In Loving Memory:

Hans Uittenbosch was born on May 29,1932 in the Netherlands. He grew up in Bloemendaal, and moved to Aerdenhout after the war.

His parents were Martinus Uittenbosch and Maria Wolzak, who had 5 children. As a 12-year-old he copied ‘Gideon’ by putting his prayer rug on the roof of the house to find out if God wanted him to become a sea captain or a minister, but during the night the rug blew off the roof!

Upon graduating from ‘Gymnasium’, Hans came by freighter to the USA on a student visa in 1952 to study theology, first at Gordon College, in Boston, which sponsored him. He graduated from Calvin College and Seminary in 1957.

In 1955 he met and married Trudy Schuringa, who had immigrated to the USA and was teaching in Grand Rapids.

Together they served two CRC congregations, first Renfrew, ON, then Kingston, ON, after which they were called by Classes-Eastern Canada to the Ministry to Seafarers. So they moved to Montreal to serve the ships in the port there.

Hans was president of The Int. Council of Seamen’s Agencies 1976-1980, and of The Back-to-God Hour 1983-1989; Executive Board Member of Reformed Bible College 1987-1998; and Vice President of Synod in 1983.

Hans was instrumental in expanding the Ministry to Seafarers to the Ports of Vancouver, BC, Seattle, WA, and Los Angeles, CA. For 26 years he functioned as Chaplain/Director in Montreal. During that time Hans and Trudy set up, with God’s help, the beautiful Seafarers Centre, which was dedicated to God in October 1985.

From 1992-2016 Hans and Trudy specialized their Ministry to the Cruise Ships, and sailed extensively around the world.

The Lord blessed them with three children, Marcel, Selwyn, and Desiree, who from a young age were involved in outreach for Christ on the ships. They have nine grandchildren, all of whom serve the Risen Lord as well, and 12 great-grandchildren.