Neil Vingerhoets

It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Neil Vingerhoets, who passed at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie on September 24, 2025, at the age of 82.

Born in the Netherlands, Neil was one of seven children who emigrated to Canada, originally settling in Oka, Quebec. Neil then spent his youth in Manotick and Cornwall, Ontario.

Sgt. Neil Vingerhoets was proud to serve with the Ontario Provincial Police for over 30 years. He began his career in 1964, serving in Emo, Central Patricia, Rainy River, Minaki, and Barrie, before finishing his service with the Barrie District Headquarters Communications Unit, and retiring in 1995. His dedication, integrity, and leadership left a lasting impact on the communities he served and on the many colleagues who worked alongside him.

Neil was known for his unwavering willingness to help others, his jovial personality, and his commitment to his family. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it, then go out and buy three more shirts of various sizes and colours to give them as well.

Neil will be forever missed by his wife Jean, his children Rob (Eva) and Catherine (Mike) Vingerhoets, and his grandchildren Izzie, Nicholas, and Brennan. Neil is predeceased by his brothers John and Frank. He is cherished by his sisters Lucy (Harry) and Mary, and his brothers Andy (Tina) and Peter (Lise), along with their extended families. Neil will be dearly missed by Jean’s children, Lucy (Tim), Rachel (Doug), George (Louise), Dennis (Jackie), Art (Sandy), Diane (Murray), Marie (Joe), Dave (Tammy), and their extended families.

Neil’s life will be celebrated at Legacy Funeral Home (55 Cedar Pointe Drive, Barrie, Ontario), where family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance. A visitation will take place on Tuesday, September 30th (5:00-8:00 pm), and the service will be in the Chapel on Wednesday, October 1st at 11:30 am, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ‘Regional Renal Program’ at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH).