In Memory of Stephen Loftus

We are deeply saddened to share the news of the unexpected passing of Steve Loftus, a cherished member of Vespra Hills Golf Club, on Friday, June 13th, 2025. Steve was more than just a familiar face around the Club—he was a true friend to many. His warm personality, easygoing nature, and love for the game made him a valued part of the Vespra Hills community. Whether on the course or in the Clubhouse, Steve’s presence brought joy and camaraderie that touched both fellow members and staff alike. He will be dearly missed by all of us. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Visitation will be held at the Lynn-Stone Funeral Home in Elmvale from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, as well as from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18. A funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Church in Phelpston on Thursday, June 19, beginning at 11 a.m., with interment to take place at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Phelpston. Barrie Today Article

Passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, June 13, 2025 at the age of 67 1974-1975 Elmvale Juvenile Hockey Team Springwater Sports Heritage was deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Steve, a cherished member of our community and an honored inductee into the Springwater Sports Heritage Hall of Fame. Steve was a proud member of the 1974/75 Elmvale Juveniles hockey team, who captured the Ontario Championship title and were inducted into our Hall of Fame in 2024. Steve’s contributions extended far beyond the rink. As a founding partner of Innovative Automation in Barrie, ON, he helped shape the company into a pillar of innovation and success, most recently serving as Chair of the Board. His principled, visionary, and collaborative leadership earned him immense respect in both business and community circles. Yet perhaps most enduring was Steve’s commitment to giving back. A passionate advocate for community growth and generosity, he consistently lent his time, energy, and expertise to causes greater than himself. His legacy is one of excellence, service, and integrity. Steve will be remembered not only for his athletic and professional accomplishments, but also for the kindness and humility with which he lived his life. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the lives he touched. Lynn Stone Funeral Home Funeral Livestream Innovative Automation

Barrie businessman, city's 'consummate ambassador' mourned

Stephen Loftus, founding partner at Innovative Automation, died unexpectedly on Friday; 'he got it — it was always giving back to the community, not taking from it,' says friend Well-known Barrie businessman, innovator and philanthropist Stephen Loftus has died. Loftus, a founding partner and board member of Innovative Automation, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 13. The cause of death has not been announced. He was 67 years old. Longtime friend and fellow businessman Arif Khan said he met Loftus approximately 17 years ago when their daughters played soccer together, recalling his friend’s “kind and humble” actions in thanking himself and fellow coach for taking the time to invest in his daughters through soccer. “That resonated with me," Khan told BarrieToday. "Steve recognized that time with his daughters was precious, and that although his business commitments would not offer him the ability to guarantee his presence at every practice and game to be a coach, he made the effort to prioritize showing up for his girls … all while, as I would find out, leading a team of highly skilled engineers and building a globally recognized advanced manufacturing empire in Barrie." Over the course of the next almost two decades, Loftus always stood out as a man who would reinvest in Barrie, and support the growth and success of his peers in business through active advocacy and sharing of wisdom and resources through chamber, college and municipally tasked economic development, added Khan, who called Loftus the “consummate ambassador” of the city. “He sponsored numerous engagement opportunities for exploratory think tanks, as well as encouraged co-op engagement with students from Georgian College," said Khan. "He was a strong and confident leader who allowed his leadership team and eventual successors to shine, thrive and receive the baton to break new ground." Khan noted this is evident in the expansion of the Innovative Automation brand into new territory with brands such as RoboTape and MecSmart. “The man was so much more than a title or defined by the status of his achievements. He was genuinely a good man who remained grounded by his principles and the way he cared for his family, his team and his community. He will be remembered well,” said Khan. Todd Tuckey had known Loftus for more than 40 years, having met him and his former partner during their apprentice days at Canadian General Electric. “They got a tool-and-die apprenticeship under my father. My dad got them their start and after it shut down, they went on their own and they just took off,” he said. Loftus was a visionary who could see and think outside of the box, said Tuckey, and who was a true ambassador for the city he called home. “He travelled on behalf of the city to different places around the world as an ambassador — on his own dime — ensuring people felt Barrie was a great place to set up business and to invest in business,” he said. “He believed in the city — he believed in the people and in enhancing it.” Tuckey said his longtime friend was always giving back to the community in one way or another. “He got it — it was always giving back to the community, not taking from it,” he said, adding his death will be felt by the entire community. “He was extremely well respected because of who he was and how he was with people. It’s going to be a great loss from every place he touched. “To many people, Stephen was a great friend and an even better mentor. He had the time of day for everybody. No matter who you were or what you did, he always had all the time in the world for anyone who wanted to know anything," Tuckey added. “Stephen always led with authenticity and empathy, and always stressed that importance to his employees, vendors and partners about supporting local charities,” said Brian Shelley, United Way Simcoe Muskoka's chief executive and philanthropy officer, who had come to know Loftus over the last couple of years through his philanthropy. Under his leadership, Innovative Automation has been a huge supporter of local charitable organizations, including the United Way, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Barrie and District, said Shelley. “We have been very, very grateful to be one of the charities that he supports," he added. For a man who was as successful as he was, Loftus was extremely humble, added Shelley. “(He) was very much all about the team and all about his community," he said. "He always stressed the importance of giving back to the community as being fundamental in what he did, and giving back in a meaningful and significant way — not just performative.” His death will be felt significantly not only by those who knew and loved him, but by the community as a whole, added Shelley. “It’s a huge loss, although I think he leaves a legacy of giving and community involvement. Hopefully that has inspired folks and will leave a lasting impact,” Shelley said of Loftus, who was a father and grandfather. “He has a family — not just his work family but also he has a wife and kids — and it’s a huge loss to them first and foremost." His death, acknowledged Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall, is “incredibly sad.” “Steve loved supporting Barrie, post-secondary education and many local causes like United Way. His leadership in our community will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, as well as his extended Innovative Automation family,” said Nuttall. Visitation will be held at the Lynn-Stone Funeral Home in Elmvale from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, as well as from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18. A funeral mass will be held at the St. Patrick’s Church in Phelpston on Thursday, June 19 beginning at 11 a.m., with interment to take place at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Phelpston. If desired memorial donations may be made to the United Way, the Elmvale Food Bank, or RVH Foundation in his memory.

