McCarren: Henry Michael,
Passed away peacefully at Matthews House Hospice Alliston, on February 6, 2026. Henry McCarren at the age of 92 years, born in Killyliffer, Ireland. Beloved husband of the late Margaret McCarren (née: Duffy), and the late Clare McCarren (née: Maguire). Loving father of Mary Murray (Don), Anne Geertsema (Jack), Michael (Veronica), and Mark. Proud grandpa of Meghan, James, Katie, Jack, Andrew, Kyle, Rhiannon, Rebecca, Mychaela, and his 10 great grandchildren. Fondly remembered by Clare’s children Paula (Paul), Peter (Geraldine), and their children Aaron, Abby, Holly, Harry, Tara, Ciaran, Daniel, Caolan, Chloe, and Leah. Sadly missed by his nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends in Canada and Ireland.
Henry was a true gentleman who was loved and admired by many for his positive attitude and quick wit. He had a deep pride in his Irish roots, which was evident in his love of music and dancing. He and Margaret were very talented ballroom dancers who stole the show on every dance floor. After Margaret’s passing, Henry turned to music as he grieved her loss. He was always happy to share a tune on the accordion and fiddle wherever he went. Music was a great source of joy for Henry throughout his life.
In 1991, he visited Ireland and met his second wife, Clare. They built a home on the farm where Henry was born in Killyliffer, Rosslea, County Fermanagh. He lived there for several years and reconnected with family and childhood friends. As Henry would say using an Irish expression….”the craic was good!” He eventually returned to Canada and lived in New Tecumseth near the village of Penville, where he raised his family during the 1970’s and 80’s. He was a long-time member of the Bond Head and Thornton Fiddle Clubs, and attended several musical events in Port Perry. He was also a past member of the Georgian Bay Steam Association. In later years, he joined the 54 Plus Seniors Club in Alliston. Henry truly enjoyed the fellowship offered at “The Club”, and rarely missed his favourite weekly activities: shuffle board, pool and darts. Henry’s friendly smile and kindness will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in peace Henry, Dad, Grandpa and Papa.
The family will receive friends at Rod Abrams Funeral Home 1666 Tottenham Rd., Tottenham 905-936-3477 on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 with Visitation from 10am until the time of Funeral Service in the chapel at 1pm. Interment will follow in Holy Martyrs’ Cemetery, Bradford. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Tottenham Legion 25 Richmond St. E. Tottenham, on Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 1-4pm (Fiddlers, bring your fiddles! In honour of St. Patrick’s Day, wear green if you can). Donations in Henry’s memory to Stevenson Memorial Hospital or Matthews House Hospice would be appreciated. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
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Service
Visitation
Rod Abrams Funeral Home
1666 Tottenham Road, Tottenham Ontario L0G1W0
Tuesday February 10, 2026
10:00am - 1:00pm
Funeral Service
Rod Abrams Funeral Home
1666 Tottenham Road, Tottenham Ontario L0G1W0
Tuesday February 10, 20261:00pm
Celebration of Life
Tottenham Legion
25 Richmond St., East, Tottenham, Ontario, L0G1W0
Saturday March 21, 20261:00pm - 4:00pm
Jacques says
Our deepest condolence to you and your familyyour dad has had such an amazing input to to and your family❤️remember all those memories they are precious ❤️
Jacque & Jeannine
Mary Byrne (nee Grew) says
Harry goes back to my childhood when he lived with us (the Grew family) till he got settled in his new country.
We were there when he married Margaret and we enjoyed many times with her, a lovely woman. Meeting Clare and getting married for the second time was a blessing to him.
We met Harry on different occasions throughout the years.
He was a great friend to my brother Seamus, and they shared their love of music over the years.
I’m sure they are happy to be reunited again and the music will continue to in their heavenly home.
May Harry R.I.P.
Veronica McCarren says
Thank you for your kind words!
Janice and ken mackenzie says
So sorry to hear of the passing of this truly amazing friend that we have known over the years, the visits, Irish humor that he brought through out his visit. Janice and Ken mackenzie
Veronica McCarren says
On behalf of the McCarren Family, thank you for your condolences.
Beatrice Leonard says
RIP Harry we have fond memories of your kindness to us when we visited you and Claire in Canada and also in Ireland with MaryKate and Michael. Sincere condolences to all the family from John and Bea Leonard nee Tarpey (cousin).x
Veronica McCarren says
Thank you for your condolences.
