Passed away suddenly at home on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at the age of 60. Loving partner of Darlene Stewart. Cherished step-father of Carly, and Kaycee. Adored papa of Jace. Dear son-in-law of Marilyn Dewan. Fondly remembered by his sisters, brothers-in-law, many nieces and nephews and extended family. Predeceased by his niece Ashley, brother Tim and parents Gordon and Audrey (Hayter) Bannister.
Jeff’s true passion was found behind the wheel of his Peterbilt, where he spent his working life as a dedicated and proud truck driver. The open road was where he felt most at home, and his strong work ethic and commitment to his career were evident to all who knew him. Jeff will be fondly remembered for his love of trucking, his determination, and the straightforward, hardworking spirit he carried throughout his life.
Cremation has taken place. Jeff’s celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 24th from 1 to 4 PM at The Shedquarters, 72122 Morrison Line, Hensall with words of remembrance starting at 3 PM. Please dress casually.
Donations to Heart & Stroke Foundation or Diabetes Canada in Jeff’s memory would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Bob and Lorette Mawson
Sending condolences to all at this sad time
Earl and Julie Bullock
To Kelly as well as all of Jeff’s family.
We were very saddened to hear of Jeff’s sudden passing. Earl and Jeff have made a point of catching up for years while on the road and we had just got a Merry Christmas from him on Christmas Eve. Lots of good talk about trucking days.
A good guy gone too soon.
Sincerely,
Earl and Julie Bullock
Rod & Tammy Parker
Darlene & family
Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies go out to you all at this very sad and difficult time.
The Lord Family
Dear Darlene and Family
Sending you our deepest sympathy.
We are thinking of you and sending hugs of comfort and support.
Deb and Dick Lord
Karen McNeight
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Jeff’s family and friends.
The pictures brought fond memories of my adventures occasionally babysitting Jeff and his siblings when their parents went out.
I remember Jeff sporting a twinkle in his eyes, enjoying a laugh, and lending a hand when needed; obviously traits he carried throughout his life. R.I.P. Jeff
Cathy Batten
Darlene, Carly, Kaycee & little Jace
My condolences to each of you at this difficult time. All of you will have your own special memories of Jeff that you all will treasure forever.
Thinking of you all & sending hugs.
Bob and Nancy Manning
Sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. We first meet Jeff back in 4H and his families cattle showing days. Jeff always had a smile and story for everyone. May the memories you have, bring joy, especially in the coming days.
Lynda Ivanisevic (Balazs)
My condolences to the family. I probably haven’t seen Jeff in 40 years but I grew up down the road with the Bannisters and went to elementary and high school with them. Our parents were also connected.
Jeff was a character and seeing the pictures posted here sure made me smile and remember. He was a kind soul and always happy. He also liked to get into some trouble but that’s why we adored him.
Heaven just got another angel to watch over us all. RIP old friend.
Lisa
Jeff was such an amazing soul! Never a frown always a smile!😊
My condolences to the family!
Charlene Hunter
Dear Darlene, Kelly and Family-
I am so sorry for your loss.
I heard many great stories about Jeff from Kelly about what a kind, generous, great brother he was. Sending thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Gary and Linda Hayter
Shelly, Kelly,Deb, Darlene and families. Gary and I are so sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. Uncle Gary and Aunt Linda.
Scott and Angie Heywood
Darlene and family,
Sending our deepest condolences to all. We are thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Deborah
My condolences to Darlene and family for your loss.
I was so shocked when I had been informed of my brother Jeff passing. He always had a smile on his face even if there were things bothering him. He would never let it show. He loved to be behind the wheel be it either his truck or on a tractor. I remember how happy he was when he got his first rig and so proud to take us for rides to Husky to get diesel. We may not have seen eye to eye about somethings but you were still my brother and I loved you and will miss you. Another brother gone way too soon.❤️
Stu and Susanne McCutcheon
Too young, too soon to a wonderful guy. Our sympathy to all those who knew and loved Jeff – the man with the sweet smile and generous heart.
Jim and Susanne Dewan
Darlene and Family, sorry to hear of the passing of Jeff. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Leon and Helen Coolman
Darlene and Family, we offer our condolences with the sudden death of Jeff. We hope your memories will help you through this very sad time in all your lives.
