Carol (Klaasje) Hendrika Hoekstra (DeHaan)

December 30, 1936 - March 23, 2025

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved wife and mother, Carol (Klaasje) Hoekstra, who left us peacefully on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the age of 88, at Lakeridge Health Oshawa.

Carol shared a loving marriage with Rex for more than 65 years, and at 92, he cherishes her memory in his heart. She was a devoted mother to her three daughters, Sylvia (Lloyd, deceased), Trudy (Steve), and Jennifer (Andrew). She was the proud Oma of five grandchildren: Kara (Corey), Lindsey (Mitch), Charlotte, Emily, and Jack. She was also delighted to be a Great-Oma to Benjamin, Natalie, Lillian, and Allison.

Carol’s kindness, faith, and unwavering love for her family will be remembered forever. Her legacy of warmth and grace will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Carol moved to Canada in 1959 and is survived by her sister Dirkje in New Zealand, and the rest of her siblings, still living in Holland: Enne (Marga), Akke (Bauke), Menno, and Afke (Cees).

Carol will be fondly remembered by the extended Hoekstra and DeHaan families and her many friends, especially her “fourth daughter,” Thelma, and her dear friend, Judy.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Durham Christian Homes, 200 Glen Hill Drive South in Whitby, Ontario.

If you would like to make a donation in memory of Carol, her charity of choice is World Renew. Click here to donate.

Messages of condolence and shared memories can be left for the family by visiting the Memory Wall.

For online condolences and further information, please visit BARNES MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME.

Glenn Alexander Squire

May 28, 1949 – March 19, 2025

Squire, Glenn Alexander – Glenn passed away at Ross Memorial Hospital, Lindsay, on Wednesday, March 19th, 2025 at the age of 75.

Beloved husband of Sue Ann Squire (née St. Thomas) for 51 wonderful years. Loving and respected father to Sarah Alie (Pierre), Christine Squire (Mandeep Singh), Frederick Squire, and Garett Squire (Kathy). Cherished grandfather to Felix, Simran, Finn, Kae, Paige, Axel, and Knox.

Glenn was a dear brother to Peggy Rivard (Bill), and a friend to many. He will be remembered for his warmth, his strong values, and his signature plaid attire, which reflected his personality—down-to-earth, dependable, and full of character.

Visitation will take place at Barnes Memorial Funeral Home, 5295 Thickson Rd. N., Whitby, on Wednesday, March 26th, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 27th, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment at Salem Cemetery, 3570 Salem Rd., Pickering.

In memory of Glenn, memorial donations may be made to Brooklin United Church or the Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation. Friends and family are encouraged to wear plaid in honour of Glenn’s signature style.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Barnes Memorial Funeral Home.

Kathryn Ann Neahr

August 26, 1977 – March 19, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we inform you of the sudden and unexpected passing of Kathryn Neahr at the young age of 47.

Kathryn was the beloved daughter of the late Fred and Vanessa Neahr, and cherished sister of Carolyne Cryderman, Chris Neahr, and Virginia Neahr. She was adored by her nieces and nephews: Cole, Britney, Savanna, Erika, Graeden, Raevyn, and Wyatt. She especially treasured her great-niece, Isla.

A loving and devoted caregiver to her feline companions, Lily and Mikayla, Kathryn's life was filled with compassion and kindness. She had a gentle spirit, a generous heart, and was always ready with a sympathetic ear. Her laughter, love for music, reading, TikTok, and quality time with family brought joy to all who knew her.

Kathryn deeply valued family gatherings and had a remarkable ability to make others feel loved through thoughtful gestures. She is now at peace and reunited with her beloved parents, whose unconditional love she missed so dearly.

Arrangements and service details will be announced at a later date. A Celebration of Life will take place at Barnes Memorial Funeral Home, 5295 Thickson Rd. N., Whitby, Ontario.

In memory of Kathryn, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Durham Region.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Barnes Memorial Funeral Home.

