Johnathon (John) William Vanderhaar of Bluewater passed away unexpectedly on June 10, 2023 at the age of 46 while on duty as a Volunteer Firefighter.
He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 12 years, best friend, and travel partner Della (Hayden) and his dog Daisy. Cherished son of Doug Vanderhaar and Anita Vanderhaar of Bayfield. Brother to Angie (Bob) Fisher of Bayfield and Brad (Amanda) Vanderhaar of Kingston. Son-in-law of Bill Hayden and Barb Desjardins of Port Albert, and Barb Hayden of Goderich. Brother-in-law to Dan (Bridget) Hayden of Port Albert. Fun and loving uncle to Cole, Denver, Finley, Amelia, Sawyer, Carman, Anthony and Sebastian. Also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Predeceased by Oma and Opa Teresa and Gysbert Vanderhaar, grandparents Ethel and Bernie Tipert, uncles John and Don Vanderhaar, and fur babies Shya, Sam, and 6 month old Buddy, who joined John just two days later.
John was born on May 17th, 1977 in Goderich, Ontario. Throughout the Bayfield area, John was known for lending a hand for jobs big and small, in his quiet and humble way. He was widely known as a hard worker and the proud owner of Bayfield Tree Service. As a respected and dedicated member for 14 years of the Bayfield Fire Department, he honorably served his community. Above all, he was always on call for family and friends when they were in need.
John’s generosity, kind smile, blue eyes and laid-back personality will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Cremation has taken place. There will be a private family funeral. To also honor John’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Bayfield Community Centre on Friday, June 23, 2023, from 1pm to 5pm with Words of Remembrance at 3pm.
Special thanks to the Bayfield Fire Department, Huron County Paramedics, and the emergency staff at Alexandra Marine & General Hospital.
Donations can be arranged by and entrusted to McCallum & Palla Funeral Home, Goderich. Donations by cheque only can be made to the Bayfield Fire Department (cheques payable to the Municipality of Bluewater), The Heart & Stroke Foundation, Children’s Health Foundation at LHSC , Bayfield Community Centre (cheques payable to BFIT) or a charity of your choice.
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).
Amelia Vanderhaar
I Miss you
Beverley McLelland
Sincere condolences to you and your family, knowing John since birth he always had a quiet yet playful spirit who was a joy to our family. Watching John grow up, he was always the same, humble guy. An honour to know his character remained true to a lovely wife, a dear uncle, brother and son and to his community. My thoughts and prayers go to each and everyone of the family. May it bring some comfort knowing others care and share in your grief and in finding our daily strength, courage and peace in our Heavenly Father and in our Savour Jesus Christ. Blessings to all, Beverley McLelland (Schilbe)
Ken Johnson
I will only need to look up in the trees to see the smile on his face. Soar.
Michele McDonell
Della,
My sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your husband.
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Stephen Jacob
To all of the VanderHaar families, we are sending our heart felt condolences . So sorry for your loss.
Stephen and Colleen
Kenneth McLean
John helped my family so much with taking care of trees that needed to be brought down. He was always friendly and kind in every interaction we had. His support of the community both through his company and part of the Volunteer Fire Department will be greatly missed.
Dwight & Karen Zehr
Della,
You are in our hearts and thoughts, and ask in prayer to the God of all Comfort that he wash his peace over you at this time of sadness.
Our deepest sympathy to the Vanderhaar and Hayden families.
Marcia Russell (Feddes)
I went to school with John, so sad to hear of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Rob Pierce
Della and Family
So very saddened to read the notice of John’s passing in the paper. I very much enjoyed my drives to see John and our visits.
May he Rest in Peace.
Rob Pierce
Kirsten/Rob Harrett
Sadly John’s runway in life was shorter than most but also more meaningful than most. We’ll remember his smile, his kindness and generosity. He gave the ultimate sacrifice and will never be forgotten by us, or by this community that clearly loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Matt Dattolo
Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. My deepest condolences to your loved ones.
Rest in Peace Hero..
Marie & Sheri Hughes
There are no words to express our condolences to the Vanderhaar family. May your loving memories of John bring you some solice during this extremely painful loss. Marie & Sheri Hughes.
Earl and Claude Cherniak
Shock and dismay at the untimely passing of such a talented and fine man, who we knew and admired for many years. Our sympathy and condolences to family and friends for your loss.
Earl and Claude
Sharon Sinnamon and Family
Sending our heartfelt sympathy to Della, Doug and Anita and all the Vanderhaar Family. Very sorry for your sudden loss of John. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Sharon and Family
Sandra Dunning
I was so saddened to hear this news about John. I have known him for many years. The first time I met him he came to my cottage with his Dad to give me advice on getting a lake view for my property
Since then John has helped me out on a yearly basis including this spring.He was a gentle , kind and caring man who will definitely be missed. One of a kind.
My condolences to all the Vanderhaar family at this very difficult time.
Gerd & Astrid Keller
Our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of John. We are so very sorry about your loss. John worked a lot of times at The Old Homestead and it was always a pleasure to have him around. We will miss him for sure.
