Sorry to hear of the sudden loss of Jeff.
Our condolences to the family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great sorrow

Our deepest sympathy from all the girls at Tim Hortons First Street.

We will miss our Blue Jays baseball friend so very much.

Donna-Lee our thoughts are with you and your family . l”LL miss Jeff”s stories about arrow points, the history of Dufferin County&car shows. He was a real dear friend.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal.
Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

My heart bleeds for your loss, but smiles at the warmth of the memories built. Jeff was a wonderful man. Hard working, dedicated, and kind. I will miss his prankster-like ways, his smirk and his heart. A chosen member of our family with his lovely wife Donna-Lee. May we continue to remember, continue to mourn and continue to build new memories… Together! Hugs, prayers and thoughts to all those who loved this man.

May your journey home be a peaceful one. xo

We’ve lost a real character and friend. I worked with John on many Mock Coroner’s Inquests while he was with the Ministry of Labour. He acted as the Judge and a very convincing one at that, always adding lots of twists and turns that none of us expected – the audience LOVED him! The first event went so well, we had to continue running them for many years after and finally reached our National Conference at the Metro Convention Centre where we had a crowd of over 400 and had to turn many people away at the door.
John was a very caring, personable and fun person to all he knew and I heard him talk of his wife and grandchildren often.
I will not forget him.
Tina Forth, Event Co-ordinater, WSPS (retired).

We are so sorry about the loss of Jeff. He will be forever missed

Donna-Lee, so sorry to hear of the sudden loss of Jeff. Our deepest sympathy.

John was a true friend, mentor, motivator and an inspiration to me when I had personal doubts if I could make a difference with safety in the workplace. John took everyone under his wing and made us all believe that injuries are preventable in the workplace. I will carry his encouragement, confidence and enthusiasm with me so that his desire for safety will live on.

My deepest sympathies and prayers to Donna-Lee and family.

He live on in my heart and my actions… such a good man.

I will remember Jeff for his kindness and generosity to a friend in need ! His love of animals ,especially in rescuing his dog from a raccoon ! The world was definitely a better place because he cared for the safety of workers on the job ! Please let us know if you need anything at anytime ! Fondly ,Kathy and Jim domuracki

Our thoughts are with you from the Zehrs Orangeville staff

There are very few monumental men in this this world. Even fewer guardian angels. We were all gifted with both traits in one man. We will carry on forever with the grace, class, and love that you carried all your life.

The world is now in your hands
We know you will forever carry us
Always in our hearts

We love you Uncle Jeff

Having Jeff at the Jays games to talk to made the days even more fun. We will miss him very much and our deepest sympathy to Donna and family.

We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our heart, prays and thoughts are for you.

Ah, Donna Lee, my friend, my heart breaks. Who else introduced me to The Platters, Chubby Checker, my first glass (or three) of killer Italian homemade wine… So much more. Jeff’s wry sense of humor and quiet boosting of everyone around him is a gift we have all lost. That man definitely made a difference in the world, and we will all miss him. Biggest hugs, will see you tomorrow.

Donna and family. Words cannot express how you must feel. Please know that you are in our hearts. Thinking of you Helen Howlett and Wayne Croft.

Donna & Larry . . . . I know these are difficult times and Jeff will be missed. You will look back on many fond memories you both shared and experienced with him over the years. These with time will help to ease the loss you are feeling now. Sincere sympathy to you and your family

Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember our dearly departed. May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days, my most heartfelt condolences.

Bob Semkowski

My condolences to the family of John Halbert. John was my colleague at the Ministry of Labour forany years. He was the go to Inspector for handling serious accidents. He left a void when he retired from the Ministry. Rest in Peace John.

Donna Lee

I’m deeply sorry for your loss
My heart prays and thoughts are for you

I had the pleasure of working with Jeff when I first started off in business many years ago. He took me under his wing and was a great inspiration to me. Glad to have been given the opportunity to cross paths with him. Have and will always have fond memories of Jeff!

My heartfelt condolences to Jeff’s family!

John was a mentor and a true character in the world of safety. He was responsible for molding and invigorating the future of the safety profession. Not too often goes by where I use a “halbert” quote or thought process as I analyze a safety issue or investigation. I too had the pleasure of working with him on a Mock Trial. Many coffees, stories were shared as he really hammered home the true loss of a workplace accident.

Gone but definitely not forgotten. RIP John!!

This has been a very sad time for us. Our deepest condolences to you Donna Lee, Larry and families.

My condolences to his family and friends. John left his make by contributing to safer workplaces for many Ontario workers in their workplaces and as a mentor to future health and safety personal. Will miss you John.

My heartfelt condolences to the family.
He was a proud family man and a beacon of knowledge. John was a colleague and friend at the MOL and mentored many new inspectors over the years. He provided much encouragement, wisdom,knowledge and expertise to all of us.

