In Memory Of

Herbert Clifford Risto

Nov 9, 1938 - Jan 31, 2026

Service

Saturday, February 21, 2026
1:00 pm
Rocky Church of the Nazarene
5340 59 Avenue
Rocky Mountain House, Alberta

Notice

Donations can be made to Action International Ministries, Alberta.
Livestream Link
Livestream

Obituary

Herb went to his eternal home to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ with family by his side. He was born in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, the fifth of six siblings to Theodore and Alma Risto. As a child, and teenager, he worked on the family farm milking cows and raising pigs while attending Grand View School and then high school with his younger sister Priscilla.
At the age of six years old Herb gave his life to Jesus Christ at Pigeon Lake Bible Camp where his mother was the Camp Cook. He later dedicated his life to God for Missionary service at this same camp. Herb had an outgoing personality and could get into mischief at an early age, but a change of heart was seen after his decision. In 1959 Herb took his first semester at Prairie Bible Institute, then joined God’s Invasion Army for a year before returning to Bible School. Herb graduated from PBI in 1963 and was accepted to serve with the Fiji Missionary Fellowship. God led him to New Zealand where he evangelized on the city streets and taught Bible in schools.
Herb returned to Canada in 1965 to marry Winnifred Cole who was a friend and prayer partner, also called by God to serve as a missionary. They were married on October 16th 1965 at the Rocky Mountain House Church of the Nazarene. Both had a vision to win the people of the South Pacific to the Lord and returned to New Zealand, planting a church for the South Pacific Islanders. Their two daughters, Joy and Grace, were born in NZ and traveled along side with their parents to many of the South Pacific Islands and Fiji, showing Christian films and presenting the good news of the gospel. A trip back to Canada every fifth year was made to visit family and friends, and share what God was doing with supporters in many churches. In later years Herb and Winnifred served in the Philippines with Action International Ministries.
In October 2025 we celebrated Herb and Winnifred’s 60th Wedding Anniversary and over 50 years of Missionary work. Herb is survived by his loving wife Winnifred Risto, his younger sister Priscilla (Darrell) Riemer and his two daughters, Joy (Sean) Harper and Grace (Darren) Lloyd. His grandchildren, Andrew (Isabelle) Harper, Rachel (Robert) Lund, Joshua (Kristen) Murphy, Helena Murphy and Hannah Murphy, and eight great grandchildren (one in Heaven), along with many loved nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Herbs life will be held at the Rocky Mountain House Church of the Nazarene. Saturday, February 21st, 2026 at 1pm. Donations can be made to Action International Ministries, Alberta.

Condolences

Tim Lingnau :

My deepest condolences to Winnie and the whole family . Herb was such a light for me during my time in Gwynne and beyond. I have so many fond memories of the time I had with Herb.

He always lifted me up and I will forever be grateful to him for working on me through some of my most difficult times. He helped lead me back to the Church when I moved to Gwynne and brought my faith to the forefront of my life when I had strayed as a young man.
He led me to my adult baptism and I am so grateful that I was baptized by him that day.

What an example you were to me, thank you my brother.

Tim

Lynda Kelly:

I am so blessed to have known Herb. He loved the Lord deeply, and he poured his heart into the lives of others. He was a faithful servant of Christ—joyful, genuine, and always make people laugh. He brought light and joy wherever he went. His authenticity touched everyone around him. One day, we will see him again

Bev Krause:

Winnifred and family. I’m praying for you as you enter this next stage in your lives. I pray God’s peace is with you. I have such wonderful memories of our trip to Roratanga and New Zealand. And the times we visited together here at home. You are very special friends. God bless you.

Joyce Sewell:

I am so blessed to know Herb. I loved his sense of humour. Till we meet again save a place for me in Heaven Thank You Jesus Dad did not have to suffer Amen .

Carlos & Sophia Tomlinson :

Bro Herb was a great and Godly man. We miss him dearly. We know that he is with our Lord and saviour.

Psalm 116:15
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants.