June and Arnold Meader
Della, know that our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. The Meader family
Dianne Loerchner
Our most sincere condolences to Della, Doug, Anita and the rest of the family. John was an awesome man with a very kind heart and we will miss him deeply. Wolfgang and Dianne
Jim and Mabel Clark
Condolences to the Vanderhar family.John always did a good job for us.A beautiful smile Cherish your memories.
Bruce and Carol Haselgrove
Della so, so sorry to hear of John’s sudden passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this most sad and difficult time. As your community comes together with you to mourn and honor John, may you find some comfort in the memories of of good times together and his legacy of community service. Bruce and Carol Haselgrove
Linda Wagg
Della, wishing healing and peace to you and your family. John is gone from our sight but always in our hearts.🙏💕Murray and Linda Wagg
Josh Alexander
Deepest condolences to the family. Terrible loss.
Janet & Herb (Van Loo) Jacobs
Our deepest condolences in the passing of John. Wishing you peace during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thinking of you in these difficult times.
Nancy and Rob Boyce
Thinking of you Della. We are so sad for your loss. Our condolences to the Vanderhaar and Hayden family.
Janet Farrell
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy on your loss of John. He was a great man & touched many lives. Our hearts go out to you during this difficult time. His quick smile and kindness will be greatly missed. Janet Farrell & Travis Postill
Lyanne & Barry Braun
We met John almost 10 years ago when he cut down some trees for us and has supplied us regularly with mulch ever since. He also helped to rescue our cat 45 feet up in a tree. He never charged for this. He only asked us to “pay it forward”. John was always quick to serve but slow to collect what he was rightfully due. It is not surprising that he would have risked his life to save someone else. His reward was always in the service of others. Although, not a family member, he was like a cousin to us. We will miss John and his sense of humour dearly.
Murray /Linda Wagg
Wishing Della and your family healing and peace. John may be gone from our sight but not from our hearts🙏💕
Diane McKinley
I’m truly sorry for your loss. I didn’t know John, and he sounds like an amazing young man. Anita, I send you and your family much love.
Barry and Monica Page
Dear Della. We are saddened to read of your husband’s passing, and we send you our deepest sympathy.
Sandy Reinsma
I am so sad for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Susan & David BENDER
Our most sincere condolances to all of John’s family.
We had the pleasure of working with John for over past 5 years.
He was a friendly can-do person- will miss him.
You are all in our thoughts and Prayers.
Thankyou John.
Anne Johnston
Our deepest Condolences go out to Della and the Vanderhaar Family, anyone who met John knew of his compassionate soul. As a Daughter of a past Bayfield Firefighter, I understand the toll it takes on the Firefighter’s and their Families serving our wonderful Community. Thank you to John to his selfless service to the Bayfield area serving as a proud Fireman. May you find comfort in all the beautiful memories spent with John. Sincerely, Brian and Anne (Haw) Johnston
DANIEL EDEN
I met John in Feb. of 2000 when I was trying to put a mail box in on high 21 in the middle of a snow storm and he stopped and helped me get it in after he stopped laughing. Then I was looking for some cows to buy so I could fatten them up and I called him and said he new a place. So we went and looked at them and I bought them. So John offered to get a trailer so we could bring them to my property and when he showed up we opened the doors on the trailer and there was some holes in the floor. I said John what about the holes he Laughed and said no worries. So we loaded the 4 cows and started to drive down river road and a fox ran across the road so John stopped hard. John said we should get out and check the cows out and I can hear John laughing very load and I said what he said the floor not that good and one of the cows leg was coming out of the floor. After he stopped laughing he said no problem got in and some how got the cow up and it was fine and went on our way. I called John so he could cut some trees down and he was here on April 19th this year and He was on his trusty blue ford tractor and I took a picture of him and he had the biggest smile he was doing what he loved. Rest in Peace my friend
Norah Purser
Dear Della…words escape me..grief my unwelcome friend expanding its grip. Know that John is in good hands, Matt holding the window open to greet him.
We get you, our support unwavering…
Sympathies extended to your family and friends.
Tony Bedard.
As parents of a Fire-Fighter son.. we know they give all of themslves to those they serve.. So sad for the loss of a loved one . !!
Marilyn and Bill Hack
Dear Della and families, we are so sorry to hear of your loss, please accept our condolence at this sad time. You are in our prayers.
Bill and Marilyn Hack
Bill and Trudy Aberhart
John’s gentle, kind, do anything for you demeanour along with his quick smile will be missed very much. Our condolences to Della, Doug and families, as well as the Bayfield Fire Department.
Bob and Jenny Langendoen
Our condolences to all the Vanderhaar family, gone too soon
Jerry and Judy Hagarty
We were deeply saddened at the news of John’s passing. We have known him for years through his tree service and he had always provided expert, timely and professional support for our needs. We join so many others in offering our deepest condolences to John’s family, his many friends and his colleagues at Bayfield Tree Service and at Bayfield’s Fire Department.
Marlene Brall
Sending our sympathy to Della and the families.We were saddened to hear. Thinking of the family at this difficult time.
Raye and Dianne Armstrong
Our deepest sympathy to the Vanderhaar and Hayden families at this tragic time. Our thoughts are with you. Gone too soon!