Ed Zantinge says
My dear friend, I remember your dad’s smile and belly jiggling laughter as he told stories of the old country, music, and his family which he held so dear! Hard to lose a dad, but hang onto those fond memories! Love ya brother! Please accept my deepest condolences, and remember I’m always here for ya. Look forward to seeing you soon, and raising a glass to your Pa!
Veronica McCarren says
Thank you.
Nancy Browne-Zantinge says
Dear Mark and all of the McCarren Clan, My thoughts are with you my friend. It’s hard when our Dads leave, so remember all the jokes, music and good times, and cherish your memories of him leaping with the leprechauns in a wonderful meadow, at the end of the rainbow where the grass truly is greener with all those ☘️ and 4 leaf .
Love you ❤️ sending a great huge to you and your family,
Nancy
Veronica McCarren says
Thank you for your kind words!
Jessica Smyth and Niall McArdle says
It was a true pleasure to know and love Harry over the years. He was a gentleman in every sense, always full of stories and an ever-present twinkle in his eye. He will be deeply missed by all of us in Ireland. Our heartfelt condolences to the McCarren family.
Veronica McCarren says
Thank you very much for your condolences
Gary and Mary Jensen says
We will miss Henry. We first got to know him on our trip to Ireland with the Toe Tappin Fiddlers, so many years ago. Since then we have had many good times with him and the group. He danced and played and danced some more until just recently. So much fun! Our condolences to all his family and friends from Gary and Mary Jensen
Veronica McCarren says
Thank you for your kind words!
Wayne Lowdon says
Sending condolences to the McCarren family on your loss.
I knew Henry through the former Bolton Old Tyme fiddle association, and the Bond Head fiddle association.
Always enjoyed Henry’s Irish tunes both on the fiddle and accordion.
Henry’s Irish wit and stories will certainly be missed, along with our annual visit and stories at the Georgian Bay Steam Show.
God speed Henry, enjoy the music and dancing in the heavenly kingdom.
Pat Abernethy and Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time but the good memories live on forever and we all have many of those memories.
Jonathan Willemsen says
I would like to send out condolences from Jonathan, Rayne and Paisley Willemsen.
Bob Moss says
RIP Henry
Bill Foreman and Janice Meyers says
The Little Irish Story about Henry McCarren
My wife Janice my sister Jane and I were visiting Ireland and took the opportunity to visit Henry. Unfortunately we got lost and could not find his house, so we stopped at the local pub for some dinner, to figure out what we going to do. We went to order from the bar and the bartender upon hearing us speak, said “ you must be those lost Canadians that Henry’s looking for”. A short time later Henry showed up and we followed him home and enjoyed his gracious hospitality.
Bill Foreman the younger. Janice and I offer our deepest sympathy for your loss
Tom & Bernadette Higgins says
So sad to hear of Harry’s passing, our deepest sympathies to Mark & the McCarren family and to Paula & Paul , Peter & Geraldine. Remembering the great music and fun in Rosslea and get togethers in Rooskey. Harry loved the music and the fun.May he rest in heavenly peace.
Al and Marian McDowell says
It was with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Henry. We knew Henry through the Thornton Fiddle Club. He was a such a welcome addition with his happy disposition, his lively Irish fiddle music and an occasional tune on the accordion. Henry will be sincerely missed and forever remembered at the Thornton Club.
We send our most sincere condolences to his family.
William & Barbara Taylor says
Our deepest sympathies to Mark and the McCarren family ,to Paula & Paul , Peter & Geraldine and all Harry’s extended families and friends.He was a true gentleman that loved life and music.He brought joy to so many. May he rest in eternal peace.
Michael Gormley , Creeve , Elphin , Co Roscommon , Ireland says
Sincere condolences to the family of Harry on your very sad loss. I am a nephew of Harry’s second wife Clare and I have fond memories of them both here in Ireland. Rest in Eternal Peace .
Scott and Diane Archibald & Family says
To the whole McCarren family we send our heartfelt sympathies to you all. Henry was a lovely man who loved life, family and friends. It was always such a pleasure and fun time to be in his company. He will be missed by so many!
Rest in peace Henry!
Carol and Eric Wheeler says
We first met Henry when we went to Ireland with our group, the Toe Tappin’ Fiddlers. He was a great help in organizing the tour. Always cheerful and upbeat, he was a fun person to know. (Full of Irish wit, he reminded me of my Irish uncle.) We are grateful to have shared many years of music with him at Bond Head, Thornton, and Port Perry fiddle clubs and at his home in Tottenham.
Carol and Eric Wheeler
Jacques Sr A Maltais says
We shall miss your big smile and your fiddling.
We send our condolences to his family.
Carmel and Brendan Beirne says
So sorry to hear of Harry’s passing .