Brenda Laws & family
My deepest condolences on the sudden passing of Jeff. I am thankful our paths crossed. Jeff was always keen for a road trip or tour. May your memories of Jeff bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Barry McNaughton
Ran into Jeff at the Wyoming Truck Stop, before Covid, he yelled my name at the pumps, it was great to see him in his glory driving the truck!! We would occasionally cross paths at truck stops always a quick chat, and we would always depart laughing at each other!!
He played goalie with our hockey team in Ilderton!!
Rest in Peace Jeff you will be missed!!
Shelley
Darlene and family
It was with such shock and sadness to hear of Jeff’s passing, another brother gone way too early. My heart breaks for everyone he held dear to his heart.
Jeff was a kind brother, he was less then a year older then I and I never let him forget we were the same age for 9 day. Since we were close in age we had many of the same friends at Medway High School, everyone knew me as Jeff’s little sister. We had some great times at Junior Farmers especially the meetings afterwards. We’d venture with the rest of the crew to the well known Lucan establishments, same ones our parents visited years earlier (IYKYK) to share a pint. Now, I wasn’t quite of age yet, but that didn’t stop us and we had fun anyways until we got home. There were always consequences when your brother drove.
It’s no secret Jeff always beat to his own drum whether the sticks were up or down at times, he’d always came out smiling. He showed great, actually astounding perseverance because the more he got knocked down the stronger he rose and if you ever ran into him, nothing was wrong, he always had a grin on his face ear to ear. He didn’t burden you with his mistakes, misfortunes, not even once, he kept his head high and proud as he should for all he accomplished.
From my understanding he found the love of his life, Darlene, whom made him very happy. No judgements to over come, just someone who loved him unconditionally. Another passion he had was his transports, he loved running the roads ever since I can remember. He learnt a lot from the time he received his first big rig till his last and still a happy trucker. I remember going on a run with him when he first started out and it didn’t go as planned, he had hit an overpass with his cargo. He finished the trip and he never got upset, it was just another day like any other to him.
I’m so grateful to have seen him at Matt’s wedding last August and I’ll never forget the three words he said to me that day “love you sis” The best part about it was he meant it. His heart was always in the right place and there was never any judgement.
The employees he worked with at Meter Mix Concrete send their condolences as well.
Jeff, you’ve been taken way too soon from your loved ones and will be truly missed brother.
Shelley
Donnie & Jodie
Darlene, Carly, Kaycee, Jace & Family.
So incredibly sad for your loss of Jeff. You were such a great fit and made the best family together, with a built-in grandson and girls to love. I am so glad he got to be part of that with you all. He will be dearly missed on the road, in the shop, and everywhere in between.
Love and Hugs,
Donnie, Jodie, Mac, Hallee & Nick
Greg and Julie Overholt
Darlene and girls…So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and sending hugs.
Jackie Dewan
The Eight Mile Dewan family knew Jeff since he was just a LITTLE boy who always had BIG ideas! Jeff was such a character and like his parents would welcome you into his home for a fun impromptu gathering! The glint in his eyes and his half grin he wore,will be missed by many. Mike and Jackie Dewan and families
Renee Hodgins
My deepest condolences to you dar, Carly, Kaycee and Jace. My heart is with yous during this difficult time.
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
To Darlene, family and friends
Our condolences to all on the sudden passing of Jeff
Judy (Jory) Hayward
Dear Dar and Family,
Sending hugs and hoping you will find comfort, knowing others care; whether near or far.
Thinking of you at this very heart breaking and sad time. I remain your cousin, Judy (Jory) Hayward
Kathy Heywood
Darlene, Remember that smug smile of Jeff’s. Keep all your memories close to your heart. RIP Jeff, you will be missed
Mary Catherine Dinner & Family
Our deepest sympathy to Darlene and the Stewart and Bannister family. We are thinking of you at this time of sadness and sending our love and sympathy.
Lori Francis (Bannister)
Darlene and family and the Bannister family,
Our sincere condolences to you all, keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Lori, Doug, Emily and Paige Francis
Paul Pavkeje & Colleen Kerslake
Darlene and family:
Our thoughts are with all of you
Sending hugs
Paul and Colleen
Alanah Bugyra- Sivyer abd family
Darlene,
I was so sorry to hear about Jeff. I can’t imagine how hard this must be. Please know I’m thinking of you and your family and sending love during this difficult time.