He will be missed, but will live in our hearts and memories.

I worked with John at the Ministry of Labour. He was a good inspector. I have fond memories of him. What I remember most about John was that he was fair minded in his investigations and he showed compassion, not only to the injured workers, but to the defendants.

John is gone but his spirit lives on.

May his soul rest in peace.

Donna-Lee and family, I am so sad to her of John’s passing. I send my sincere condolences. John took me under his wing back in 1991 when I started with the MOL. He spent many days and hours sharing his knowledge and guiding my growth as an inspector. I will never forget him. All the best during this most difficult time

Esso on Broadway -Harry, Kim and family

We were all shocked and saddened about the news of John. We used to see him on a regular always with smile and good spirit. We will miss seeing him in his winter hat and in the summer coming in with his Mustang.

We all enjoyed his company and he will be dearly missed by all of us. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and want to thank Donna for informing us of his death.

Rest in peace John.

Donna – John was a great friend & co-worker to all who knew him he will be missed My condolences to you & your family

Donna-Lee,

I an so sorry to hear about John.
John was my training officer when I started at the MOL in 1987. I have so many memories and stories about him, especially the times he took this city girl out into the wilds of Dufferin County! When John did a presentation; he kept everyone captivated.
The MOL became a different workplace when inspectors like John retired.
Hopefully I will see you on Wednesday to offer my condolences in person.

You were one of the kindest individuals I have ever met. Always so full of life. Always had words of wisdom. Always had time to listen. I will not forget your wonderful smile and joking personality. There are very few people who would take the time to talk to and get to know a complete stranger… But, you did. I can not forget your kindness and sincere interest in my success as a young person. Now, some 25 years later I think of you and your kind words that reassured me and convinced me that everything would be okay. You wIll be fondly remembered in my heart.
Erica Edelbrock.

You will be missed. Our condolences to your family.

I was a very lucky girl to have had this man in my life.
He was an amazing husband to Donna-lee, their love was an example for us all.
He was the perfect father to Larry, always there for us.
An amazing father in law and friend to me and the best grandfather (poppy) to our children.
To say he will be missed is an understatement.

You will always be in my heart Mr. Halbert <3

Dear Donna Lee and family

We were so saddened to receive news that Jeff had died. The suddenness of his passing pierces the heart. We know how very close-knit you were as a family and now will be a strong support for each other. We wish you comfort in the memories you have, and, in time, peace, knowing that your years with Jeff were well spent.

As we, in our own way, honour Jeff’s life, here on earth, we hope Jeff, from where he sits, will do his part and manage the Jays to a winning season.

Much Love and Many Blessings

We are deeply saddened for your loss. They always take the Best! May his memories live forever in your memories and in your hearts. God Bless xo

Donna-Lee, I am so saddened by the sudden passing of Jeff. I will miss him so much but will think of him often. He would always find a way to put a smile on my face and listen to me ramble on. He has left his mark on my heart and for that i am grateful to have known such a kind man.

Trish Fizzard

Donna, Larry and Family,

Love you all and look after each other. He was a wonderful man and he will be so very missed.

You made this world a better place Jeff.

Sleep well,
Sean Jenn, Ashleigh and Liam

So sorry Donna Lee to hear of the passing of Jeff. Our sincere sympathy. Great guy and so helpful in the workplace.

Our condolence to Mrs. Halbert and her family at this very sad time. We only met John a few times in our time living in Ontario. He was a kind and gentle person. He will be missed dearly.

He is a Good friend and memory, may we all not lose that thought.

So very sorry to learn of the passing of John. My sincerest condolences to Donna Lee and family. John, with his unique personality, had a very big impact on so many of us at the Ministry of Labour.

John Jeffrey Halbert was my poppy and a great man. He will be very missed by all of the family and his friends. We have all mourned together over the last few days and will continue to comfort each other through this very difficult time. My nanny Donna-Lee has been a very strong woman and has been everyone’s rock through this loss and that’s more remarkable to me than anything. My condolences to her and everyone else who will miss poppy Jeff. I love you nanny and poppy xo

I can’t find the words to describe how heartbroken I am that my grandpa passed away. He has been and will continue to be one of the best people I know. Growing up, he called me biggie fry, Avril, Miley etc. I never knew how much I would miss being called those nicknames. He was my absolute bestfriend and hero. He has always been there for me and even in my darkest moments, he never judged me. I miss seeing him walk around the yard with the green shovel, and even though we haven’t been in a few years, I will miss him bringing me, my sister and grandma to the Orangeville Fall Fair. I miss his hugs, he always gave the best hugs and somehow I can still feel them. My nanny has been unbelievably strong and she inspires me. I love you forever poppy, no matter how old I get I will always be your biggie fry. Rest in Peace<3

Donna-Lee,
We are so very, very sorry. We will never forget & are so glad we were able to share a few Blue Jay games with you & Jeff even though they won only one game. We had our first ball game hot dog with the two of you. We have many memories of you & Jeff that we will always treasure.
As a much wiser person said “When your heart is empty, filling it with happy memories can help you find your smile.”
Joyce also sends her condolences.
Love to you & all your family, Your cousins, Margaret & Howie

Donna, Larry, and grand kids, once again our deepest condolences to you all. Kelly and family condolences to you as well. You all did such a beautiful tribute for him. Jeff was loved by so many and will never be forgotten. Hugs to you all.

