Jeffrey William Mintz

It is with profound sadness that the family of Jeffrey “Jeff” William Mintz announce his passing, suddenly in Barrie on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 in his 41st year.  Jeff, beloved son of Carol Lorraine Clement (and husband Don) of Bracebridge and his father, the late William (Bill) Mintz of Edmonton, Alberta.  Loving brother of Cypress Mintz-Pickett and husband Darrin of Uxbridge and cherished Uncle of Case Pickett.  Beloved grandson, predeceased by Grenville (Joe) and Elva Turner, and Ernie and Edna Mintz.  Lovingly remembered by his best friend Jeremy Bell of Edmonton and all who knew him.  Will forever be remembered by his Aunt Bev Gale of Wasaga Beach and cousins Kristen, Shannon, and Caitlin; Aunt Ann Mintz-Doige (and Bob) of Barrie and family; Aunt Joan Benson (and the late Jerry Benson) of Lindsay and family, and the late Aunt Esther Murdock (and Bill)  of Sebright and family.  

Jeff will be remembered for his big heart and gentle soul, sense of humor and great conversations.  He studied Alternative Energy Engineering at Lambton College then headed west and worked as a Telecommunications Technician for many years.  He loved BC and the great outdoors, and enjoyed adventure, sports, camping and hiking, and his family and friends. Jeff had a keen intellect and a hunger for scientific inquiry.  He was always looking upwards, seeking to understand our place in the cosmos.  He could articulate aspects of physics and astronomy with the clarity and fervor of a great TED talk.  Most importantly, he wanted people to see that we are all connected to this great and wondrous universe and that we can feel this connectedness most keenly when we take the time to go inward, meditate and quiet the mind.  He valiantly fought depression and increasing mental illness through his practice of meditation for a decade – before the pain became too unbearable and he reached for opioids to relieve his suffering.  We want the world to know that we are not ashamed of Jeff.  Like the thousands of families facing  this crisis we are angered that doors were shut in our faces at every turn (Health Care and Social Welfare agencies) by systems set in place to help people, yet refusing help to those most desperately in need who cannot advocate for themselves.  This is our battle cry.  We are going to fight for change and we invite other families to do the same. 

A service to honor Jeff’s memory will be held at the Low and Low Funeral Home, 23 Main Street South, Uxbridge on Sunday, December 4th. Visitation from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm;  Service from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. The service will be live-streamed for those who are unable to attend. 

Please join us for a light reception following the service at Wixan's Bridge Restaurant, 65 Brock Street, West, Uxbridge.  If desired, memorial donations to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health would be appreciated.