Darlene Halliwell
We are so sorry to hear this sad news about John. Like many people we had the honour of meeting John through his tree service. Sending our deepest, heartfelt sympathy to his family.
Darlene and Keith Halliwell
Marsha Faubert
We were deeply saddened to hear the news about John, who we had the pleasure of meeting many times in the last dozen years through his tree service. Sending heartfelt condolences to his sister Angie and the entire Vanderhaar family.
George Surdykowski and Marsha Faubert
Steintje Schoemaker
Sending my sincere condolences to the Van der Haar families.
John Vanderland
Condolences to the Vanderhaar family. I have great memories from when I was a kid playing with John. We had a lot of fun. Gone to soon.
Dorothy Freeman
I send my condolences to the Hayden families . Always great neighbours.
Bonnie Swarthout
Dear Vanderhaar Family
Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Wishing each of you peace, comfort ,courage
and lots of love at this time of sorrow.
Bonnie (White) Swarthout
Lori Webb Thompson
On behalf of the Bayfield Artist Guild, I offer our sincere condolences to the Vanderhaar family You have our heartfelt sympathy, Anita.
Allan & Christine McWhinney
Della & Families, we were saddened to hear of your immense loss. Although we didn’t know John we have heard nothing but great things about him and can only imagine how much you and the community will miss him. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sue Burton
Our condolences on the loss of John. With sincere sympathy, Sue Burton and Mike Beatty.
Linda Grunert
I am very shocked to here of John’s sudden passing. I met John more than 10 years ago through my job as building manager when we hired Bayfield Tree Service to cut some trees and remove letters from the building. Everytime we needed tree trimming, we always called Bayfield Tree Services first. John’s wit, sense of humor and hard working standards made it a pleasure working with him and he will be very much missed. My condolences to his family. He is going to be missed.
Vicki Carter
Our deepest sympathies go out to all of you. John’s commitment to Della, his family and his fire fighter family, will always be cherished.
Vicki Carter & Sean Flynn
Scott Austin
Rest in peace John. Your efforts will always be remembered in the community.
Scott Austin
Jill Sygrove
I was hired on the fire dept the same time as John and was neighbours for a few years as well. I fondly remember John getting me out out of snowbanks on a regular basis whether it be in my jeep or snowmobile. This community will definitely feel the loss of this kind man who helped everyone.
Riley Bere
Rest In Peace John. I’ll always smile when I recall my time working at Bayfield Tree Service with you, Jason and Cory. It was a pleasure to learn from someone so dedicated to their craft and the community you served. We’re all lucky to have met a kind and genuine person like you.
God Bless Texas,
Riley
Lea Ann Veysey
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Mary Ann & Jerry Bowles
To Doug, Della & family.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy on your loss of John. He was a great man & touched many lives throughout the community. Our hearts go out to you during this difficult time.
Tony & Judy Hutchings
So very sorry for your loss……our sympathy to all of John’s family
May you find comfort in your loving memories!
Tony & Judy Hutchings
Debbie Detweiler
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sorry for your loss, John will truly be missed by everyone.
Ruby Eimer
My heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the Vanderhaar family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Johanna Steegstra
Our sincere condolences to the Vanderhaar family and Della in loss of John.
He will be missed
Sincerely
Johanna Steegstra and family
Becky and Dave McIvor
I’m so deeply saddened by your loss Anita and all of the Vandaharr family. May John RIP . Remember all the good things and hold them very close .
Katherine Larsen
I am very sorry to hear of John’s passing but not at all surprised it was in the act of helping another. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Andrea and Mike Bentley
So sorry for your loss, Della and family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike and Andrea
Joyce & Jake Brown
We are so sorry for your loss. The entire Vanderhaar family has our sympathy. We have each and every one of you in our thoughts and prayers. Keep your memories close to your heart ❤️
Joyce (Hartman) & Jake Brown
Stephanie Dougall
A fond memory I have of John, was seeing him out at a local shack while out snowmobiling! He had many talents and interests! Our condolences to Della and the Vanderhaar family and all of those who knew and loved John.
Jan & Doug Stoll
You will be missed 😢. Your ready smile comes to mind whenever I think of you. My thoughts and prayers to his family and all who knew him.
Aunt Janet
Kristy & Wilfred Mostrey
Thinking of the Fisher, and Vanderhaar family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
George & Elaine Ducharme
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. Such a tragedy.
George & Elaine Ducharme
Shelley Merner
Our deepest condolences to all the families of John. We are heartbroken for you and hope you can share beautiful memories while you deal with this tragic loss. Please accept the love and support from those who are willing to help.
Shelley and Dan Merner
Alison Fuller
Sending heartfelt condolences to you and your family we were so saddened to hear of your loss. Thinking of you through this difficult time and please know our loving thoughts embrace you each and every day.
Peter and Sherry Postma
We are saddened by your loss. Our Deepest Sympathy to all the Vanderhaar family . You are in our Thoughts and Prayers
Murray and Kathy Hunking
To All The VanderHaar Family, Kathy and I are So Sorry For Your Loss .You are All in Our thoughts and prayers .