Garth VanMeer

Garth VanMeer passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 28, 2020 at North Bay Regional Health Centre. He was 88.

Garth was born on June 18th, 1932 in North Bay to Adelaide and William VanMeer. He attended Tweedsmuir Public School and North Bay Collegiate Institute.

Garth is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Helen VanMeer. He was a loving father to Bill VanMeer of North Bay and Robert VanMeer of Richmond Hill. Survived by daughters-in-law Tiffany VanMeer and Sandy McNama. Garth will be lovingly remembered as "Grandpa" and "Papa" to his grandchildren Sydney, Will, and Andie. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Jackson and Zoe.

Garth was a life-long resident of North Bay. He worked as a salesman and travelled around many different regions of Ontario during his career. An easy-going and approachable person, Garth ended up making many friends and he gathered many stories during his travels. As many of his friends and family know, Garth loved to tell stories and was never short of an engaging tale to tell others.

Garth was a very active member of Emmanuel United Church in North Bay, working at many church suppers, sitting on various committees, acting as a trustee, and being a member of "The Sociables" club. He also volunteered his time for many organizations in North Bay including West Ferris Minor Hockey, ACT, Phone Busters, and the Canadian Cancer Society. His hearty laugh, sense of humour, and kindness will be fondly remembered by many in the years to come.

Garth was also a long-suffering fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, never missing a game on television. He loved to drive and to camp, taking his family across Canada on several occasions. Garth believed in finishing a job and doing it to the best of one's ability.

The family wishes to extend their sincere and heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Joel Carter for his compassionate care and kindness, and to Bill McAskill and the amazing, dedicated, and caring staff of A3 at North Bay Regional Health Centre. We will always remember your compassionate care for Garth and our family.

A private family service will take place in the near future. A celebration of Garth's life will follow in the coming weeks.