May he rest in peace.
Maura Ames says
Sincere sympathy to all the family
May Harry rest in peace
A true gentleman
Siobhan Mc kenna says
Condolences to Paul, Paula, Peter, Geraldine their families and the McCarron Family.
RIP Harry
Hazel Siberry says
Many treasured memories of a true gentleman who always had a smile and a laugh.
Hazel Siberry and family. Clones
Brenda Martin says
I am sorry for your loss. I knew him from the Thornton dances. He was a nice man. He will be missed.
Mary O’Reilly (nee Kelly) says
So sorry to hear of Harry’s passing. Such a lovely man! A booming laugh, the biggest smile and a love of family, friends and music! He will be up there now with all his family and friends playing the fiddle! Rest in Peace Harry, you will alway be fondly remembered by all the Kellys in Knockhall. Paula, Mary and Paddy
Tony & Sue Willemsen says
We are ALL Heartbroken with the loss of Uncle Harry, a Kind, Fun Spirited SoulTony & Sue
Ralph & Sandy Price says
We knew Henry through the Bond Head & Thornton Fiddle Clubs. Whenever he was there, he always had a big happy smile on his face and We certainly enjoyed his fiddle playing. He will be missed.
We send our condolences to the family
Ralph & Sandy Price
Paddy Kelly says
Rest In Peace Harry
One of life’s true gentlemen
Paula Kelly says
My deepest sympathy to Mark and extended Family at this sad time He was a True Gentleman Great Memories of the years my late Sister Clare and Harry lived beside me and my late Husband Eamonn May His Gentle Soul Rest in Peace I Hope he is enjoying a TUNE ON THE FIDDLE IN HEAVEN REST IN PEACE HARRY
Mike and Janis Boykach says
Mike, Veronica and family, Mike and I are so sorry to hear of Henry’s passing. Sending warm, healing hugs your way. With sincere sympathy.
Sheellagh says
So very sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Gary and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family. Hugs ❤️
Effie Geertsema says
My Condolence to the family
. Debbie Ziegelbauer says
Henry what can l say. He was loved and was an amazing father and grandfather. So glad l had the honor of meeting Henry so many times
.He truly is a treasure, to be cherished by so many incredible memories. Sending love and hugs
Mike & Dianne Fenning says
Mike & Veronica & all of Henry’s family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your Dad sounded like a very special man. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Ann Matthews says
Ohh Dear Cousin Harry
What a lovely man, with an amazing history, as good as his fiddle playing. A charming man, who as a young 16 year old was brave enough to forge a new life for his family. Loved and Kissed
Condolences to all of your family
RIP Harry
From all of your Tarpey Cousins in the UK
Irene Douglas says
We will miss you Uncle Harry. I am glad Nicki and I got to see your home in Ireland and where you all came from. You will be missed especially your big smile. Love Brian, Irene and Family.
Keep the music and dancing going up there!!!!!
Hal & Madelyn Rutledge says
To all the McCarren family
We are so sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a beautiful man. Hal and I always enjoyed our chats with him. He certainly lived life to the fullest. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Laura Faulkner says
Rest in Peace Uncle Harry. What a lovely man with a huge character! Condolences to all our cousins and extended family. You are all in our thoughts, Love Laura and Family in Manchester xxx
Carl Morrison says
So very sorry to hear. He certainly was a very special man with the Best Laugh and twinkle in his eyes.. Love and a hugs to all of you.
See you Tuesday.
Carl & Sharon
E Pickering says
Sincere condolences to everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Jennifer Jeffries says
Mike, Veronica and the whole Clan McCarren, we are thinking of you as you think of him. What a beautiful life ☘️.
Kathy Janse says
My condolence to all the family.
Tom Langrell says
Mike & Veronica condolences to both of you.
Mike, I met your dad a couple of times… both times we shared a beer and a shot of Irish whiskey and lots of laughter & chatter!!
It was a privilege to have spent time with him. How lucky are you to enjoy your dad for 92 years!!!
RIP Henry, have a heavenly shot of whiskey!!!
BikerTom
Carlo and Elena Conte says
Our deepest condolence to you and your familyyour dad has had such an amazing input to to and your family❤️remember all those memories they are precious ❤️
Linda Abernethy & family says
My deepest condolences to the entire McCarren family. I have fond memories of your Dad playing his accordion one New Year’s Eve at our Tottenham farm. Eldon loved listening to all your Dad’s stories. We were so grateful for his help getting us an engine for our Suburban. I hope time and memories will bring you comfort.
Henrique Silvestre says
Rest in Peace dear Harry