May 28, 1972 - July 28, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
On Sunday July 28, 2024, Geoff Scholtens took off from Merritt Airport and landed in the arms of Jesus, his savior. The Lord had suddenly called him home.
From a very young age, Geoff had a passion for aviation which led him to become Canada's youngest private pilot and flight instructor.
In Taiwan, white teaching English, his love for aviation was surpassed by his love for Christ, Geoff picked up his cross every day and chose to follow God wherever he led, even if that meant to the very ends of the earth.
In 1998, Geoff married Elyse and soon after moved to the Tibetan Hills of China after a quick stop in the Netherlands. Geoff lived in China for 16 years, raising a family of five children, shepherding and bringing people to the good news of Jesus Christ.
In 2016, the Lord led him back to Canada, where he would continue in international missions and work on launching his children well. He loved his family and taught everything he had learned to his children, whether it was teaching his girls how to roof a house or fix a motor, or teaching the boys how to change brakes and reno a house.
He was also very involved in the community of Merritt, volunteering at Search and Rescue, coaching high school soccer, curling, chairing the airport committee, teaching his daughters and other students to fly and making new friends wherever he went. Whether at home or aboard, Geoff's irresistible wide smile and an open Bible drew many to Jesus.
Geoff has gone to his eternal home, leaving behind his wife Elyse, children Lily, Peter, Yvonne (Lucas), Susanna, and Timothy; parents John and Fannie, siblings Hilary (Sprout), Mike (Mirjam), Leslie (Paul), Susan (Justin), as well as Tessa (Harry).
He also leaves behind Elyse's family in Holland; parents Chaosheng, Xiaofen, Xiaoqing (Sander), Xiaoden (Alex), Olivia (Bart), as well as a large family of 26 nieces, nephews, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Geoff's celebration of life in Merritt was held at Crossroads Church, Saturday, August 10th with a livestream present.
His body was laid to rest in Murrayville Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 17th with a celebration of life to follow, at the 91原创 Canadian Reformed Church.
Geoff lived his life to the fullest, knowing that it was not his, but Christ living in him.
"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." Act 20:24
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to VOAR-FM 96.7 the Christian Radio Station, rebroadcasted in Merritt, that Geoff loved to listen to.
http://lighthousefm.org/ways-to-give/