Jonathan Peter Vander Zaag

It is with heavy hearts, we share that the unthinkable happened on the morning of Friday, March 31st. At the age of 24, our Jono passed away in a tragic accident on the family farm.

Jonathan was born at RVH in Barrie on April 30th to Peter and Kate (nee Russell) Vander Zaag, he was the youngest of six children and completed our big loving family.

Dearest brother to Emily (Jeremy) Zwygers, Tina (Marc) Molenaar, Jessica, Madeline, and Jacob (Kim). Funnest Uncle to William, Elliott, Jude, Margot, Leah, Miles, Payton, Owen, Joshua, Layla and Baby Hannah. Cherished grandson to Bernice and the late Harry Vander Zaag, and Mirabel and the late John Russell.

Loving life partner to Caitlin Goodman, his high school sweetheart. They met at Banting Memorial High School where Jono was valedictorian for their graduating class in 2016. Together they continued their studies at the University of Western Ontario and Jonathan completed his BESc in Mechanical Engineering in 2021. Jono and Caitlin lived together in Toronto this past year with their dog Kasey.

Growing up in such a big family meant lots of sports, and Jono was an avid hockey, ball hockey, soccer, and rugby player. He shared the family love of skiing and snowboarding that started with his Opa Harry.

We will remember Jono's easy smile, contagious cheerful energy and his big hugs. He was the life of the party and could often be found in the center of the dance floor. Jono was a gracious, loyal and loving friend.

The Vander Zaag and Goodman families would like to thank the heroic efforts of the first responders, as well as the doctors and nurses at the Stevenson Memorial Hospital in Alliston. We would also like to thank the W. John Thomas Funeral Home, and the Nottawasaga Inn Resort & Conference Centre for helping us say a beautiful goodbye.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the CAMH Foundation, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Kyle Coleman Memorial Fund or any other organization that you feel honours Jonathan's memory.