Anthony “Tony” Stephen Boothman

Tony left us peacefully on January 27, 2026, surrounded by the people he loved most, his family. He lived a full, spirited life; one rooted in family, friendship, curiosity, and a lifelong appreciation for anything with wheels and an engine.

Born in Manchester, UK, Tony was the son of Frederick and Evelyn Boothman and grew up alongside his brother Rick and sister June. In 1969, he married Margaret (née Ogden), beginning a partnership that lasted 56 incredible years. Soon after their wedding, the two of them packed a suitcase, took a leap of faith, and started a new life in Canada. Tony put his Jaguar training to work as a mechanic in Brampton, while Margaret quickly found her first job in a factory making engine parts.   Within days they were settled, and within months they were homeowners, a testament to their determination and teamwork.

Their life together grew even richer with the arrival of their first daughter, Jacqueline (Steve Smyth). Shortly thereafter, they moved from Brampton and settled into a gentler pace of life in Barrie, ON, where their hearts and their home became complete with the birth of their second daughter, Patricia (Matthew Goodchild).

But Tony found his greatest joy in becoming “Grandad” to Turner and Graeme. Whether he was cheering at a hockey game, listening proudly at a music show, or gathered around the table for a Sunday dinner with a pint of Guinness and a taste of single‑malt, time with his family was what he cherished most.

Tony had a natural ability to connect with others and a deep appreciation for staying active and social. He was a longtime member of the Barrie chapter of the Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group, often heading out for Sunday rides with his mates…sometimes to Nicolin Farms, sometimes with no destination at all, just the thrill of speed and the freedom of the road. He loved restoring cars and bikes, often buying them in assorted boxes and crates of random parts and investing hours in putting those pieces back together until they were road ready. Of the dozens of restorations he did in his lifetime, he took particular pride in his Triumph motorcycle and Sunbeam Alpine convertible.

His hobbies led him to many communities and friendships: the Huronia Radio Control Club model airplane group, the Dufferin Pool Hall on Wednesday nights, and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 147 on Tuesdays for snooker. He was known to be a pretty decent shot, too!

Those who knew Tony saw how willing he was to help anyone, anytime, with anything. With an encyclopedic memory and a knack for fixing almost anything, he was the person you turned to with questions about engines, history, tools, or just about life. He was an avid reader, a patient teacher, and a man who found comfort in simple pleasures: his favourite chair, a good book, a glass of wine, and a dog curled by his side.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff and volunteers at Hospice Simcoe for their exceptional care, compassion, and support during Tony’s final days.

Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Those wishing to honour Tony may consider a donation to Hospice Simcoe.
Memories and condolences can be shared online at www.peacefultransition.ca.