John H. Spahr

John Henry Spahr, age 66, ended his battle with cancer at Hospice Simcoe on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at 7:09 pm, with family beside him.   Despite his pain, he stayed strong until the end, never losing his sense of humour.

Born March 20, 1956 in East York Ontario to parents Carol and Heinz, he grew up in Victoria Harbour, fishing with his dad and tinkering with classic cars.  He worked as a machinist at Chubb, moving to Barrie in 1978.  In 1983, he met his wife Susan, and her son, and they soon had two more children.  After the factory closed its doors, he opened his own machine shop in 2006.  He designed and machined centrepin reels which were well loved and highly sought after in the local fishing community and beyond.  When he wasn’t fishing or camping with his family at his renovated school bus in Callander, he could always be found at the dog park with his dogs.  In his later years, he loved playing cards with his wife, taking walks with his mom, driving his 68’ Chevelle, and sharing stories and laughs with friends at the local pub. But his favourite pastime was making memories with his children and grandchildren, and watching them grow.

He is survived by his wife Susan, his children Nathan (Alison) McNeil, Nicholas (Meagan) Spahr, Haley (Ben) Langlois, his mother Carol Ashworth, his step brother Mark Bean, along with 4 grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his father (Heinz) and stepparents (Jim, Rose, and Annaliese).  His family will honour his legacy by living their lives to the fullest and continuing to make memories together.  He will be dearly missed.

A celebration of life will be held at Malone’s Pint House at 118 Bradford St. On Sunday, April 2 from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm.  All are welcome.  As John would have wanted, casual dress is preferred.

Memorial contributions are welcome online, by phone, or in person at Hospice Simcoe at 336 Penetanguishene Road in Barrie.  https://hospicesimcoe.ca/