Peacefully, after a well-lived life, John Vanderheide, a resident of Brantford, passed away at Brierwood Gardens, Brantford, on March 25th, 2026, at the age of 81. John was born in Tillsonburg, son of the late Wm. ‘Bill’ Vanderheide and late former Frieda (Mills) Vanderheide. John was a dedicated employee with CN Railways for his entire career. John loved boating and fishing at Long Point with friends and family. He loved all things trains. John is survived by his much-loved spouse, Diane (Thompson) Lingaitis, of Brantford. Always a loving father and father-in-law to: Laurie Bedour (Steve), of London; Christy Coleman (Dave), of Grand Bend; caring stepfather to: Marcy Waud (Kevin); Rob Lingaitis (Carole); Michael Lingaitis (Joanne). Much loved grandfather of: Taylor Bedour, Noah Coleman (Taylor), Jack Coleman, Kaely Horsburgh (Nathan), Megan Horsburgh, Emily Lingaitis, Michael Lingaitis Jr., Owen Lingaitis and Summer Lingaitis. Survived by his siblings Shirley Kilmer (Bryan), of Bayfield; Kathy Weare (late Bob), of St. Thomas; Ron (Sue) Vanderheide, of RR4 Brantford; in-laws Alice Vallee (Bob); Pat Catton (Dan); Butch Thompson. Predeceased by his sister-in-law Peggy Russell (late Lloyd).
In keeping with John’s expressed wishes, cremation has taken place and no visitation, nor a funeral service will be held. Friends, neighbours and relatives are invited to share favourite memories and photos, send personal condolences or contribute memorial donations to the “Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario” or to the “Parkinsons Society Southwestern Ontario” via John’s online tribute page at www.verhoevefuneralhomes.com or by contacting the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes- Burial and Cremation Services Inc., 262 Broadway, Tillsonburg (519) 842-4238, which has been entrusted with cremation arrangements, with confidence.