Brian Alexander Ward

December 12, 1948 – March 20, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Brian Alexander Ward at the age of 76. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Dorothy. Brian was the only child of the late Iris (née Bratton) and Les Ward. He will be deeply missed by his extended family, including brothers-in-law Albert ‘Bud’ Thurley (the late Georgina) and Richard Gates (Liz), as well as nieces and nephews: Kathy Thurley (Jeff White), Richard Thurley (Christine), Mary Gates (Darryl), Caitlin Thurley, Stephen Parent (Laura), Brandon Parent (Helen), Jonathan Gates, Daniel and Matthew White, Madilyn and Caitlyn Gates, Connor, Caroline, and Hannah Parent, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Born in Ottawa, Brian trained at Algonquin College and began his career with the RCMP, following in his father’s footsteps. In 1973, he joined the Toronto Police Service, serving with distinction for 33 years. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and dedicated 20 years to the Forensic Identification Service. Recognized as an expert in forensics and DNA, Brian received numerous awards for his contributions. After retiring in 2006, he continued sharing his knowledge through teaching CSI and forensic courses at Humber and Durham Colleges, distributing DNA test kits, and authoring books and podcasts.

Outside of his professional life, Brian was the drummer for a local band in Whitby and was often seen sporting his trademark grin and colourful tie-dye t-shirts. He enjoyed a fine cigar, a glass of his favourite scotch, and cherished moments with family, friends, and colleagues. Above all, he treasured the life he built with Dorothy, including their annual golf trips to Myrtle Beach and the many Schnauzers they lovingly raised together.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Lakeridge Hospital in Oshawa and St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, as well as to friends and neighbours for their kindness and support during these past months.

In keeping with Brian’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Private arrangements have been entrusted to Barnes Memorial Funeral Home, Whitby.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the Humane Society of Durham Region, or a charity of your choice would be sincerely appreciated.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Barnes Memorial Funeral Home.

Karen Elaine Steele McGaffey

January 7, 1961 - March 20, 2025

Karen Elaine Steele McGaffey, daughter of Fred and Audrey Steele, wife to Kevin McGaffey, loving mother to Sean, Brendan (Sakina McGaffey) and Tanner (Becky McGaffey), and sister to David Steele (Sonya Steele), passed peacefully at home with family at her side on the first day of Spring 2025.

Karen lived a full and passionate life, despite it being prematurely shortened by cancer. From growing up all over Ontario and the waters of Georgian Bay to California as the family business moved, she excelled in her studies and formed lifelong friendships wherever she went. A lifelong lover of the sciences, Karen was inquisitive, intellectual, meticulous and passionate about education—traits she instilled in her own children and her many students as a high-school chemistry and earth sciences teacher later in her career.

She was a force to be reckoned with, never wavering in her dedication to her family and friends to whom she gave so much. She loved dogs, puzzles and knitting, at points turning the living room into a blanket and hat factory in-between competing in the daily Wordle and Crosswords and while throwing tennis balls for her treasured “Tollers” Piper and later Stryker. She enjoyed the outdoors, organizing numerous family canoe and camping trips and had the opportunity to visit natural wonders all over Canada and beyond. She could turn any experience into a learning opportunity, making use of early morning beach walks as well-disguised lessons on oceanography and geology.

She also knew how to throw a party or two, with the yearly McGaffey Christmas parties (employing her young children as bartenders) and the many days leading-into-nights on her beloved Anna Maria Island warmly cherished. To the very end Karen was a natural born leader and obsessive organizer, always able to take charge of any situation and arranging and hosting an entire baby shower from a hospital bed in the last weeks of her life.

Her presence (and banana chocolate chip muffins) will be profoundly missed but lovingly and passionately remembered always by her family and the many, many friends she made throughout her life. Her tremendous courage and fighting spirit in the face of so much adversity inspired all who she met and will live on in all who had the pleasure of witnessing it.

The family would like to recognize and thank Karen’s dedicated and caring team of doctors, nurses and staff in the Lakeridge Health System for their support, expertise and professionalism—a cure may have never been in the cards, but she, her family and friends were given the gifts of time and comfort through their endless efforts.

Visitation will be held at Barnes Memorial Funeral Home, 5295 Thickson Rd. N. Whitby on Saturday, March 29th, from 10:00 am until 12:00 Noon. A memorial service will follow immediately in the Barnes Chapel, with a reception to follow.

Donations in memory of Karen are being accepted for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Barnes Memorial Funeral Home.

Anna Claire Johnson (Sheppard)

Wednesday, July 31st, 1935 - Tuesday, March 18th, 2025

Anna Claire ‘Nanny’ Johnson passed away on March 18, at the age of 89, with her daughters at her side.
Her incredible heart and rebellious spirit will be remembered by her daughters, Lisa Johnson and Lorisa Johnson-Kalk, their husbands Peter Davison and Kevin Kalk, and the pride and joys of her life, her grandchildren Aidan and Elora Kalk and Braiden Davison.
She loved feeding the chipmunks and squirrels as much as the birds.
She loved the weeds as much as the flowers in her garden.
She taught us the healing power of chocolate and a cup of tea.
She will always be loved.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at BARNES MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME.

