Family and friends gathered outdoors on Friday afternoon to grieve the loss but celebrate the life of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and colleague. The memory and legacy of Ron Kooistra was honored as we sat together outdoors, surrounded by the glory of creation and the palpable love of his family.
Ron loved his people. He loved his wife of fifty one years, Marsha, his four children and eight grandchildren. His big body housed an equally large heart that gave space to all he came in contact with. His love was fierce, deep and intentional.
Ron’s pastor, Rev. Ruth Boven, invited us to reflect on God as Ron’s shepherd...as our shepherd. She reminded us of how God leads us, cares for us, guides us. How whether we realize it or not, God accompanies us as we walk through life. Ron recognized the Good Shepherd in his life. He was able to orient himself by walking with God and allowing the goodness of the Shepherd seep into his soul and his big heart.
In a life lived 71 years, Ron’s walk with the Shepherd had many twists and turns. It led him into multiple places, situations and roles. In his career, he was able to show his brilliant mind, and big heart. A heart that longed for justice...entwined with compassion and equity. Creating a space where colleagues respected him and looked to him for direction.
Ron was able to pass along God’s love in a million little ways everywhere he went. The most treasured of those spaces was within his own four walls, with the people he loved the most - his family. As Ron’s family spoke about their dad and grandpa, the theme was consistent; Ron was passionate about fatherhood and family. He loved his children deeply. Ron instilled many qualities that his children reflected on together as we gathered. His desire for them to follow God wholeheartedly, to love those around them unconditionally, to work hard at whatever task was before them. Ron modeled these things to his children, the goodness of the Shepherd seeping out as he walked alongside each one of them.
When the time came, Ron’s heart had ample space for his beloved grandchildren. His son said, “Dad took immeasurable joy in his grand kids.” And he did. Ron’s grandchildren were taught a love for being outdoors (especially on the lake), the strategy of a good board game, the delight of a good book. He loved to see them grow and accomplish new things, consistently encouraging them to set goals and work hard.
Ron leaves behind a large empty space, but an equal sized legacy that lives on his children and grandchildren. Ron’s son honored his Dad by reflecting on the qualities of Ron seen through his grandchildren. He named each child individually and identified a special quality of grandpa that he saw in them. Strong work ethic, a servant heart, love of strategy, tenderness, a drive to learn and succeed, a mischievous twinkle, a child-like faith, a sweet spirit.
We grieve today in the valley of the shadow of death. But we do not linger here. Jesus himself traveled that lonely valley and emerged the victor. Leave it to the faith of a child, Ron’s grandson, to direct us all back to the Good Shepherd and remind us of that coming victory for Ron. In Ron’s last days, he asked his grandfather, “Why are you so sad? You’re going to see Jesus soon!”
Ron has now seen Jesus and the Good Shepherd, face to face. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy and big heart live on in those he loved.
To read more about Ron’s life visit his memory page at heritagelifestory.com: