Adrian Van de Laar

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Adrian Vandelaar at the age of 75.  Adrian, surrounded by his beloved wife, Janet and their children; Tayte, Chase and Jayda, passed peacefully at home and went with great assurance to his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ on Monday, October 12, 2026. Adrian is predeceased by his father, Govert, his mother, Pietronella (van Beek) his older brother, Ruddie Vandelaar and his step-daughter, Allyson Wilson.

Adrian was born at Collingwood General and Marine Hospital on September 25, 1951 and grew up in Vespra (now Springwater) township with his parents and 4 siblings whom he loved deeply. After losing both of his parents within 6 months of each other at the age of 21, he dedicated his early adulthood to raising his two youngest siblings. Adrian met and later married his soulmate, Janet and they shared the joy of raising their 3 children together in Minesing.

With no promise of full-time, permanent employment, Adrian was hired at the City of Barrie in September of 1973. He was told that he “should look for another job as he would probably be laid off by Christmas”. They neglected to tell him that that Christmas would be 35 years later! Adrian worked hard, never accepted “no” for an answer and persevered through every obstacle life threw at him. These are the traits that carried him through a long and successful career where he was able to retire at the age of 56 so that he could spend more time with his family, whom he cherished.

He made many lifelong connections wherever he went as he would talk to anyone, usually meeting at far-off places in the “smoking section”.  He also developed relationships with many co-workers who worked with him and for him.  Always being the go-to guy when needed and never being able to say no.  He was the “fixer”. Also, everyone was well aware of his desire to be impeccably dressed, down to the creases in his jeans. Adrian described himself growing up as “rebellious, but well dressed”.

Adrian’s favourite pastimes include fishing, Formula 1 (he especially enjoyed watching his favourite driver, Max Verstappen) and driving his 1988 Corvette, a car he dreamed of having growing up. Adrian also enjoyed travelling the world with his best friend, Janet. Adrian and Janet shared many wonderful memories in their travels to Europe, all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic and Mexico, Myrtle Beach and their Caribbean cruise. Most of all, he loved spending time with his children whom he adored with every ounce of his being. His favourite title was “Papa”. He enjoyed spending time with his step-daughter, Vanessa (Brandon) Oevering, playing card games, drinking coffee and helping with many projects around their house.

Adrian will be deeply missed by all of those who came to know him. Many times over the last year we have heard “he is my best friend”, and “I don’t know what it is about him, but I just love Adrian”. He never understood why he was so important to so many people and what he did to deserve the love that he was shown. Adrian will be especially missed by his wife; Janet, his precious children; Tayte, Chase and Jayda, his cherished step-daughter; Vanessa (Brandon) Oevering, his beautiful grandchildren; Reilynn and Gracelyn, and his siblings; Anna (Doug) Thew, Joanne (Jim) Bertram, and John.

We would like to acknowledge the compassionate care given to Adrian by Dr David Evans and his home nurse Colleen Boyd-Wormsley.

Love is patient, love is kind, love never ends (1 Corinthians 13).