Donna -Lee, Larry and family
Ed and I were so sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. Know our thoughts are with you
Ed and Donna Ramsay- Chambers

My Grandfather was many things to many people, but to me he was like a god. All seeing and all knowing. If you ever had a question you could turn to him for an answer. He seemed to know a little (or a lot) about everything, how many men are around these days that can craft arrowheads by hand? Not only did he know all these things, but he was always sharing and teaching people things. It is one of his greatest qualities. He simply made the world a better place by sharing a piece of himself with everyone he met. Need your snow blower fixed? Talk to Grandpa. Having troubles with the lawnmower? Talk to Grandpa. Simply need someone to talk to? Talk to Grandpa. Although his hearing wasn’t the best sometimes, Eh Grandma? A true jack-of-all trades. And somehow with all that work he was able to find time to rake up a pile of leaves, and let us kids jump in and make a mess of the yard, all without complaint. It was just the kind of person he was. He was whatever you needed him to be. To try and sum it up with words is just impossible so I consider myself among the lucky few, who were fortunate enough to spend so much time with such a great man. One final thing he has taught me is the meaning to the phrase “never take life for granted”. You never know what can happen. He certainly was not someone who took life for granted. He made the best with what he had, and lived his life to the fullest. So to you all I say this; when you think of him, know that he lived a life filled with love and purpose, don’t be sad, he’s at peace. Be happy that we were fortunate enough to have had the time that we had, and keep those memories close, because we will never meet another like him.

I am deeply sadden by the loss of John. I will miss his life stories and warm heart. He will be missed.

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are extended to you and your family

Donna, our thoughts are with you through this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss at such a young age. We are there if you need anything.

I will never forget that smiling face on the man who knocked on my door and told me he was DonnaLees husband! What an addition to our lives. Keith and Jeff enjoyed telling stories and trading experiences. I love their caring attitudes and will miss his hugs. So glad to have those memories in my life still and will keep Donna in my prayers and heart. See you soon. Remember the good times they will sustain you through this period.

Many years ago I worked with John on a few investigations when he was with the Ministry of Labour. I really enjoyed our conversations and admired him for his dedication to his profession and his thorough investigative skills. He was a nice man. Damon Patterson-Halbert couldn’t have made a better tribute to John.

Michael Janisse, Sergeant, Peel Regional Police (Ret.)

I just returned from Florida and heard of John’s passing. I was very surprised and sadden by the news and offer my sincere condolences. I knew John through safety and he was a professional and knowledgeable person in the safety profession.

Hi Donna Lee

So very sorry to hear of John’s passing. Just found out.
We were away in April.
Bruce always had a lot of respect for John….as did your Dad.
Best to you and your family. Hope you get this.
Kindest regards Margorie (Grime)

Magoo. In two days it will be a year since you left us. The pain is still as strong as it was then and the tears will not stop. I miss everything about you. The endearing and sometimes the annoying but i would take it all just to have you with me. The laughter and joy are gone. You made me laugh every day but that doesn’t happen any more. I know God was kind not letting you suffer but I wanted you here with me for so much longer. Nothing is the same. I have no one to share it with and we shared everything. There is really nothing to look forward to anymore. Not even base ball is the same. I’ve given up our tickets as it just wasn’t the same without you. I love you so much honey and it is hard to face each day without you. Since you’ve been gone you became a great grandpa and Damon has become engaged. I feel so alone. This wasn’t the way it was supposed to be. You are the love of my life and nothing will change that.

Your wife. Patches xo

Ah Magoo. Year three is in two days and I am still coping but life is not the same. So much has changed since you’ve been gone. We now have 3 great-grandchildren. One boy and now two girls in a month. Damon is a Dad. The house is very lonely. Larry is now living in B.C. and this is a lot to take care of inside and out. The chores are endless and there have been a lot of repairs. Think I am going to have to make the decision soon to sell up and move and I really don’t want to. Everyone has been great helping me out but it’s a lot to ask of people.