Aubrey, Shani and Family :

It is sad to see you go from this earth,but we know you are in a better place and with the LORD.
A good friend, Pastor Elder, Mentor
Rest in peace Herbert.
Aubrey Shani and Family

Herb Herbert:

Winnie,

I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of such a remarkable man. His passion for the Gospel and his unwavering dedication to the Kingdom radiated through every part of his life, especially among the people of the South Pacific. We love you, Herb, and we’re forever grateful for the love you shared. I’m incredibly honored to be named after you, and I’ll strive to live out that legacy with the same grace and faith you carried.

With much love, prayers, and deepest sympathy,
Herb, Ana, and the boys plus Rebekah and Hannah

Geraldine Haney:

Condolences to Winifred and families on your loss.

Ted Matira :

The man who brought comfort and joy to many people is now being comforted. The man who always turns tables of sadness, grief and shame into a table of joy, forgiveness and peace is now with the peacemaker. Your love for the sinners to be saved and the life you’ve shared will always be remembered.

Ted

Victor, Daisy, Lydia, and Odelia So:

Dear Auntie Winnie and family,

We are so sorry for your loss and we are absolutely heartbroken to hear about the news of Uncle Herb’s passing. We had such fond memories of Uncle Herb, especially when Uncle Herb and you came to visit us in California. While we feel the sudden weight of his absence, we also take comfort in knowing that Uncle Herb is with the Lord. He was such a wonderful man of God and we all felt God’s love and warmth through his infectious joy and kindness. May the Lord strengthen and comfort your family during this difficult time and we also pray for peace to surround your household.

With love,
Victor, Daisy, Lydia, and Odelia

Daisy So:

Auntie Winnie,
I'm so sad to hear this unpleasant news. I still vividly remember my time studying in Canada. While attending PBHS, Uncle Herb took me home and let me stay with you all for the entire summer. After that, while I was still studying in Canada, I was invited to spent every Easter, Christmas, and summer vacation at his house. I'm very grateful to Uncle Herb for taking me to different places to experience different types of missionary work during the summer vacations.

He was very humorous, loved to tell jokes, and was always full of joy and had a positive attitude.

I will always cherish the memories I had with Uncle Herb and your family. In particular, I enjoyed the daily morning devotion led by Uncle Herb. I am deeply grateful for his teachings, care, and support.

Sending loving thoughts and a fervent prayer for Lord’s peace to surround you.

With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Daisy

Arnold Magtulis:

Winniefred and family our deepest condolences for the passing of brother Herbs. He will be deeply missed. I won’t forget the time that you invited me to your place when i was a student at Prairie. I had a privilege to sing at your church and able to share the gospel at the seniors home. Thank you for wonderful memories i had with you guys. And now i am enjoying serving the Lord as one of the pastors here in Calgary. I appreciated your time praying and encouraging me when i was in Bible school. Thank you Herb and Winniefred. ❤️❤️❤️

Pat Dchmidt:

So sorry for your loss

Cherish the memories that will help you to heal and give you joy in the years to come

Lean on family, lean on friends, but most importantly, lean on the everlasting arms

Our thoughts and prayers are with you

Janice Frank:

I was just thinking of you, I am sending my prayers and condolences, take care of one another, we love you Joy

Cheryl (Link) ferguson’s :

My heart goes out to Winnifred and the many extended family.
My last visit with Herb and Winnifred was in Rocky Mountain House where again the signature smiles were on their faces. Herb’s smile and love for his faith will not deter, but will continue onwards in heaven

Linda & Brian Freeman:

Joy, Grace, Winnifred and family. Our deepest sympathy, love and prayers to you all. You have been continually on my mind and in my heart since we heard about your loss. Linda

Carilee Pearse :

Love & Hugs to the Family.

Penny and Doug Butler:

We are so sorry (and saddened) to hear of Brother Herb’s passing. We enjoyed his ministry, his stories and his jokes and his servant hood to the church. May all the wonderful memories comfort your hearts going forward.

Rita (Toews) Suarez:

I'm so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. May the Lord comfort you and give you strength . Sending you love. Praying for you all. The Suarez family

Annita Cole:

So sorry to the family for your loss. When I was in New Zealand visiting on my way back to Malawi, I was in one of their street meetings. It was the best meeting on the street I've seen. All of the church people mingled with the others on the street. I admired them for their zeal to reach souls for Jesus. Now Herb is talking to Jesus and all in heaven. I'm happy for him. Keep on going on "Risto" family. Jesus is coming back again.

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