Janice Davey
Thinking of you Darlene and sending my sincere condolences.❤️
Ralph & Denise Batten
Darlene, our deepest condolences to you and your family on Jeff’s passing. The love you shared was truly special and so evident to all who knew you. He will be missed by many. Sending you comfort, love, and hugs.
Craig & Andrea Alexander
~Darlene & Family~
Sincere Condolences on your loss. May your cherished memories help you through the difficult days ahead.
~ Craig & Andrea Alexander~
Robert Stiltz
I knew Jeff for quite a few years I really liked him he was a great guy I remember him coming over to my Brother n laws dairy farm to talk to Jason’s dad Stephan L Smith about wanting him to sell him his old Mack Superliner truck that had the big Mack V8 n 12 speed Mack transmission Jeff really wanted that old Mack truck
Doug Jones Janet Traquair Emily Smale
Darlene & Family,
Sending our deepest condolences to you all at this time. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. A great man that will truly be missed by many.
Hugs,
Janet, Doug & Emily
Sandy Bannister Wilson
Darlene, Carly, Kaycee & Jace, and the Bannister family,
I am so sad to hear of Jeff’s passing. He was always quick to give a hug, share a smile, a story and a laugh. You will be missed “cuz”. Sending you all my sincere condolences.
JACKIE TERMEER
Hi
Sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing, Jeff, Scott my brother Jim and I all went to school together Medway
and hung out long time ago.
Jim Nyssen
Jackie Nyssen Termeer
John Klaver
So sorry to hear about Jeff’s passing Darlene. it’s way to young. Such a great guy to work with and he will be missed. always enjoyed being around him .
Mabel Needham
Darlene and Family
Sincerest sympathy in the loss of your loved one. Keep your lovely memories close to your heart and he will always be with you. Hugs
Larry & Joanne Glavin
To all of Jeff’s Family
So sorry to hear & quite a shock. Thoughts & prayers are with you all. Jeff was always the same, whenever you saw him, a smile & a friendly conversation.
Our Condolences
Bev Branderhorst
Darlene and family
I’m so sorry for your loss
Brenna and Barry Vincent
Dear Darlene, Carly, Kaycee and little Jace,
We are so saddened to hear of Jeff’s passing. Sending you strength and love at this most difficult time. May he rest in eternal peace. 💗
Ron and Karen Simpson
Dear Darlene, so very sorry to here of Jeff’s passing, you have our condolences.
Way too young.
Mary and Braden Hulley
Darlene…Braden and I are so very sorry to hear of your loss. We are thinking of you
Taylor McLachlin (Dyer)
Darlene, Carly, Kaycee, and Jace
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Uncle Jeff meant so much to our family, and we are incredibly grateful for the love, care, and compassion you have showed him. It brought us great comfort knowing how deeply he was cared for and how surrounded by love he was.
I am so thankful I was able to share special moments with him, including our wedding, memories I will always cherish.
I will always wish he had the chance to meet our sweet Audrey girl, I know he would have adored her just as he does Jace.
Sending you all so much love, strength, and peace during this incredibly difficult time. Love you all xo
Chris Keller
Darlene and Family,
So sorry for your loss. I worked with Jeff for quite awhile and we always got along great. I’ll miss working with him and our friendly conversations.
Kelly Dyer
Dear Darlene Carly and Kaycee and sweet little Jace,
No words can describe how I felt when I received the call on Sunday I got to the hospital as quickly as I could. My Heart felt instantly empty.
Jeff and I (Ron) lived together for a few years when I lived in London in my younger days. Shared lots of laughs and good times and that continued on throughout his life. My brother will be truly missed I was always there to listen and gave him my opinion. HE NEVER JUDGED ANYONE. Would give anyone his last dollar even if he needed it. Sometimes the hard talks we shared I believe brought us even closer together. Glad for all the fun times we had growing up as kids I remember the z28 you were so proud of that car and you being a part of our wedding. You did what you loved the most and that was driving a big truck. So many thing I could talk about but you were a good sole and taken way too soon. Hold the memories you have with Jeff in your heart. ❤️ RIP
Evelyn Vincent
Darlene and family
Sincere sympathy in your huge loss. Pray you can experience peace and comfort.
