Richard Engvold Sorum

Richard Ingvold Sorum, beloved father, missionary, and friend, passed onto glory on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, in the care of St. Joseph’s Hospice.

Richard was born on February 21, 1942, in Great Falls, Montana, to Hans and Ethel Sorum. He began his career in insurance, establishing his own agency, before devoting his life to ministry. As a missionary with Youth With A Mission (YWAM), Rick spent many years serving at YWAM Kona, falling in love with discipleship and missions work and then pioneered along with his wife Judy, the YWAM Montana Base and the Eagles Nest Ranch Base (now YWAM Selah), just outside of Medicine Hat, Alberta. His missionary work carried him to many nations, including and primarily the Philippines. He and his wife Judy also developed a special bond with numerous Filipinos over the years and even “adopted” a special Filipino family, the Robles. Richard was known as a passionate evangelist, disciple-maker, and pioneer who lived to share the love of Christ to anyone who would listen.

Richard was predeceased by his beloved wife, Judy Sorum. He is survived by his son David (Elisha) Sorum and their daughter Alison, as well as his adopted children, Elenor and Florante Robles and their children Josiah (Carys), Jehan & Jaeden. He is also remembered by his siblings Donald, Gary, Linda, and William, and was predeceased by his brother Leonard. Richard’s extended family includes numerous nieces, nephews, and countless spiritual sons and daughters around the world who were touched by his life and ministry.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to YWAM Selah, YWAM Montana, YWAM Kona, Donna Jordan & YWAM Associates, Haven House of Revival Pastors, staff, and church family, First Assembly’s Pastors, staff and church family, the Reinheller’s, the Rood’s, the Coehoorn’s, the staff of St. Joseph’s Hospice, Wellington staff and residents, Grace Memorial and Medicine Hat Regional Hospital and staff. Your care, friendship, and support for Rick during these last few years have been deeply appreciated.

A service will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025, 1:00–3:00 p.m. and a reception to follow immediately after.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to organizations dear to Rick’s heart:

●      YWAM Selah (www.ywamselah.com/give, e-transfer: give@ywamselah.com)
 

●      Haven House of Revival (www.havenmh.church/give, e-transfer: havenchurchgive@gmail.com)
 

Richard’s life was marked by unwavering faith, love for people, and dedication to God’s mission. We take comfort in this scripture, in which Rick loved,

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

— Psalm 23

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