Wall-Custance Memorial Forest Program

With heavy hearts, we announce that Evan Leslie MacKinnon was called to his heavenly home on November 22, 2025, after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

Evan was predeceased by his parents, Bill MacKinnon and Lois MacKinnon (nee Gregson). He is survived by his children Alex (Janet), David (Jenny), Katie, their mother Heather Kennedy, and his beloved grandchildren Lucas, Madison, Rhya, Mikayla, Ellery, Liam, and Bennett. He is also survived by his sister Julie Rattray (Stephen), nephews Kyle Rattray (Stephanie and daughter Madiella), Curtis, and niece Lauren. As well as many cousins.

Born in Caledon, Ontario, on February 11, 1957, Evan entered the world with a zest for life that never once dimmed. His family later moved to Guelph, Ontario, where they continued to grow the family’s trucking business. From a young age, Evan embraced adventure—discovering a love for snowmobiling and a fair bit of mischief, often at the same time. While math came naturally to him, he was equally at home in gym class, or, on occasion, detention.

Following in his family’s footsteps, Evan began working in the business as a teenager, spending after-school hours and weekends in the shop learning the ins and outs of trucks. As soon as he was old enough, he earned his license and took to the open road. After graduating high school, he drove full-time until the birth of his first son, when he transitioned into dispatch. Over the years, Evan worked his way through every layer of the company, ultimately becoming Chief Executive Officer. He took immense pride in the trucking industry and deeply valued the people within it. Throughout his career he built countless friendships—relationships he treasured for a lifetime. His passion for the industry extended into service on the boards of the Ontario Trucking Association, the Canadian Trucking Alliance, and Trucks for Change; roles that allowed him to give back to a profession that had given so much to his family.

Even in retirement, Evan’s zest for life never slowed. He could often be found cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events, or enjoying quieter moments building Lego sets and puzzles. Family gatherings at his cottage were among his greatest joys—filled with food, fun, and laughter. Fishing offered him a welcome escape, granting hours of peace on the water. Though rarely the most successful angler, he derived just as much joy from celebrating others’ triumphs as he did from casting his own line. Winter never kept him still; once the lake froze, he was back on his snowmobile, carving across Ontario and Quebec with the same enthusiasm he had as a young man.

When not with family, Evan could often be found leaned over a pool table as an active member of the Guelph CPA Pool League, enjoying both the competition and the camaraderie.

Evan also found profound meaning, support, and friendship through his recovery journey. The relationships he formed within his recovery community became some of the most important of his life, offering strength, kinship, and a sense of shared purpose. He cherished every opportunity to grow, to help guide others, and to be guided in return. The fellowship he found there fundamentally shaped the man he became.

Above all, Evan possessed a remarkable gift for connecting with people. Whether offering advice, sharing a story, or simply listening without judgment, he had a way of making everyone feel valued and understood. His kindness, generosity, and genuine nature defined him. Evan was, in every sense, a gentleman.

He will be missed beyond measure, and the legacy he leaves—of integrity, compassion, service, and an unwavering zest for life—will be carried forward by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Evan’s family would like to thank Dr. Valdes at Waterloo Regional Health Network, the Palliative Team of Dr. Spadafora, and Nurse Shannon Wood of Bayshore HealthCare for the love and care they showed Evan during the end of his journey.

Friends will be received at the Wall-Custance Funeral Home & Chapel, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, on Friday, December 19th, 2025, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. A memorial service for Evan will be held at Elora Road Christian Fellowship, 5696 Wellington Rd. 7, Guelph, ON, on Saturday, December 20th, 2025, at 11:00am: with family arriving at 10:00am.

Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Crohn’s & Colitis Association.

 A tree will be planted in memory of Evan L. MacKinnon in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.

A tree will be planted in memory of Margaret E. Cotton in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.

EVANS, Sandra Heather (nee Smith) – Of Guelph, passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the age of 65.

Sandy will be dearly missed by her partner of 23 years Stan, daughters Emilea, Sally, and step-daughter Caroline, mother Beverley Smith, brother Robert (Maria) and his three children and five grandchildren. She will be missed by countless aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and her dear pets Nella and Blackie. Sandy is predeceased by her father Ron Smith and Sister Dianne.

