It is with the heaviest of hearts that the family of Murinus Petrus Johannes “Rini” Goossens, born February 17, 1941, in Schjindel, Holland, announces his passing. Rini’s soul was gently placed in God's hands at the Grande Prairie Hospital, surrounded by love on Sunday, February 18, 2024 at the age of 83 years.

He is reuniting with his parents, Cornelius and Gerarda; sisters: Connie, Jean and Mary; and brothers Tony and John.

Rini will never be forgotten and remembered with love by his forever soulmate, wife and carer Gladys; brother Hank (Barb) Goossens; daughter Tracy (Stan) Bain; and son Rob (Shelley) Goossens. Rini came into his stepchildren's lives as teenagers. Still, it wasn't long before an unbreakable bond formed and he will always be missed by his stepdaughters: Sheila (Philip) Maddox and Valerie (Chris) Day-Keizer; grandchildren (who will miss his silly antics): Bryan, Brent, Amanda, Lindsey, Virginia, Alexandra and Simone; great-grandchildren (who would sit and play with Opa/Grandpa for hours on end while he sat in his chair): Tyra, Avalon, Kyrie, Braiden, Abigail, Lilly, Jace and Niyah; as well as nieces, nephews and cousins who will remember his teasing and shenanigans forever.

Rini had so many wonderful and life-long friends, more than can be named, and he loved each of them dearly. He had a full life filled with stock car racing, needlepoint, card nights, ambulance driving, camping, dancing, fishing in the dark, church, loving, laughing, work (construction) and travelling for work, even travelling to Yakutsk, Russia.

Rini has lived in four provinces in Canada. He was outgoing and met people everywhere he went, including Gladys in Nova Scotia. Everyone who met Rini knew they had just met Rini. He lit up each room he entered.

Please join the family to celebrate this beautiful man's life. The celebration will take place at The People's Church in Grande Prairie (11850 108 St) at 1:00pm, Friday, March 8, 2024.

All are welcome and if you are not able to attend in person, a Livestream of the service will be accessible 15 minutes prior to the service on Rini Goossens’ obituary on Oliver’s Funeral Home website.