Lee Anne Mills
Jeff…I am glad to have given you a hug on Christmas Eve. If I knew that would be the last one I would have held on longer. I know you were tired and needed to go. Until we see each other again, Rest in the sweetest Peace. We will miss hearing your laughter. Know we will look after Darlene. Ride on my friend, missed but never forgotten.
Stretch and Theresa Kolkman
We send our deepest sympathy to you Darlene and family. What a shock, guess January 4th is for truckers in heaven xo
George Kennedy
RIP Jeff till we meet on the other side. Going to miss your funny conversations on the phone together and joking, back-and-forth with each other. RIP buddy.
Les Hayter
My deepest sympathies to all who knew and loved him.
Sue
My heart breaks he was a wonderful man. All those years ago when we were young he hauled out of my pit and man did we ever have fun. Great guy made days great. So sorry for your loss and all of us have lost a wonderful human. Please take care. Xoxo
Kevin Hammell
Sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. Sincere condolences to the family.
Teresa Loucks
Sending you all my sincerest condolences. So much to say, but unable to find the words to say it. Tonight, I am imagining a London Township Good Ol’ Boys and Gals Reunion. Sending love and support to you all. Gone too soon.
Diane Edwards
Condolences to the Bannister and Hayter families. I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Jeffery’s Mom, Audrey, when I was just able to walk, when they lived out on the farm. I kept in touch with Janice when she was a hairdresser in Exeter back in the 1970s. Brother Ken Hayter, I have known Ken since I was a baby. He knew my Mom and Dad, Doris and Jim Edwards, and we used to go out and visit Sarah and Lloyd, out on #4 hwy at the farmhouse. You were all so happy. I miss those days and all those people; they made life better back then. Even though we had nothing, we had each other, and we were happy. Ken and his wife Louise came up to see me one last time, not long before he passed away. When I was 3, I told him that he had to wait for me to grow up so I could marry him. LOL
Kendra & Gord Craig
Darlene and family
We are so sorry to hear of Jeff’s sudden passing. May your memories help you through this difficult time.
Gary and Louise Heywood
To Darlene, Carly and Casey we are so sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing please accept our deepest condolences
Dale Cook
Darlene and family
My sincere condolences to you, this was quite a shock to hear of his passing.
my thoughts and prayers go out to you all
Jamie & Ryan Harris
We are so sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing
He will be remembered fondly for his funny Facebook posts and trucking humour, caring spirit. Always a great guy to chat with.
Thinking of all his family and friends ❤️
Jim Oesch
Wow So sad to hear Darlene, sending condolences for you all
Dave & Joanne Walzack
To all Jeff’s family our deepest condolences. We have known Jeff for many years and he was always a true friend to all.
Jim Lewis
Darlene
My condolences on the passing of your love!!
Paul & Paula Gorman
Our deepest sympathies to Darlene and all of Jeff’s family! May the memories you hold help ease you though this difficult time.
Billy Brand & Jenna Becker
Darlene, Carly, Jace & Kaycee and Family,
We are thinking of you all at this very difficult time. Keeping you in our prayers and sending of much needed strength and love!
Big hugs from Jillian, Jaime, Jocelyn, John, Jesse and Joseph
Shawn & Stephanie Rowen
Darlene, Carly, Kaycee, and Jace,
Shawn and I would like send our condolences to you and your family. We are thinking of you all through this difficult time.
Pam Benoit
Darlene and family,
Deepest sympathy to you in the loss of Jeff.
Tracy Stire
Darlene and all the girls,
He was a great guy with a heart of gold and I was honoured to call him friend.
My thoughts & prayers are with you all during your time of sorrow.
Tracy
Brenda and Dave Palsa
Darlene – our hearts absolutely are broken for you- you had found the love of your life and he adored you-there are no words to help
We are thinking of you and the family and send so much love and hugs ❤️😢
Nick and Ali Reymer
Sending our condolences to the Stewart family during this devastating time. We were so heartbroken to hear the news of Jeff’s sudden passing. Our thoughts, love, and prayers to all of you!