Reginald Truman McConnell

April 23, 1940 - March 12, 2025

Reg passed peacefully, but quickly the afternoon of March 12, 2025, surrounded by his family in the Bowmanville Hospital after a years long battle with kidney and heart disease. As a hockey fanatic, the hours before Reg’s passing could not have been more perfect: he spent them with his son, Jeffrey, watching a hockey game go into OT and simply enjoying time together.

Visitation will be held at Family Worship & Outreach Centre, 1731 Bloor Street, Courtice, ON L1E 2N1 on March 21, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and March 22, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with the funeral service being held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Refreshments to immediately follow. In lieu of flowers a donation to Family Worship Centre and Outreach; The Bowmanville Hospital Foundation or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

Predeceased by his wife of decades, Louise (nee Wells), the occasion is met with a sense of peace and joy as Pops longed to go home to his Heavenly Saviour and his wife, who is surely preparing a place, and a coffee, for him. Reg was a loving father to Darlene & Wayne and Jeffrey & Tina; a loving Poppy to Amanda & Jonathan Speers and Lindsey & Thomas Richards; and a loving (and incredibly dedicated) great-grandfather or “Pops” to Hunter Richards, London Richards, Jack (John) Speers and Maeve Speers.

Reg is predeceased by his brother James, and sister-in-law Heather, brother-in-law Wilson and sister-in-law Ada. Reg truly enjoyed the time spent with each of his siblings and was a loving brother to Ladonna (nee McConnell) & Earl Wells; and brother in law to Gilbert & Shirley Wells and Lynnda Wells. Reg was a wonderful and involved uncle and great uncle to many, often being called upon to fix whatever was broken, wherever it was, at all times of the day and night. His knack for problem solving and repairing anything will be remembered fondly and carried on in his name by many, but most notably Jeffrey, Jonathan, Thomas and Hunter who he spent countless hours with sharing his knowledge of whatever needed attention. Reg was always ready to help, laugh and problem solve over a sugary treat he shouldn’t be eating and a black coffee as hot as you can get it.

Reg was born in 1940 in Maynooth at the Homestead to Douglas & Sarah (nee Moxam) McConnell, as the second of three children.

Reginald and Louise married in Toronto in 1957 and welcomed Darlene in 1958 and Jeffrey in 1961. They raised their family in Toronto alongside their siblings. Family sleepovers, lots of time with cousins and family dinners were a huge part of their lives. By the 1980s, both Darlene and Jeffrey were married and Reg & Louise were proud grandparents. The family had moved east, out of the city where they lived with Jeffrey and Tina in Whitby.

Reg was happy to support Louise in all of her labours of love, which usually involved one of them driving a group of teens around in the giant Cadillac he was so proud of. On more then one occasion, that Cadillac made a midnight run to pick up one of the girls from wherever they had ended up. Pops always made it clear, if you called, he was coming and no matter the time of day you could count on him picking up the phone and coming to help.

Reg and Louise created a wonderful community of friends they loved centred around the church and the family, often having weekly prayers meetings in their home.

In 2019, Reg and Louise moved to Bowmanville. While Reg had slowed down some, you could never tell when the great-grandkids walked in the door. Despite the large age gap in them Reg was often seen with one of the kids in tow or you could hear them in the background when you called often mid-creation and begging for a sleepover. Reg had been over to watch Jack and Maeve just weeks before his passing.

In his retirement, Reg enjoyed trips to Florida, heart shaped pizza for Valentine’s Day, attending the kids sports events and creating his hockey picks. He continued to be the back up babysitter, fixer, pizza roller, BBQ master, oil changer and air conditioner repair man all rolled into one. When he could no longer do it himself, he was happy to share his knowledge, once directing a specific repair from his walker and using facetime to see the details of the parts.

Reg, Reggie, Dad, Poppy, Poppa and Pops: It seems silly to say you were taken to soon at 84; it’s just that we will miss your constant steady presence, the silent smirk, the cheeky comment and the ability to fix anything for anyone. You will be greatly missed, spoken of often and never forgotten.