Sandy devoted her life to her church community. She was a member of Three Willows United Church for nearly 30 years. She sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and took on many volunteer positions, including bookkeeping and treasurer.

Sandy had a huge heart; She assumed the position of mother and grandmother to Dianne’s son after her passing; she will be deeply missed by his family. She always put her family and friends before herself. She was incredibly hard working, dead honest and had an unfailing dedication to her mother. She will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held at the Three Willows United Church, 577 Willow Rd., Guelph on Friday, December 19, 2025 from 6:00pm to 8:00 pm and Saturday, December 20, 2025 from 10:00am to 11:00am. A funeral service will be held at Three Willows United Church on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 11am. Reception to follow in the church hall. A private family interment will be held in the spring.

Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

In leu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. 

A tree will be planted in memory of Sandra H. Evans in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.

MACDONALD, ROBERT ERIC

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert Eric “Bob” MacDonald, who died peacefully at Guelph General Hospital on December 12, 2025 at the age of 96.

Bob was born in Waltham, Massachusetts on January 28, 1929. The firstborn child of Robert Elmer “Mac” MacDonald and Elizabeth “Betty” MacDonald (nee Leadbetter), he spent his first years in Waltham and liked to recall memories of his early childhood there.

When he was five, the family moved to McNeills Mills, PEI, where Mac had bought a small farm. They later moved to a larger farm in Unionvale.

Bob was naturally inclined to work with his hands and make things. As a boy he loved working on radios and making models. He even made a motorbike by putting a small engine on his bicycle. He was very proud of it. When he was 17, Bob went to Charlottetown to learn carpentry. After working on the island for a couple years, he felt the urge to venture out into the wider world, and in 1949, he came to Toronto. He found work as a carpenter at Viceroy Rubber, and later, in the carpentry shop at British American Oil in Clarkson.

In 1952, Bob met Mae Sweet, a girl from O’Leary who had just arrived in Toronto. It was a perfect match, and they married in 1954. After a few years living on Keele Street in Toronto, they bought a house in Bronte and started a family. Percy was born in 1957, and John followed in 1959. While at BA, Bob started up a small cabinet making business on the side, and in 1965, he quit BA and went full time, making grandfather clocks.

In 1967, the MacDonalds moved to Erin, where Bob’s clock business expanded. In the early 1970s, he became a partner in Murray Clock Craft, and the business grew rapidly and thrived.

Bob sold his share in Murray Clock Craft in 1981 and he and Mae began a new phase in their lives, touring Europe, and travelling all across Canada and the US in their motor home. They wintered at Zephpyrhills, Florida, and spent time during the summer in Mill River, PEI. They golfed – Mae well, Bob not so much – and restored antique cars, but they found their greatest joy being grandparents to Kyla and Chelsea.

As years went by, Bob and Mae became fixtures on Main Street in Erin, living in the same house for 58 years. However, in August, 2025, they moved to The Village of Arbour Trails in Guelph. They were just beginning to enjoy their new home when Bob’s health suddenly failed and he passed away.

Bob said, many times over the last several years, “Don’t be sad when I die. I’ve had a wonderful and long life, surrounded by a great family.” Truer words have seldom been spoken.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Mae; sons Percy (Deb) and John (Rina); granddaughters Kyla Gorgon (Kyrstian) and Chelsea MacDonald (Taylor Kowch); great grandsons Landon Gorgon and Cameron Gorgon; sisters Joan Hartung and Barbara Edgar (Stewart); brother Charles “Chuck” MacDonald; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Lyle Hartung, and his sister-in-law, Ingrid MacDonald.

A small, informal celebration of Bob’s life for close family will be held on Friday, December 19th, 2025 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Wall-Custance Funeral Home, 206 Norfolk Street, Guelph.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

A tree will be planted in memory of Robert E. MacDonald in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.

