Kavelaar, Arie Harold
June 2, 1957 - September 18, 2025
After a heroic battle with cancer, Arie Harold Kavelaar of Meaford, Ontario, passed away peacefully at home on September 18, 2025.
Arie was predeceased by his father, Arie Kavelaar, and his mother, Maatje Johanna Fabrie, both from the Netherlands. He is survived by his wife, Maribeth Legris, and his daughters from his first marriage to Janet Lewis: Devon (Phil) and Heather (Andrew) as well as Maribeth’s daughter, Monet. He also leaves behind his four beloved grandchildren: Dylan, Spencer, Myles, and Logan. Additionally, Arie is survived by his father’s wife, Diane, his brother Dirk (Debbie), his sister Helena (Jim), and his nephews Brody (Marissa) and Braeden (Megan).
Arie was blessed with many friends and family who filled his life with love and joy. He enjoyed a variety of sports and activities, including hockey, dirt biking, golf, swimming, snowmobiling, and spending time on the water. He especially cherished ski trips with his children and sons-in-law, particularly after Phil switched from snowboarding to skiing, and was so proud of Dylan’s first day on skis. Arie excelled in most sports and loved reminiscing about the day he parred Riverstrand, his four hole-in-one shots, perfect runs, and all the fun he had with his best friend, Rolan Koper.
We are so very fortunate to have had Arie in our lives. Arie lived his life to the fullest, and with the help of friends and family, he resumed golf (and still beat everyone) after life-altering surgery. He enjoyed getting out on the boat, checking out the Couloir Extreme one last time (thank you, Al Buck), and, with the help of Al Brodie, adjusted to a wave runner and a motorbike again! Arie loved sharing his time with as many friends and family as possible. He was grateful for all the love and friendship shared with him and thankful for everyone in his life. Arie put up such a brave fight, and he will be deeply missed.
Arie, we lived our lives for the moment, thinking we were having so much fun that it might be illegal. Now, your friends and family will cherish their memories with you, and your story will become part of our memories for eternity.
An Après celebration of Arie’s life will take place at Georgian Peaks Club in the Main Lodge on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 from 2 until 5 p.m. with a service and tributes shared at 2:30 p.m.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Meaford Hospital Foundation or Mount Sinai Hospital (Sarcoma Research) would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
Donations may be made to the Sinai Health Foundation and designated to the Sarcoma Research Fund online by visiting SupportSinai.ca (under gift designation select <Other>, specify “Sarcoma Research”) or by calling 416-586-8203 or 1-877-565-8555.
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Make a donation in memory of Arie Harold Kavelaar
Donations: Meaford Hospital Foundation or Mount Sinai Hospital (Sarcoma Research)Donate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Maribeth, I’m so very sorry for your loss of your beloved husband, I love watching the life you shared.
I only had the pleasure of meeting Ari once but I could see the love you shared from the start.
May the memories of your wonderful life together, bring you comfort during this difficult time. Xo
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Sincere condolences Maribeth, Monet, Heather, Andrew, Devon, Phil, Dirk, Debbie, Helena, Jim and Diane. Arie was also a great friend to so many!!! Everyone who knew Arie is blessed with memories of his passion, thoughtfulness, generosity and positivity. Arie will be deeply missed !!!
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
“My deepest condolences. Arie was an amazing friend, and I feel so lucky to have shared so many good times with him. I’ll never forget his laughter and spirit.”
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Maribeth – We send our deepest sympathy to you and the Kavelaar and Legris families in the loss of your beloved husband. May the many memories you and Arie created bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I will always remember his kindness and the warmth he brought into every room. He had such a genuine way of making people feel welcome, and of course, I’ll never forget his love for the game of golf—it was such a true part of who he was. Please know I am here for you in whatever way you need, whether it’s to talk, sit quietly, or just be by your side.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Arie lived an adventurous life which we all admired. His absence leaves us sad, but happy that his last years where so full of love and joy. Oma ll, Diane
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Arie was a great guy. I worked with Arie for 18 years at EMC. Anytime we had a break from high pace job we had (24/7). We found any opportunity to have so good time together from golfing, boating, racing snowmobiles. He got me to try Ice Racing on his dirt bike on lake scugog . What a blast there were no brakes on the bike. Just horsepower and screws in the tires. Arie I will always remember the great times together.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
So blessed to have known him, even for a short time, and the opportunity to spend an afternoon with the two of you on the golf course, an afternoon during a street party enjoying champagne and oysters will be sweet memories.
He will be missed, but not forgotten
Frances
Thursday, September 25, 2025
Arie and Maribeth donated a boat excursion on behalf of the Georgian Peaks Foundation one year and we were lucky enough to outbid everyone else to win it! We had a super fun afternoon on their fantastic boat. Maribeth and Arie were wonderful and generous hosts. Maribeth, thank you for those memories and please accept our condolences on your loss.
Friday, September 26, 2025
Such an honour to have known him and shared many happy memories with both of you. We are here for you Maribeth . Love Dave and Liz
Saturday, September 27, 2025
I’ll miss ya Arie! Really enjoyed working with you at Symm-Care for 20 years!!!! You got me back into snowmobiling and really into trail riding. Thanks for that. Thanks for recommending Glenn as well! Lori and I will miss you, and always smile when we think back about the time we spent with you. God Speed Arie.
Saturday, September 27, 2025
My condolences to the family.
I’m really happy knowing you and the beautiful family you left be .
You will surely be missed.
Rip Arie
Thursday, October 2, 2025
I will forever have so many great memories of our week-long sledding trips and the annual Deerhurst Family Day weekend extravaganzas, as well as some beautiful boating weekends on Georgian Bay.
You’re at peace now my friend.
Monday, October 6, 2025
We have fond memories of celebrating Father’s Day with Arie and family at Jim and Helena’s home. We send the family our deepest sympathy.