GOETZE:Richard - passed away on April 26, 2020, at Chelsey Park Long Term Care home at the age of eighty-one.
He is greatly missed by his wife Peggy, his children, Rob and Wendy Goetze of Edmonton, and their children, Brennan, Jordan (Claire), Desirae (Michael), Benjamin, Josiah (Abigail), Jazmyn and Asiah; Sylvia Goetze and Matthew Wake of Lausanne, Switzerland, and their children Emily and Theo, and Giselle and Jeff Carter of Kitchener, and their children Joel and Caroline. He is also missed by his sisters, Christa Woolcott and Monica Ruppert, his aunt and uncle, Betty and Heinz Vogel, his nieces, nephews, beloved cousins and dear friends. He will be remembered for his love of learning and books, his compassion, words of wisdom and love of chocolate.
Richard was born in Poland, and moved with his family to Germany in 1945. They immigrated to Canada in 1949 and resided in Waterloo region. He attended seminary in Switzerland and met his wife, Peggy, there. They moved to Chicago in 1963 where he had his first pastorate. He subsequently served in churches in Toronto and Winnipeg before moving to London, where he pastored at North Park Community Church for 15 years. Throughout his ministry he challenged people to think deeply about their faith and draw closer to the God who loves them dearly and extends grace beyond what they can imagine. He believed in a God who loves everyone and is truly big enough to find a way to gather all his children to Himself.
We look forward to the day when we can gather to celebrate his life with all those whose lives where touched by his. The service will be held at a later date at North Park Community Church (London).
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Alzheimer's Society or Opportunities International would be welcomed, and can be made through Glendinning Funeral Home, Plattsville. Personal condolences can be sent at www.gffh.ca.