It is with deep sadness and profound respect that Invest Barrie mourns the passing of Steve Loftus, a beloved business leader, mentor, and community ambassador. Steve Loftus was more than a successful entrepreneur; he was a mentor to countless individuals and a cornerstone of our community. Through decades of unwavering commitment to championing local, he helped shape the local business landscape. As a mentor, Steve generously shared his time, insight, and encouragement. His ability to inspire, challenge, and elevate others left a lasting and unforgettable impact on all who had the privilege of learning from him. He will also be remembered for his unwavering dedication as a community ambassador. Whether championing local causes, advancing economic development, or forging meaningful partnerships, Steve exemplified the very best qualities of leadership, integrity, vision, and a deep commitment to uplifting others. Invest Barrie had the privilege of working alongside Steve on numerous initiatives to grow business in Barrie. We are forever grateful for his commitment to our work. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by his remarkable life. His legacy of leadership, generosity, and community spirit will continue to inspire us all. With deepest sympathy, The Invest Barrie Team

In Memory of Steve Loftus

We’re saddened to hear of the passing of Steve Loftus. A respected leader, innovator and long-time supporter of the Barrie community. Through his work with Innovative Automation, Steve helped put Barrie on the map as a centre for advanced manufacturing and automation. However it was the way he led, with integrity, generosity and a strong sense of responsibility to his community, that truly set him apart. He believed in giving back, supported local education, economic development and was a proud supporter of the Chamber and the City of Barrie. His leadership and presence will be deeply missed. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all those who were fortunate enough to be mentored by him and to work alongside him.

Remembering Steve Loftus

It’s with heavy hearts we share the news of the passing of Steve Loftus, Vice Chair of Georgian College’s Board of Governors and a dear friend to our college and community. Steve served on the board with extraordinary dedication since 2021. His unwavering commitment to Georgian was evident in every role he assumed – employer, partner, donor and friend. He served on several key committees, including:

• Finance and Audit Committee,
• Policy and By-law Review Committee,
• Recognition Committee,
• Steering Committee for University Partnership Governance, and
• Advancement Committee (Chair).

As the founding partner and Board Chair of Innovative Automation, Steve has championed student success through fundraising events and capital campaigns that supported financial aid and cutting-edge learning spaces, including the naming of a CAD/GIS lab in the Peter B. Moore Advanced Technology Centre.

