DaHass, Rebecca Anne “Becky”
Rebecca Anne “Becky” DeHaas — January 1, 1972 – November 11, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Rebecca Anne “Becky” DeHaas, who died peacefully at Campbell House Hospice in Collingwood, Ont., on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025.
Known for her natural kindness, beauty, grace and incredible strength and perseverance, Becky touched the lives of everyone she met. She was truly a life force — radiant, generous and one of the kindest souls we have ever known.
Born on Jan. 1, 1972, to Lucas Jozef DeHaas of the Netherlands and Mary Agnes McCloskey of Maidstone, Ont., Becky brought joy and light into the world from her very first day.
She leaves behind her devoted husband and the love of her life, artist Robert Saley, and their beloved children Natalia DeHaas Saley and Alexander DeHaas Saley. She will also be missed by her extended family: Sandy Saley; Keri Saley and Kevin Crawford; Tia Saley and Graham Vogt; Christina DeHaas and Tim Reiffenstein; and Jonathan DeHaas; her nieces Maya Saley Crawford, Makena Saley and Eleanor Dawn DeHaas Reiffenstein; and her nephews Austin Saley Crawford, Guthrie Vogt and Lucas Alexander DeHaas Reiffenstein.
Raised in Aurora, Ont., Becky discovered her lifelong passion for horses at an early age, beginning her riding career at the Toronto and North York Hunt Club, where she rode with her sister and her father and competed successfully for years as a junior. Even during her university years at Bishop’s University, where she earned a BA in English, Becky managed to lease a horse and continue riding. She later attended the University of Toronto to study homeopathy, hoping to apply her knowledge to the care and well-being of her beloved horses.
In 1999, Becky married Rob, and together they made their home in the beautiful Pretty River Valley, where they built a life filled with love, family and many pets. Their home was full of warmth and laughter — a true reflection of Becky herself. Social at heart, Becky cherished nights of live music, laughter, dancing and bonfires that lasted long into the night.
Becky went on to become a respected and beloved equestrian trainer, known for her patience, compassion and unwavering dedication to her students and horses alike. For more than 15 years, she guided countless riders to success, earning numerous top year-end awards. Her resilience and grace shone especially brightly in the summer of 2025 when, despite her diagnosis, she achieved Reserve Champion Overall in Ontario with her young horse, Campari — a testament to her remarkable spirit and determination.
Her students, friends and peers will always remember Becky’s infectious positivity, her strength and her ability to see the good in everyone. She had a rare gift for making people feel valued and capable — lessons that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Becky was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a cherished daughter and sister, and a loyal friend.
A private funeral service will be held at Fawcett Funeral Home – Collingwood Chapel on Wednesday, Nov. 26, for close family and invited guests. A celebration of life will take place at Alpine Ski Club in the Blue Mountains on Nov. 29 from 2 to 6 p.m., where friends, her equestrian community and loved ones will gather to share memories and honour her extraordinary legacy.
Her memory will forever live in our hearts. We are endlessly grateful for the moments shared, the lessons learned and the love she gave so freely. Becky knew she was truly loved — and she will never be forgotten.
Friends may visit Becky’s online Book of Memories at fawcettfuneralhomes.com.
