In Loving Memory
Steve Van Bree
1962 - 2026
In Loving Memory of Steven "Stevie" Van Bree
December 8, 1962 – August 11, 2026
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Steven "Stevie" Van Bree on August 11, 2026, at the age of 63. His unexpected passing comes just 15 days after the heartbreaking loss of his beloved brother, Larry, making this an especially difficult time for their family.
Born to Tony and Mary Van Bree (née Siroen), Stevie was the youngest of four boys and grew up alongside his brothers Ron, Larry, and Joe. As the youngest, he often found himself on the receiving end of his older brothers' teasing and good-natured antics. Those childhood moments, along with the laughter and memories they shared throughout the years, became a cherished part of their family story. Family was always important to Stevie, and he especially looked forward to spending time with his brothers during their cherished "Brothers Days," sharing laughs and making memories that will be treasured forever.
Stevie will be deeply missed by his brothers Ron (Mary) Van Bree and Joe (Joanne) Van Bree. He was a proud and loving uncle to Dave (Christine) Van Bree, Cindy (Mike) Read, Michael (Brittany) Van Bree, Karol-Lee Van Bree, Jackie (Evan) Traquair, and Ashley Van Bree. He was also a cherished great-uncle to Jacob, Matthew, Sarah, Carter, Zachary, Brooks, Kaleb, Patrick, Nathan, Olivia, Hallie, and Elizabeth, all of whom brought him great joy and many special memories. Stevie is predeceased by his parents, Tony and Mary, and his brother Larry. He will also be sorely missed by his many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and friends.
A dedicated and hardworking welder and fabricator, Stevie took great pride in his career. Known for his strong work ethic, skill, determination, and commitment to doing a job right, he earned the respect of those who worked alongside him. Following his retirement in 2025, he was able to devote more time to one of his greatest passions: coin collecting.
Stevie had a lifelong fascination with coins and collecting. What began as an interest grew into a passion that remained with him throughout his life. He loved searching for unique and interesting pieces, learning about their history, and sharing his knowledge with fellow collectors and friends. His enthusiasm for the hobby eventually led him to become a coin dealer, allowing him to turn something he truly loved into a meaningful part of his life. He attended numerous coin shows throughout Ontario and thoroughly enjoyed buying, selling, trading, and adding to his collection. Retirement gave him the opportunity to immerse himself even more deeply in the hobby that brought him so much happiness.
A lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs fan, Stevie rarely missed an opportunity to watch a game or talk hockey with anyone who shared his passion. Being a Leafs fan brought him plenty of excitement, hope, and, of course, occasional frustration over the years, but his loyalty to the team never wavered.
Stevie also found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved going out for a good meal and especially enjoyed a great hamburger, much like his mother Mary, who shared that same appreciation. A familiar and friendly face around Strathroy, he could often be seen out enjoying the community he proudly called home.
Those who knew Stevie will remember his quiet nature, warm smile, gentle spirit, and genuine kindness. He never needed much to be happy. He appreciated good conversation, valued the relationships he built over the years, and had a comforting presence that made others feel at ease. His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.
The loss of Stevie leaves a space that cannot be filled, and coming so soon after the passing of Larry, the heartbreak is immeasurable for their family. While it is difficult to imagine one without the other, there is comfort in knowing that the two brothers are together once again.
Though his passing was sudden and unexpected, Stevie's memory will live on through the people he loved, the stories and laughter he shared, and the many memories held close by family and friends. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and never forgotten.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate the lives of Steven and Larry Van Bree on August 27, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Denning's of Strathroy, with a joint memorial service taking place at 3:00 p.m. A time of fellowship and reception will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Order of Alhambra Caravan 168 PO Box 218 Thedford, ON N0M 2N0. Rest peacefully, Stevie. You will be missed more than words can say and remembered always.
December 8, 1962 – August 11, 2026
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Steven "Stevie" Van Bree on August 11, 2026, at the age of 63. His unexpected passing comes just 15 days after the heartbreaking loss of his beloved brother, Larry, making this an especially difficult time for their family.
Born to Tony and Mary Van Bree (née Siroen), Stevie was the youngest of four boys and grew up alongside his brothers Ron, Larry, and Joe. As the youngest, he often found himself on the receiving end of his older brothers' teasing and good-natured antics. Those childhood moments, along with the laughter and memories they shared throughout the years, became a cherished part of their family story. Family was always important to Stevie, and he especially looked forward to spending time with his brothers during their cherished "Brothers Days," sharing laughs and making memories that will be treasured forever.
Stevie will be deeply missed by his brothers Ron (Mary) Van Bree and Joe (Joanne) Van Bree. He was a proud and loving uncle to Dave (Christine) Van Bree, Cindy (Mike) Read, Michael (Brittany) Van Bree, Karol-Lee Van Bree, Jackie (Evan) Traquair, and Ashley Van Bree. He was also a cherished great-uncle to Jacob, Matthew, Sarah, Carter, Zachary, Brooks, Kaleb, Patrick, Nathan, Olivia, Hallie, and Elizabeth, all of whom brought him great joy and many special memories. Stevie is predeceased by his parents, Tony and Mary, and his brother Larry. He will also be sorely missed by his many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and friends.
A dedicated and hardworking welder and fabricator, Stevie took great pride in his career. Known for his strong work ethic, skill, determination, and commitment to doing a job right, he earned the respect of those who worked alongside him. Following his retirement in 2025, he was able to devote more time to one of his greatest passions: coin collecting.
Stevie had a lifelong fascination with coins and collecting. What began as an interest grew into a passion that remained with him throughout his life. He loved searching for unique and interesting pieces, learning about their history, and sharing his knowledge with fellow collectors and friends. His enthusiasm for the hobby eventually led him to become a coin dealer, allowing him to turn something he truly loved into a meaningful part of his life. He attended numerous coin shows throughout Ontario and thoroughly enjoyed buying, selling, trading, and adding to his collection. Retirement gave him the opportunity to immerse himself even more deeply in the hobby that brought him so much happiness.
A lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs fan, Stevie rarely missed an opportunity to watch a game or talk hockey with anyone who shared his passion. Being a Leafs fan brought him plenty of excitement, hope, and, of course, occasional frustration over the years, but his loyalty to the team never wavered.
Stevie also found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved going out for a good meal and especially enjoyed a great hamburger, much like his mother Mary, who shared that same appreciation. A familiar and friendly face around Strathroy, he could often be seen out enjoying the community he proudly called home.
Those who knew Stevie will remember his quiet nature, warm smile, gentle spirit, and genuine kindness. He never needed much to be happy. He appreciated good conversation, valued the relationships he built over the years, and had a comforting presence that made others feel at ease. His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.
The loss of Stevie leaves a space that cannot be filled, and coming so soon after the passing of Larry, the heartbreak is immeasurable for their family. While it is difficult to imagine one without the other, there is comfort in knowing that the two brothers are together once again.
Though his passing was sudden and unexpected, Stevie's memory will live on through the people he loved, the stories and laughter he shared, and the many memories held close by family and friends. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and never forgotten.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate the lives of Steven and Larry Van Bree on August 27, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Denning's of Strathroy, with a joint memorial service taking place at 3:00 p.m. A time of fellowship and reception will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Order of Alhambra Caravan 168 PO Box 218 Thedford, ON N0M 2N0. Rest peacefully, Stevie. You will be missed more than words can say and remembered always.