John passed away peacefully at Jessica’s House, Exeter surrounded by his family on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at the age of 84. Cherished husband of Anne (Vanden Hengel) Middegaal for over 59 years. Loving father of Susan and Andy VanDorp, Diane and Ron Coolman, Judy and Craig Rock, and Dave and Amy Middegaal. Proud grandpa of Michael (Briallen), Ashley, Jenny (Mike); Deric, Kendra and Devon; Travis, Karly, Amber (Wyatt); Ryan, and Ali and Opa of James, and Zoey. Dear brother of Chris Dieser, Helen VanMoorsel, Joanne and Cal Garrow, and Maryanne Middegaal. Dear brother-in-law of Dora VanHerk, Catherine Hak, Fr. John Vanden Hengel, Bill and Ev Vanden Hengel, Antonette and John Lane, Gerry and Elaine Vanden Hengel, Tony and Mary Vanden Hengel, Jack and Mary Anne Vanden Hengel, and Rose and Piet Loomans. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Bert and Anna (Smits) Middegaal, brother and sister-in-law Tony and Joan Middegaal, brother Hank Middegaal, brothers-in-law Harry VanMoorsel, John VanHerk, and Harry Hak, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Mary and Ross Daly.
John was a man who believed in the value of an honest day’s work and the quiet satisfaction that came from building something with his hands. He began his working life farming in the Blyth area before opening Middegaal Pools in 1979, a venture that reflected his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. In his retirement years, John found great joy in woodworking and tinkering, carefully creating pieces for his family—lasting reminders of his skill, patience, and love.
John treasured time spent with his family above all else. He shared countless road trips and afternoon drives with his wife, Anne, especially in search of the fall colours he so loved. Many happy moments were spent at his trailer in Bayfield—a place he built himself and one that became a gathering place for family memories. An enthusiast of all his “toys,” John enjoyed snowmobiling, his golf cart, and his classic convertible, always embracing life with curiosity and energy. His legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, to whom he passed along the values of hard work, craftsmanship, and family.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 87 Goderich Street West, SEAFORTH on Sunday, February 8th from 1 – 4 PM.
John’s Funeral Mass will be held at St. James Catholic Church, 22 Victoria Street, Seaforth on Monday, February 9th at 11 AM with visitation 1 hour prior. Spring interment will be held at St. James Catholic Cemetery, Seaforth.
Donations to Jessica’s House, Exeter 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).
Rose Cleaveley
I am so sorry for your loss sending my condolences to you and all your family
Tim & Su Cunningham
Anne, we only just learned about John’s passing, and offer our sincere condolences.
We pray the Lord comforts you and your family at this time.
Helen Craig
Anne & family, My sincere sympathy in the loss of your life partner and husband, and father. You worked together in the pool business providing good service. Memories remain to cherish.
Margaret Novakowski
Anne and family,
Our sincere condolences. Hugs and prayers are with you. Your pictures represent a wonderful tribute to an incredible and loving man.
Love Margaret Novakowski (Kerkhof ) and Paul Kerkhof.
Bill &Joanne Hodge
Deepest condolences to the entire family. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Iain and Sharon Carnochan-Hastie
Dear Anne and family,
Our sincere condolences on the passing of John.
John & Michelle Wilson
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Janice Murray Jansen & Harry Jansen
Our deepest sympathy to you all.. Your in our thoughts and Prayers
Tony & Susan Arts
Deepest sympathies to Anne and the entire Middegaal Family. We are saddened by your loss.
Audrey O’Rourke
Anne and family – My sincerest condolences to all of you in the passing of John. May your special memories bring you comfort.
Jo Van Loon
My heartfelt sympathies Anne and family with the loss of John! May all the good memories keep him forever in your hearts!
Ricki Vansteelandt
Anne & Family
Thinking of you during this difficult time! My deepest sympathy in your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Ricki
Jeanette Connolly
Anne,
I am very sorry with Johns passing. He was a wonderful man and you two were so blessed to have each for such a long memory filled life. I always enjoyed all of our chats and laughs. So to you and your family I offer my deepest sympathies.
The VanderVeens
Anne and family
So sorry of John’s passing, please accept our deepest sympathies.
From the VanderVeens
Mary & Jim Barnes
Dear Anne and family:
Deepest sympathy, know that John is eternally at peace.
