in-law and fathered them as his own. As an Opa, he had a special love for each of his grandchildren and was proud of their everyday accomplishments. Reading stories to them over Facebook Messenger became a welcome distraction during COVID times. Family meant a lot to him as was evidenced by a 38-year tradition of camping and Christmas celebrations with extended family. Ken will be deeply missed by many.
Beloved husband of Sharon (de Vries). Loving dad of Jason and his wife Angela, Kevin and his wife Carmella, Alisa and her husband Steven, and
Kellina and her husband Stephen. Cherished Opa of Simon, Seth, Claire, Mark, Arden and Emry. Dear son of Jack and Lenie Gehrels. Greatly missed by his sisters Angela and her husband Karl, Betty-Ann and her husband Evan, brother-in-law Bill, and sister-in-law Lynda. He was predeceased by his brother Jim and his sister Corrine. Fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, the entire de Vries family, and many relatives and friends.
Due to Covid restrictions, a private Visitation and Graveside Service will be held. A memorial video may be accessed here
A public funeral procession past the cemetery is being planned for Saturday, May 15, 2021 with further details on how to participate will be posted under the News section at www.kcrc.ca
By family request donations may be made in Memory of Ken to Lifewater Canada (www.lifewater.ca).
Condolences in either written or video format may be sent directly to kengehrelsfuneral@gmail.com
Arrangements entrusted to the
Byers Funeral Home, South Mountain (613-989-3836)
Condolences(19)-
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Anita Hogeveen says
May 13, 2021 at 2:08 pmMay the grace of God reach far past what is possible to comfort you all during this most difficult time. Our prayers reach out to you as you find your footing once again. Anita & Henry Hogeveen
PATRICIA DE BRUYN says
May 13, 2021 at 3:00 pmOur deepest condolences Sharon. We are keeping you and your family in our prayers.
Patricia and Ysbrand de Bruyn
Al Kuiper says
May 13, 2021 at 5:14 pmSharon & family, please accept my deepest condolences.
I have many fond memories of my interactions with Pastor Ken, including the fact that he was a great source of strength and comfort for me when my wife passed away in 2006. Soon after, he encouraged me to join his curling club, of which I am still a member today. Pastor Ken will be greatly missed.
Eveline DeVries says
May 13, 2021 at 7:24 pmDear Sharon and family: We wish our deepest condolences for the amazing Dad and husband you had! He was a blessing to many! May God comfort you! ♥ Albert and Eveline DeVries
Folkert & Ellen Helleman says
May 13, 2021 at 7:41 pmOur condolences to you and your family, Sharon. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Pastor Ken was a deeply caring man and he will be greatly missed.
Karen Posthumus says
May 14, 2021 at 11:09 amOur condolences to all of you during this difficult time. We are thinking about you and praying for you. He will be truly missed.
Andrew, Karen and Ryan Posthumus
Rev. George Holthof says
May 14, 2021 at 11:23 amMy condolences to Sharon and the whole family. I knew Ken as a valued colleague and fondly remember my occasional encounters with him, the last of which occurred when I was doing Interim ministry at the Williamsburg CRC. May you all be greatly comforted by the Lord in a sad time, while looking forward to the resurrection coming.
Dean & Christine Ongaro says
May 14, 2021 at 7:44 pmDear Sharon & Gehrels Family,
Ken was so faithful in his leadership and guidance to our church family for so many years.
He was also such a rock and a pillar in the strength of Christ always helping those of us in need.
Over the last 18 months our 10 year old son (Grayson) has faithfully prayed for Pastor Ken & the rest of your family each evening before bed (not prompted – and often he reminded us to pray as well).
Kens life is a great testimony as to what can be achieved when Christ is our foundation.
Kens steadfast character and faith in times of harvest and in times of trouble has been an inspiration to us all !
I believe our Lord was greeting Ken on the other side saying …”well done good & faithful servant”
God Bless
Dean & Christine Ongaro
(Holly, Amy, Grayson & Sylvia)
John & Nellie Schuurman says
May 15, 2021 at 10:04 amDear family of Ken G.
