Michaël J. F. Haring

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Michaël Johannes Franciscus Haring, who was surrounded by loved ones at the Georgian Bay General Hospital in Midland, ON, on January 24th at 5:05 pm.

Michaël was born in Delft, Holland, on June 30, 1940, to his parents Jacomina and Johannes. He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 59 years, Catharina (Tini) Van Opzeeland. He was a cherished father to his two sons, Mark (Debra Cyr) and Ryan (Christa Zwaan), and a proud Opa to his three beloved grandchildren: Annaliese, Raymond, and Emma. He is also remembered with love by his brother Hans and his wife Gilda, who reside in Delft, Holland.

Michaël served nearly two years with the Dutch Marine Corps in New Guinea before marrying Tini in Delft in 1966. Together, they later immigrated to Canada, where he built a fulfilling career as a toolmaker in Barrie. Throughout his career, he worked with several companies in Simcoe County, including Canadylet, Plastomer, Canplas, IRDI, and Techform. He also shared his expertise as an instructor at Georgian College.

A man of many talents, Michaël built the family's first home in Canada on Highway 93, where he and Tini raised their children. Later, they moved to Anten Mills, settling on Binnie Drive, where many cherished family memories were made. The family also enjoyed summers at their beautiful beachfront home on Georgian Bay, where Michaël loved spending his time boating, fishing, and making memories with his grandchildren.

Outside of his career, Michaël found immense joy in his many hobbies. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved golfing, fishing, camping, hunting, and taking boating trips on Georgian Bay. He also had many creative talents, spending much of his time making pottery, jewelry, and glassblowing in his earlier years. He was a talented craftsman and a gifted teacher in his crafts.

After retiring, Michaël and Tini enjoyed winters in Florida, where he spent his days golfing, playing bocce ball, and enjoying cocktail hour with friends. In more recent years, they settled in the Park Place Retirement Community in Wasaga Beach, ON, where they continued to enjoy their time together.

Michaël was a beloved husband, father, brother, opa, and friend. He lived a wonderful, long life surrounded by loving family and friends, making beautiful memories along the way and touching the hearts of many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.