Sincerely
Mary & Jim
Gerda Vanden Hoven
May the special memories you hold in your heart bring a smile to your face and help you find peace and comfort at this difficult time. Sending sympathy and prayers to John’s family at this time of loss, but know he is at peace. Cor & Gerda Vanden Hoven
Jane and George Zwep
So sorry Anne and to your entire family on the loss of John. Such beautiful pictures posted here displaying your family and the travels you did together. I remember seeing your family gathered together at different times in Bayfield at Wildwood – such a beautiful place to share with them. Sending strength to you all for the days ahead.
Linda Martens
Anne, Susan, Diane, Judy, Dave and family,
I’m sorry to hear you lost your husband, Dad and Grandpa. You are in our thoughts and prayers ❤️
Alieda Vlasman
Deepest condolences to Anne and the Middegaal and VandenHengal families on the loss of John. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Alieda Vlasman and family
Jeannine Vanneste
Dianne, Ron and family ,
Sending my condolences on the loss of your father, hold on to all the memories. Condolences to the entire family at this sad time.
Rob&Sue Nigh
Sorry to hear about John’s passing. Our condolences to your entire families 🙏🏻
Jim and Ruth Carter
Anne and family …Our Deepest sympathy
Veera Bachu
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I am truly sorry for your loss and hope you are surrounded by comfort and support during this very difficult time.
Andrea Roa
Dave and Family
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your Dad.
Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Many Blessings.
Mary Anne McNichol
Dear Anne and family,
Our deepest sympathy to all John’s family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you face this loss.
Colleen Faulds Walden
Our sincere sympathies to Anne, Sue, Andy and family. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Colleen Faulds Walden & Peter Walden
Cathy Batten
Susan & Andy, Diane & Ron and Families
My sincere condolences to you all at this difficult time. Treasure the special memories that each of you have of him. Thinking of you all, sending hugs.
Joanne Dorssers
Anne my Deepest Sympathy to you and your family.
Nancy Klomps
Dear Anne and family: It has many years since I have had contact with John but I still hold a special space for all the Middegaal family. We are very sorry to hear of John’s passing. Know that we are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Sincere Sympathy – Nancy (Colson) and Bill Klomps
Joe Steffler
Anne and all Middegaal and Vanden Hengel families.
I am sorry to read of John’s passing.
Ron McLaughlin
Sorry to hear of your loss Sue & Andy. I remember John well – Ron & Lois McLaughlin
John & Arlene Berendsen
Sorry to hear of your loss…Thinking of all of you at this time…Arlene & John Berendsen
Mark Heimrich
Anne & family, Middegaal & Vanden Hengel families;
Our sincere condolences in John’s passing. I first met John (& Anne) in the mid 80’s when our Exeter Optimist Club hosted the Home & Garden Show at the South Huron Rec Centre. We were fellow exhibitors for several years. I enjoyed many chats with John then. John was a true gentleman and good man all around. My Mom, Marilyn Heimrich, another show exhibitor, also sends her sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Mark & Julie Heimrich, Sarah, Scott & Spencer & Marilyn Heimrich.
Janet Klaver
My sincere condolences Anne and family on the loss of John.
Edith and Laurence Taylor
So sorry Ann for you loss, We have so many good memories when you were back on the farm, Loved our chats when we met in Seaforth
E&L
Carl and Penny Meikle
Sorry to hear of John’s passing..Keeping all the family in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeannine Jefferson
So sorry to hear of John passing .He will be missed
Katharina Coolman
Condolences to Diane, Ron and the entire family during this difficult time.
Rudy Jansen
Sincerely sorry for your loss and all your family and friends . Hugs and prayers Rudy
David and Karen Griffiths
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Anne and family at this difficult time. Treasure your memories of John and a life well lived. We always enjoyed our little chats and a wave as he went by in his golf cart in Wildwood.
Angela Whalen
Dave and Family
He sounds like a wonderful man and what a wonderful difference his life made to all that knew him.
Condolences my friend and peace be with you.
Tracey Swart (Fischer)
Dear Judy,
So sorry for your loss, I have many fond memories of time spent at your house in high school and of your dad. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Frank & Marian Hallahan
Dear Anne and family,
Our sincere condolences on the passing of John.
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Merv and Maureen Agar
Dear Anne and family,
Thinking of you at this sad time. Merv and Bill Beacom had a long talk reminiscing about the fun they had snowmobiling with John and visiting at your home! Wonderful, happy memories to cherish!