McDERMOTT, Michael – It is with great sadness and broken hearts, we announce the passing of J. Michael (Mike) McDermott at the age of 72. For the past years Mike faced a multitude of health issues. His fight is now over and can finally rest in peace

Beloved son of Marion McDermott (2011) and Jim McDermott (2019). Very much loved and high school sweetheart of Lee McDermott. Proud father of Jennifer Wiltsie (Tom), James McDermott (Teresa) and Michael McDermott (Morgan).  Mike loved having bragging rights and very proud of all his grandchildren Kaley, Alexander, Eric, Brodie, Kamryn, Abby, Maddy, Matthew and Marilyn. He loved you all so much.   Best and most cherished friend of 67 years of John Walker (Sandy). John was always there and supported Mike through every challenge. “And then there was one”.

Mike was known as a trusted and talented person who could repair any mechanical issue presented to him. Worked 35 years as a service technician and manager at Shuh Appliances.  Mike could walk customers and rising technicians through repairs over the parts counter or over the phone using his expertise and experiences. Enjoyed working on cars in his parent’s driveway as a teenager and performed all maintenance and repairs on his own vehicles. Helping teaching his kids how to properly repair their own vehicles and build and maintain their homes. Always willing to help someone in need. 

When health forced retirement, Mike enjoyed morning coffee with friends at the coffee time and the classic car meets with his 65 Mustang and his favourite Pontiac Parisienne. 

Cremation and a private burial has taken place.  Due to the holiday season a celebration of life will be held at a later date in the new year.  Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

In lieu of flowers or gifts donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation are preferred.  

A tree will be planted in memory of Michael McDermott in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.

MILSON, Wendy Ramona – of Guelph, passed away at the Guelph General Hospital on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, in her 73rd year.

Beloved wife to the late Ken. Loving mother of Jeff (Kathy), Julie (Scott) and Amanda (Sascha). Loving Grandma to Jeremy. Predeceased by Grandson Kayden. Loving sister to Betty (Bob), Susan (Bill), Colleen (Ray), Sharon, Joann (late Steve). Predeceased by her brothers Wes and Donnie. Survived by many nieces and nephews.

We would like to thank Dr Burke and the wonderful team at the Guelph Renal clinic for all their care and compassion they have shown towards mom.

Friends will be received at the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Following the cemetery, a reception will take place in the Wall-Custance Family Reception Centre.  

Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

Memorial contributions to the Kidney Foundation or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. 

A tree will be planted in memory of Wendy R. Milson in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.

SEALOCK, Marilyn R. – Of Guelph, passed away peacefully at Guelph General Hospital on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the age of 79.

Loving mother of Trevor (Kelly) and Lisa (Alex). Adored Gramma of Xavier, Callan, Tyson, Logan, and Quinn. Dear sister of Gord and the late Don. She will be fondly remembered by her sister-in-law Gail, her nieces and nephews, and Curtis.

Cherished companion and devoted “cat translator” to Muffin, Sampras, Chivu, and Pina.

Predeceased by her parents, William and Phyllis Webster.

Marilyn grew up in Sarnia, Ontario. When Trevor and Lisa were younger, and later on when her grandkids were born, Marilyn enjoyed sharing the experience of fries under the bridge, visiting the animal farm and petting zoo, and watching the ships come in with her family. These simple joys demonstrated her lifelong connection to Sarnia, and showed her love for nature and animals. She had a deep and tender connection with her grand-cats, who brought her great comfort and joy. 

She was a devoted and loving Mother and Gramma above all else. Marilyn treasured every moment with her grandchildren—playing board games (especially charades), going on hikes in the woods, cheering them on at their sports events, and collecting keepsakes that celebrated each of them. Time spent with family at Riverside Park, and riding the train and carousel, were moments she held close to her heart.

She enjoyed reading and watching her favourite shows, and she was a dedicated Oscars fan – never missing the annual ceremony.

Caring, thoughtful, and selfless, are words that best describe Marilyn. She regularly put others before herself; never realizing the profound caring impact she left on those she helped and supported. 

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and loved her. 

Memorial visitation will be held at the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, on Thursday, December 18th, 2025, from 4:00pm – 6:00pm. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME &CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

Memorial contributions to the Guelph Humane Society or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. 

 A tree will be planted in memory of Marilyn R. Sealock in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.