Fr. Pieter Bootsma, a beloved spiritual director and missionary, made a lasting impact on the communities he served in Ghana. Known for his calm demeanor, compassionate approach, and deep commitment to the people, Fr. Pieter’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him.

During his early years in the seminary, Fr. Pieter was a guiding force for many young men preparing for the priesthood. Fr. Joop Visser, a member of the Society of African Missions (SMA), recalls Fr. Pieter’s attentive listening and non-judgmental approach to counseling. “He would have a listening and cautious ear,” Fr. Visser notes. “He would speak his mind but calmly scrutinize the mind of the one with him, avoiding judgment.”

Visser recounts an incident during his seminary training when he found himself in trouble for using a restricted bathroom. “Seminarians in those days only took a shower on Saturdays, and it went in alphabetical order,” he explains. “I often had to shower with cold water because my name, Visser, placed me at the end of the list.” When he was caught using the bathroom reserved for the Reverend Fr. Father Pieter simply said, “I understand you, and your action is correct. Oh yes, who showers in the winter with cold water? If it happens again, just let me know!”

This compassionate and understanding approach to leadership was evident throughout Fr. Pieter’s career. As a missionary, he served in the Ashanti region and later in the Bono Region, where he helped establish a Credit Union in the small village of Sampa, near the Ivory Coast border. The Credit Union became a success story, thanks to his dedication and vision.

Fr. Pieter’s sense of humor and lighthearted nature also endeared him to those around him. Fr. Visser shares a story about seminarians playing pranks with a giant tire on a sloping hill. One day, as Fr. Pieter arrived in his small red Fiat 500, a tire came speeding down the hill, narrowly missing his car. “That was a close encounter, guys,” Fr. Pieter said. “It could have been worse. Next time, you better watch out to avoid accidents!”

In addition to his work in the seminary and his missionary endeavors, Fr. Pieter played a crucial role in the development of education and skills training in Sampa. According to The Bordercity Eye, during his tenure, he established the Our Lady of Fatima Technical Institute, also known as AVOTECH, and served as the Nkosuohene of the Sampa Traditional Council. His vision for AVOTECH was to provide formal and informal apprenticeship training in marketable skills, helping to combat poverty, streetism, and unemployment.

Fr. Pieter’s gentle spirit, compassionate guidance, and commitment to empowering others will be remembered by those he touched. As Fr. Visser reflects on his legacy, he concludes, “Pieter liked joking and having some fun in life. He had a lady friend who considers him one of the nicest SMA Priests she has ever met. She characterizes him with the typical Dutch word ‘Lief,’ a word related to love but more than ‘sweet.’ I agree with her.”

Fr. Pieter Bootsma’s impact is immeasurable, and his memory will continue to inspire all who knew him. Rest in perfect peace, Fr. Pieter.