Ken & Lois McLlwain
Dear Anne & Family
Sending our sincere sympathy to you all at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Catherine Melady
Anne and family:
Thinking of all of you at this sad and difficult time.
My deepest sympathy.
Chuck & Pam Ross
Sue, Andy & Family,
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your Dad. Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Jane Downey
Condolences to Anne and family, as well the Middegaal and VandenHengel families, with the death of your dear John.
May the memories and legacy, love and faith that John lived bring you strength and sustenance in your grieving.
From Doug & Jane Downey-Gras
Connie & Mike Marion
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Keeping you Anne & whole family in our thoughts & prayers at this difficult time.
Bill & Sibyl Henderson
Our sincere condolences to the Middegaal and Vanden Hengel families.
Karen Cronin
Judy, Craig & family
Sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Keep him in your thoughts. You’ll always have a guardian angel watching over you.
Truce Ten Hag
Dear Middegaal family,
My deepest sympathy with the passing of John. May your memories help you in this difficult time. My prayers are with you.
Jacqui & Charlie Regier
Dear Susan, Andy and your Families, sorry for your Loss , you have our sympathy at this very sad time. Hold on to your memories….. Jacqui & Charlie Regier
Larry and Dianne McGrath
We are sorry to learn of John’s passing and extend our sincere condolences. Our thoughts are with you.
Mary Lou Aubin
Lloyd and I send our sincere condolences to all of John’s family. I knew John from the time he was a teenager, as well as all of his siblings. I know John will be greatly missed by many family members and friends.
Jacquelyne Mitchell
My sincere condolence to Anne and families. Rest in peace John
Mary Ann Ennett
Sorry for your loss, Ron and Diane
Ans Tolboom
Dear Anne and family,
Our sincere condolences on the passing of John, may memories be helpfull to get you trough this diffecult time.
Joanne Cameron (Carter)
Diane and the Middegaal family.
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Memories never fade, they linger in our hearts forever.
Terry & Ann Kramers
Anne, Susan, Andy and your extended families. Sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you all.
Erv and Ansberth Willert
Diane & Ron,
Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Jessie Greidanus (Leeming) and Family
Sending love, hugs, and prayers to Anne and family. He was an amazing man who welcomed anyone with open arms. So many good memories had at wildwood, the home pool, and playing/helping in the shop.
Larry and Helen Cook
Anne and Family,
Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of John. Middegaal Pools was our go to place for pool supplies for many years. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and yours at this time.
David & Karen Brouwer
Our deepest sympathies Middegaal family. You all are in our thoughts & prayers.
Mike and Ruthanne Lobb
Dear Grandma Middegaal, Andy and Sue, Ashley, Jenny and Mike, and Mike and Briallen. We are so sorry to hear about the passing Grandpa. Please know that our thoughts are with your family during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the memories you shared and in the love that surrounds you.
Wishing you peace, strength, and healing.
With heartfelt sympathy, Mike and Ruthanne Lobb
Ann ( Rivers) Preszcator
Dear Anne and Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this dad time.
Bryan and Lynda Vincent
Anne and the whole family, our deepest sympathies in the passing of John! Such a great guy and family! Thinking of all of you at this time!
Cathy Schuster
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Paul and JoAnne Matthews
We were saddened by the passing of John. Our prayers go out to you and your family. Stay strong .
Familie van Doornik. Holland
Dear family, condolences and much strength.
Carol Leeming
Dear Anne and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of John.
My condolences.
❤️
Rob &Tara Russell
Sue, Andy and family members
Condolences to you and your family.. the lost of a father is never easy it’s ❤️ breaking… Thinking of you and sending support and prayers as you move forward 🙏
Brian & Helen Oldfield
Dear Anne, Susan & Andy, and John’s entire family, we send our sincere condolences at this sad and difficult time. May your cherished memories bring peace and comfort to you in the days ahead. A full life, well lived.
Regi and Bill Whyte
May your memories keep your heart’s happy.
Joan Stapleton
My deepest sympathy to Anne and the families – a very gentle, talented man who will be missed.
Gwen and Jamie Hugill
Dear Anne and family,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. He sure was a handy man as I am looking at the quilting frames he made. He is now at peace and out of pain.
Paul & Lori Parsons
Deepest sympathies, our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Treasure your memories and be comforted knowing he will always be watching over you and in your hearts.