Darlene & Wayne, Jeffrey & Tina, Amanda & Jonathan; Lindsey & Thomas; Hunter, London, Jack (John) and Maeve

Visitation

Visitation will be held at Family Worship & Outreach Centre (1731 Bloor Street, Courtice, ON L1E 2N1) on:

• Friday, March 21, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Funeral Service

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Family Worship & Outreach Centre. Refreshments will follow.

Donations

In lieu of flowers, donations in Reg’s memory may be made to:

• Family Worship & Outreach Centre
• Bowmanville Hospital Foundation
• Heart and Stroke Foundation

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at BARNES MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME.

Philip Richard Stevenson

July 17, 1952 - March 12, 2025

Passed suddenly at home on March 12th, 2025 at the age of 72. Loved husband of Debbie for 27 years. Much loved Dad of Sarah and her husband Jono and Michael.
Grandfather of Forrest, Willow and Ryker.
Survived by his brother John Stevenson and his wife Leanna.
Remembered by his nephews and many lifelong friends.
A celebration of life will be planned in the near future, details will be shared once confirmed.

Messages of condolence and shared memories may be left for the family by visiting Barnes Memorial Funeral Home.

Danielle Renata Weir

July 1, 1975 – March 13, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Danielle Renata Weir, aged 49, on March 13, 2025. She departed this world peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Born on July 1, Danielle was a remarkable individual who touched the lives of everyone she met. Known for her kindness and positivity, she inspired those around her with her warmth.

She is lovingly remembered by her spouse, Dave; son, Eric; mother, Christine; sister, Monika; and stepdaughters, Sarah and Ashley. Her unwavering love and support remain a guiding light for her family, who hold her memory close to their hearts.

Her memory lives on in the hearts of her family and friends and in the countless lives she enriched.

A celebration of Danielle’s life will take place on March 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Barnes Memorial Funeral Home, 5295 Thickson Rd N, Whitby, ON L1M 1W9, where all who loved her are welcome to honor and remember her extraordinary life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

May her soul rest in peace.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Barnes Memorial Funeral Home.

Stephen Raymond Harland

Wednesday, October 23rd, 1963 - Tuesday, March 11th, 2025

A Renaissance man - gifted across multiple domains

Skilled Sculptor | Passionate Painter | Powerful Tenor | Masterful Chef | Inspiring Teacher | Critical Historian | Free Thinker | Avid Reader | Frustrated Fisherman | Stymied Golfer | Stoic Stoic | Cheerful Patient | Patient Gardener | Follower of Jesus | Wonderful Friend

Stephen was born in Bokondini, Irian Jaya to missionary parents, Tom and Freda. He grew up in Toronto and Fort Erie where he developed a love for fishing, the visual arts and music. After attending Ontario Bible College, he received degrees in Fine Arts and Education from York University. Summers were spent at Fair Havens and Fair Glen youth camp, where he began many lifelong friendships and met his darling wife, Rachel.

Stephen had an impactful career which spanned three decades at the Durham District School Board as a visual arts teacher, facilitator and administrator. A talented musician and artist, nothing delighted him more than utilizing his gifts to enrich the lives of others and draw them to Jesus. An accomplished lyrical tenor, his expressive voice raised you up, whether performing with Canadian opera companies, symphonies, worship teams, or serenading fellow tourists along narrow European streets.

Stephen’s mind was expansive and creative. His love of theology, politics, culture and history, never far away. He led a humble and contented life amidst his garden, easel, sculpture stand and bookshelf. Never fearing emotion, nor affection, he was a loyal friend, devoted husband to Rachel, proud father to Luke (Emily) and Victoria, compassionate son of Tom and Freda, steadfast brother to Pauline and Philip and was joyously anticipating grandfatherhood!!

Above all, Stephen drew his strength and love from Jesus, and in Him led the selfless life which blessed us all.

Donations: In Stephen’s honour, donations may be made to The Leprosy Mission and Princess Margaret Foundation.

Service Details

Visitation:
Thursday, March 20th, 2025 | 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Barnes Memorial Funeral Home
5295 Thickson Road North, Whitby, ON L1M 1W9

Celebration of Life:
Friday, March 21st, 2025 | 11:00 am
Barnes Memorial Funeral Home
5295 Thickson Road North, Whitby, ON L1M 1W9

Interment:
Friday, March 21st, 2025
Burns Presbyterian Church Cemetery
765 Myrtle Road W, Ashburn, ON L0B 1A0

Reception:
Following the service at Barnes Memorial Funeral Home.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Barnes Memorial Funeral Home.