Innovative Automation received a Board of Governors’ Community Partner Award in 2019 for going above and beyond in support of our students.

“Steve was a visionary leader whose kindness and commitment to community will leave a lasting mark on Georgian. He believed in the power of education to transform lives, and that belief inspired countless students to dream bigger and achieve more. We’re deeply grateful for all he gave and shared with us.”  – Steve Lowe, Chair, Georgian College Board of Governors

Steve and Innovative Automation have long been committed employers of Georgian students and graduates. In fact, one in four employees at Innovative Automation are Georgian alumni. Earlier this year, Georgian’s Advancement and Alumni Relations team hosted a Connect and Reflect event at the company’s Barrie headquarters, where many alumni gathered to celebrate their shared Georgian connection – a testament to Steve’s enduring impact on education, innovation and mentorship.

“I would love to be remembered as the person who created an opportunity for everyone to grow, primarily as people. Whether this is family, friends, employees, or anyone within our community. Creating an opportunity for people to step up, be able to grow and become better gives me great pride.”  – Steve Loftus, former Vice-Chair, Georgian College Board of Governors

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Steve was an adventurous entrepreneur who loved life and helped others succeed. He grew up on a family farm near Barrie and lived in Apto with his wife, Leslie, and their children. A father of five and grandfather of five, Steve’s life was filled with family, sports and community. From coaching hockey and baseball to travelling the world with his family, Steve embraced every opportunity to give back and grow.

Earlier this year, Steve joined community and college leaders to announce the expansion of the Barrie Campus’ Centre for Skilled Trades. At the event, he spoke about the importance of skilled trades in building a resilient economy and empowering the next generation.

Steve’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the careers he helped launch, and the learning spaces he helped create. His generosity, leadership and unwavering belief in education and community will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. The Georgian flags at all campuses are lowered in his honour.

RVH Foundation Remembering

RVH Foundation is deeply saddened by the passing of Stephen Loftus—an extraordinary philanthropist, innovative leader, and cherished member of our community. His loss is felt profoundly by all of us at RVH, and yet his legacy will continue to shape and strengthen healthcare in our region for years to come.

Stephen’s belief in innovation and people led to one of the most transformational gifts in RVH history. Through a $1-million donation from his company, Innovative Automation, Stephen helped launch RVH’s Immersive Medical Education Program—a groundbreaking initiative using virtual reality technology to train healthcare professionals in simulated, life-like scenarios. With his support, RVH created the Innovative Automation Simulation Lab, a first-of-its-kind space where medical teams refine their skills and decision-making without risk to patient safety.

This gift was not just about technology. It was about the future. Stephen understood that behind every great advancement in care is a committed team of professionals—and he wanted to give those people the very best tools to succeed. Today, RVH is emerging as a leader in immersive medical education in Ontario, and that is in no small part thanks to Stephen’s vision.

But to us, Stephen was so much more than a donor. He was a kind, thoughtful presence. He brought humility to every conversation, curiosity to every interaction, and a genuine sense of partnership to everything he touched. He had a remarkable ability to connect—with our clinicians, our leaders, and our staff. Whether talking about the future of healthcare or asking thoughtful questions about a training module, Stephen was fully present. He cared deeply about making a difference.

That care extended beyond professional circles. Stephen was known for building relationships through shared experiences, and for many on Team RVH, that happened on the ice. An avid hockey player, he participated in a local league where he played alongside several RVH staff and physicians. These games forged strong bonds, and those who knew him there remember the same things we all did—his warmth, calm leadership, and genuine respect for others. Stephen’s legacy lives on in every learner who trains in the Simulation Lab, in every provider who grows more confident and capable, and in every patient whose care is shaped by that learning. His impact is woven into the fabric of RVH, not just in the walls of the lab that bears his company’s name, but in the spirit of collaboration, compassion, and innovation that he inspired.

To his family, his colleagues at Innovative Automation, and everyone who knew and loved him—we share in your grief, and in your pride. Stephen gave so much of himself to this community, and we are better for it.

Thank you, Stephen. You changed the future of care in Simcoe Muskoka—and you did it with grace, generosity, and an unforgettable kindness.

Barrie mourning loss of man known as an innovator, educator, philanthropist, and mentor

A funeral mass will be held on June 19