Garnet H. Mennell of Barrie passed away peacefully at Hospice Simcoe, Barrie on December 3, 2025 at the age of 85. He was predeceased by his daughter, Christina Rene Mennell (March 11, 1968- March 11, 1989).
Garn was the beloved partner of Lequita Adkins, loving grandfather to Ben Kelso, loving stepfather to Jon Kelso (Lisa), much loved uncle of Linda Hadaway (Dave) and Eric Mennell, great-uncle of Kevin Hadaway (Tahney), Brian Hadaway, Matt Hadaway (Kim), Keewatin Mennell, Nicholas Mennell and Nate Mennell, and great-great uncle of 7 great-great nieces and nephews. He will be sadly missed by all his family and extended family.
Garn was born in Windsor, Ontario on October 31, 1940, and he had many happy memories of his youth growing up there. He was particularly proud of his time in scouting and attending the first World Scouting Jamboree to take place in Canada (or outside Europe) in 1955 at Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Garn attended Assumption University (now University of Windsor) and taught in Windsor-Essex before moving to Simcoe County to continue a successful teaching career.
After retirement, Garn loved winters in Florida where he volunteered at Six Mile Cypress Slough wildlife preserve and at ECHO (an international organization focused on educating and empowering starving families across the globe. He also golfed as much as possible.
Throughout his life Garn had many interests and hobbies – particularly music, golf, sailing, camping and birding.
Garn believed in Goodness, Kindness and Knowledge – in that order, and he lived his life with these in mind.
He will be sadly missed by all who knew him well.
Special thanks to all those who helped and supported us in the past few years.
A memorial service will be held in the Spring of 2026. Full information will be made available at a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice Simcoe, Barrie or to the St. Margaret’s Anglican Church of Barrie – Building Fund.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.steckleygooderham.com