A Life of Generous Impact: Honoring Alumnus of the Year, George Boerigter (’66)

Western Theological Seminary gives thanks for the life and witness of George D. Boerigter ’66, who died on February 23, 2026, in Holland, Michigan, at the age of 87. As a deeply committed Christian leader, pastor, and businessman, George sought throughout his life to integrate his faith with his work and to invest generously in the institutions that formed him, including Western Theological Seminary.

After graduating from Hope College, George returned to Holland to attend WTS, sensing a call to follow his brother into pastoral ministry. His years at Western helped shape a vocation that would carry him from parish ministry into the business world, always with an eye toward serving people, building community, and advancing the gospel. Those who knew him testify that, whether in a congregation or a company, he approached people much as a pastor would, seeking their flourishing and caring for their daily lives.​

George and his wife, Sibilla, later became enthusiastic supporters of Western’s mission, especially where it intersected with their passion for education, justice, and opportunity. They were among the early supporters of the Hope-Western Prison Education Program, helping to make it possible for incarcerated men to pursue a rigorous Christian liberal arts education and, for some, a bachelor’s degree in faith, leadership, and service through courses taught by Hope and Western faculty. This investment continues to open doors for students whose lives are being transformed by the hope of the gospel and the power of learning.

In their later years, George and Sibilla were known in Holland as generous advocates for Hope College, Calvin University, and Western Theological Seminary, using their resources to encourage students, strengthen Christian institutions, and support emerging leaders. George took special joy in seeing his success in business become a means of blessing others and building up the church’s witness in the world.​

President Dr. Felix Theonugraha, who counted George and Sibilla as friends and partners in ministry at Western, reflected on the character of George’s life and legacy in this way: “Wherever he went, George sought to make a difference. He invested his wisdom, his resources, and his remarkable energy in the service of others. Over time, that energy grew into seasoned wisdom and expressed itself in a generosity that shaped institutions, strengthened communities, and transformed countless lives. George was an ardent advocate and consummate cheerleader for the Seminary. He will be dearly missed.”

We give thanks to God for George’s life. A life marked by love for Christ, devotion to his family, pastoral care, entrepreneurial vision, and steadfast generosity toward Western and its partners. We remember Sibilla and their children and grandchildren in prayer, trusting that the God George served so faithfully will continue to bear fruit from his legacy in the lives of students, pastors, and communities for years to come.