Obituary of Roald Kverndal

Roald Kverndal, the modern-day pioneer and trailblazer of global seafarers’ ministry, has passed on to be with his Redeemer after a long life devoted to serving Him. He died on March 1, 2015. He was born to Norwegian parents, Olav & Valli Kverndal, on July 8th 1921 in Bromley, England, one of four boys, where the Norwegian Seamen’s Church in London played a central role in their lives. He was educated in England and Norway and joined Norwegian Free Forces during World War II. His original plan for a career in shipping was interrupted when a renewal of faith brought “new orders from the bridge”, as he would say. He was called to commence theological studies with a focus on mission among seafarers. His earlier studies in marine law provided a basis for his future work. He married Ruth Louise Ursin, daughter of London’s Norwegian Seamen’s Church Pastor Johnny and Emma Ursin, on June 27, 1953. Roald was ordained in Norway in1954, and served as chaplain in The Norwegian Seamen’s Mission in Australia, France, and the U.S. He then worked at the Mission’s headquarters in Norway, while launching the first academic research on the origin of the worldwide Seafarers’ Mission Movement. In 1972, while continuing research, he served Lutheran immigrant churches in the U.S., including in New York, Chicago and the Seattle area. In 1984, that research resulted in a Doctorate of Theology Oslo University, leading to his new initiatives in maritime mission in the U.S. and beyond. During the remainder of 1980s and into the early 1990s, he served as consultant to the Lutheran World Federation, travelling worldwide, challenging church leaders and seminaries to respond to maritime mission opportunities, especially in African and Asian seaports. His gift for networking crossed cultural, ethnic and geographical borders. In 2012, he completed a book trilogy on the origin and history of maritime mission. Roald’s dream was that seafarers themselves would take the lead in sharing the Good News across the globe. He rejoiced to see that his vision was beginning to unfold. Roald’s greatest joy was the love of his life, Ruth, as well as their children Evelyn, Jeanette (John), and Marianne (Chuck); grandchildren Benjamin (Heather), Emily and Amber; Rachel and Jonathan; Jackie (Jeremy), Erik and Sam; and great-grandchildren, Samuel, Joseph, Aaron, Eliana and Grace. His son Olaf is among the “cloud of witnesses” greeting him into Heaven. The Memorial Service of Thanksgiving will be held on Saturday, June 6 at 1pm at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 3030 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 U.S.A.