Steve Jones never did things in half-measures.
Whether it was running a vertical farming business, creating a community garden or collecting ball caps, Steve gave it his all.
The Barrie entrepreneur, community advocate, contributor to numerous local charities, and mentor to many passed away May 1.
He is being remembered by his friends as both an in-your-face “truth teller” and a quiet, hands-on helper to social causes ranging from the Salvation Army to the Women and Children’s Shelter to the Janice Laking Community Garden.
As one friend put it, he cared about integrity; one’s actions mattered.
“If Steve believed in you and your cause, you received 100 per cent of his spirit, drive and commitment,” says Krista LaRiviere. “He always had your back. I will forever admire and remember him for his work ethic, entrepreneurial drive and his unwavering focus for what he believed in."
Steve founded Local Leaf Farms on Churchill Drive in Barrie to supply greens for grocery stores, food service providers and home meal kit providers. He combined this business with his passion for food security, giving up space on the property in 2020 for a community garden, donating produce to the Salvation Army Bayside Mission, Redwood Park transitional homes, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka daycares and the Barrie Food Bank, among others.
For his community efforts, he was recognized as a YMCA Peace Champion that year.
“Steve was tenacious about his vision for urban agriculture and food security in the city,” says Coun. Ann-Marie Kungl, who's also co-ordinator of the Janice Laking Community Garden.
“He made a dream a reality with the conversion of a 1,500-square-foot industrial space into the Janice Laking Community Garden, which became a beautiful community hub of volunteers supporting numerous local charities through the pandemic," she added. "It was meeting space where politicians, business owners and the public could come together and make change happen.
"The impact of Steve's gift from the heart cannot be measured and continues to ripple throughout our city today. He changed my life and I am grateful for him," Kungl said.
Steve was given an award by the Women and Children’s Shelter in recognition of his support of that organization. Once again, he went the extra mile by bringing mothers and their children into the community garden for a private harvest, connecting with current and past users of the shelter.
Teresa MacLennan, the shelter's executive director, called Jones “a friend, colleague and community partner to me personally and professionally.”
“I valued his insights into community connections which he put into action by his relentless support of our Barrie Women's Shelter,” she said. “He remains a pillar in our community, whose legacy of giving and care will always be remembered.”
In 2021, he created room in his business for a community fridge, paying the electrical bill to help needy area residents access food.
Steve’s generosity even extended to sponsoring two donkeys – Beans and Burrito – after visiting the Donkey Sanctuary near Guelph in 2017, visiting them when he could and proudly displaying their photos on his refrigerator.
Steve found beauty in the world around him. When not working or supporting causes he believed in, Steve loved nature and often explored the Algonquin Park backcountry in a canoe.
He also loved animals, the Toronto Maple Leafs (his last Tweet was about the team’s overtime win over Tampa Bay), good movies, having a cold pint at Donaleigh’s, enjoying sunsets with a glass of Pinot Grigio, and taking photographs. He enjoyed art and was always willing to support local artists and musicians.
Steve had a passion for politics at all levels, although he threw his hat into the ring for only one campaign, a seat on Barrie city council in 2014. He often helped other candidates he believed in, tirelessly knocking on doors or helping out in any other way he could.
“I met Steve while working on a political campaign seven years ago,” says Emily McIntosh, who led a drive to encourage the provincial government to pass a bill holding municipal politicians accountable for harassment and abuse. “I was struck immediately by his enthusiasm, how articulate he was and, most of all, his passion for making positive change. You never had to guess where Steve stood on an issue.
“He was there at city hall as an advocate and ally, and stepped up to deliver deputations on the legislation in both Vaughan and Owen Sound in recent months," she added. "He always made time for the things that were important. His commitment to community was inspirational. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in those who had the pleasure of knowing and learning from him."
Steve was a man of many hats, figuratively and literally. He had a collection of more than 50 baseball caps and was always adding to it to show his support of a sports team or community event. That collection was matched by his colourful socks and many, many T-shirts.
In one Twitter post, he wrote: “For a select few, I may wear my heart on my sleeve. For my community, I always try to wear my support on my chest.”
Steve had an eclectic taste in music. When his car rolled up, he might be listening to old school hip-hop, rockabilly, ska, jazz, classical, or his favourite Canadian artists such as the Tragically Hip or Gordon Lightfoot.
He loved attending concerts and in recent years, saw City and Colour, U2 and Blue Rodeo in addition to listening to his favourite local artists here in Barrie, Cam Brown and Barry Knox.
Steve leaves behind mother Margaret, brother Doug, sister Denise, nephews Derek, Dean, Beau, and Michael, as well as nieces Kiki and Amanda.
His friends are encouraged to make a donation to one of the many organizations he supported during his life.
A celebration of life will be held Monday, May 15 at Donaleigh’s Irish Pub House, 28 Dunlop St. E., beginning at 4 p.m.