Our sincere condolences of your loss of a very remarkable exceptional child of God.
We knew and appreciated Ken during our stay at Willowdale CRC, where he already at a young age had a very positive influence on our boys as a cadet leader.
later in Ottawa we were honored by his ministry as he baptized our grandson.
He will be a loss not only to your family but also the greater Christian community.
May God give you comfort and strength.
sincere sympathy from John & Nellie Sch.
Gerry and Hettie Van Mansum says
May 15, 2021 at 10:17 amMy deepest condolences to Sharon and the family. I remember Pastor Ken was quite fond of my father (Arie Van Mansum) who passed away in 1999. In fact, Pastor Ken officiated at my Dad’s funeral 22 years ago on May 10th, 1999. Although I have lost contact with him since our family moved to Texas in 1995, I recall Pastor Ken’s sermons to be very thoughtful and well researched. He was definitely a man of God, with a caring disposition, and will be missed.
Monique M Bruggink says
May 15, 2021 at 12:05 pmKen was an inspiration and genuinely kind. We had the honor of having him officiate our wedding. We offer our deepest condolences to Sharon, Jason, Kevin, Alisa and Kellina as well as their extended family. We are keeping you and your family in our prayers. Richard and Monique Bruggink
Sue Mayotte says
May 16, 2021 at 10:09 amSharon and family, please accept our deepest condolences.
We have known you for over 20 years thru curling and have great memories of Ken saying Grace at our year end banquets and sliding just past the hog line on the delivery of his rock, may he slide into heaven…
He will be missed. Keeping you in our payers.
Sue and Russ Mayotte
Eric & Brenda Brouwer says
May 17, 2021 at 7:34 amSincere condolences to your family. Pastor Ken officiated our wedding and baptized all four of our children, so he was an important faith leader in our family’s life. We remember his deep care for children and their faith formation.
Peter and Yvonne Westra says
May 17, 2021 at 10:09 pmDear Sharon and Family
Please accept our condolences at your loss. This moment of life rarely seems like the “right” time, and that is how it feels now, again. You have been richly blessed with a loving husband, father, grandfather and more. There are many thanks being given for the role that Pastor Ken has played in so many lives, ours included. Thank you for sharing your husband, father, and grandfather with us as Christ’s family over his many years in Ministry as a faithful servant of Christ. We pray that you will be comforted in your loss, encouraged in the promise that you will one day be reunited, and strengthened to look to the journies that Christ has still laid out ahead for each of you to follow.
With Heartfelt Sympathy, Yvonne and Peter Westra and Family
Andrew Beunk says
May 21, 2021 at 2:12 pmSo sorry to hear this news. We extend our sincere condolences to your family and to Ken’s parents. We were blessed by watching parts of the service video. May the Lord comfort you with His grace and peace.
Rev. Andrew and Kim Beunk (Dekkema), Burnaby BC
Sally Jorgensen and Tom Greene says
May 23, 2021 at 7:12 amTo Sharon and family our deepest condolences. The world is a sadder place with Ken’s passing, but certainly a better one for him having passed through it.
Widya Gunawan says
May 23, 2021 at 9:15 amTo Sharon and Families,
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. May the peace that comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and the days ahead. Pastor Ken has been with the Giver of Goodness. He is now in a better and peaceful place. May God grant him the gift he deserves over his Goodness in life. Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayers.
Widya Gunawan🙏
Kees and Shawnee Ennema says
May 23, 2021 at 12:53 pmOur deepest condolences to you Sharon and your beautiful family,
We pray the Lord to surround you in His loving arms, fill you with His peace and comfort.
You are in our prayers,
Shawnee and Kees Ennema
Kim Vanderhooft says
May 24, 2021 at 6:58 pmFor Sharon and family
May the Lord give you the strength and courage you need for the time ahead. He will be missed by so many. The world has lost a wonderful man. Blessings to you all.
Kim Vanderhooft
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