Still miss you as much as ever and sometimes it seems even more so. Still cry a lot but not as much as before. Miss my daily laughs with you. That’s what made ours such a good marriage. We could laugh at each other and I could always depend on you to come from left field. I wasn’t prepared to become a widow but then again who is? I know I don’t like being one. Well honey. Watch over me and know that I will love you forever and a day.

Your wife,
Patches xo

Year 4 has arrived and still miss you like yesterday. It is surprising how life has gone on without you. Miss your making me laugh everyday. Miss your smile and just being with you. So much has happened since you’ve been gone. Our son is now living in B.C. for over a year. Our Grandson is now staying here with me. This live is so hard without you to share it with. I am being selfish but you left us too soon. There was still so much we needed to do as a couple. It’s just not the same without you. I smile and laugh but all the while I wish you were here to share it with me. Love you as much as I ever did and always will. Forever your wife. Donna-Lee xo

Apr. 6 2021
Me again. Another full circle to year 5 tomorrow. I don’t know how I continue to go on without you as I have done and am still doing. Still miss doing all the things together that we’ve always done. They’re just chores and there is no real joy in them. People keep giving me jigsaw puzzles not realizing that we did them as a couple from when we were first married. Now near the end, that takes me forever, there’s no one there to tell me to take it home. Damon is still here with me and Larry is still out west and doing so very well. You’d be proud of how he is doing. I know I am and I hear from him every day. Our youngest great-granddaughter is as cute as a button. You would really enjoy her as much as you did Damon. I’ll always love you honey but wish you were here with me.

As ever your wife.
,
Patches xo

Dad,

I don’t think a day had gone by that I haven’t thought of you. As I drive down the highway all that time to think and you always cross my mind.. whether it be from past moments in time or wishing you knew I ran the Coquihalla. Lucky haven’t appeared on highway through hell!!! So much has changed since you left us, as things usually do. All though life has gone on, it hasn’t done so without your presence. Love you lots and miss you more..

Hi sweetheart. Another year has passed and still miss you as much as the day you left us. I can’t believe it has been 7 years as sometimes it seems only yesterday. I went west to see Larry last year as I hadn’t seen him in two. Wish you could have been with me to see such a beautiful area he lives in as it would have been another memory that we made together. I am having trouble keeping the inside and out of the house up. I keep thinking it’s time to sell but can’t bring myself to do it.

Our River is such a joy to be with. You would have enjoyed her so much. I must say that Damon is a great dad and is doing such a good job with her. It is so funny to hear her call Larry Grandpa when they talk on the phone. Brings a smile to my face every time.

Well Magoo. I love you dearly and always will but miss you desperately.

Your Patches xo

As i now stand outside, remembering everytime I went to visit, He always had a smile and a handshake for me. Strange as it may seem as a way for your Dad to greet you. But, that said something about him. About who he was inside, more so, who he was one the outside. I was treated as everyone else my Dad would meet. That is not saying he treated me like a stranger, But he treated a stranger like family.

I often go back to those days immediately following his death. My best description is “clarity ” surrounded in a fog. A dense layer of people, some I knew many I didn’t. I listened to them, to what they had to say. Their description of the man most of them called John, my Dad.

He was the clarity though all this, as he always was. He was wisdom, he was strength, he was leadership, and in his own way he was comfort. To all these people he was each of these things, their words not mine. In his death he helped me see what I hadn’t seen before..

The man I called Dad wasn’t just an inspiration to me but in listening to them, he was their inspiration too, My greatest lesson I ever learned from his came from his death.

The clarity of life.
Take time for everyone, for they have something to teach you.
Treat everyone as an equal, as we are all human.
Guide them through their mistakes, as one day they will guide someone else.
Never change who you are, regardless of the situation, as others will know your honesty.
Most of all. Do it all with an underlying sense of humor, that only you get!

Now that the fog has cleared, Seven years without Dad there to greet me, a day hasn’t gone by that he hasn’t guided me. Somedays I cry, others I laugh.
But at least I have clarity.
My Father
My hero…
07-04-2016

Hi honey,
Almost year 8. Still cry a lot but our family has it’s kidneys built too close to their eyes as you well know. Am now having to dole out a lot of chores that I’m not able to do because I just can’t seem to leave here. We have so many memories here and I know I can take them with me but it is very hard to make the decision to move.

Larry was home for Xmas. The first in 5 and River wound him around her finger. He is of course doing well. Too soon old and too late smart but am proud of all his accomplishments as you would be.

Celia and I went to Newfoundland last spring but am staying home this year. It takes me too long to get things done around here so can’t afford the time or money. It was so much easier when we did things together and we seemed to have a lot of fun doing it.

Still miss you like crazy and all my wishing won’t bring you back. Maybe one day I’ll realize that and start accepting that it’s not possible. Know that I still love you as much as ever and that will never change.

Your Pataches xo