Wall-Custance Memorial Forest Program

Celebration of Life for Jean Thachuk
You are warmly invited to join family and friends as we celebrate the life of Jean, who touched our lives with so much love.

Saturday, October 18, 2025
1:30 – 4:00 pm
Springfield Golf Course
2054 Gordon St
Guelph, N1L1G6

Please join us for a time of remembrance, and stories as we honor Jean’s life and legacy.

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THACHUK, Jean Lenora – It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jean Lenora Thachuk (nee Ferguson), who passed away on August 11, 2025, surrounded by her family, on her own terms, at Hospice Wellington in Guelph.

Devoted wife for 57 years to the love of her life, Dennis. She will live forever in the hearts of her daughter Leah and son Chris. Cherished Nanna of Hunter Healy and Lula Healy. Predeceased by her brother Glenn (May/25) (Pat) Ferguson. Survived by siblings Dan (Jan) Ferguson, and her sisters (aka Shirl’s Girls), Linda (Paul White), Sandra (Mark Hunter), Sue (Richie Prior). Jean will be fondly remembered by Barry Thachuk, Doug Thachuk, Lynda Thachuk (Ron 2007) and Barb Ellis. She will be sadly missed by many cousins, nieces and nephews, and many friends. 

Thank you to Dr. Garry Wallace. Also, a special thank you to Dr. Graham and Catherine Manning, Music Therapist and the wonderful staff and volunteers at Hospice Wellington. 

With dignity and grace, Jean did it her way. 

Donations to Hospice Wellington in Guelph or charity of your choice.

A celebration of Jean’s life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Springfield Golf Course from 1:30pm to 4:00pm (more details at the beginning of the obituary)

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

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

In loving memory of
Malcolm James Orme
April 6, 1935 – August 24, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Malcolm Orme, aged 90 who passed away peacefully at Hospice Wellington surrounded by his loving family.

Malcolm will be forever missed by his wife Christine, the love of his life, with whom he shared 50 wonderful years. He is also survived by his loving sons and their wives, Robert (Tanya), Barry (Lisa), and his cherished grandchildren Jessey, Taylor Grace, and Oliver James.

Born and raised in Birmingham, England, Malcolm then began his lifelong career in printing before emigrating to Canada. Here he met his wife Christine, and they settled in Guelph where they raised their family. Malcolm enjoyed retirement driving school buses and spending time with his grandchildren. Malcolm will be remembered for his humour, his poetry, his love for his family, his faith and a life full of horseback riding, sailing, motorcycle riding, flying glider planes, Barbershop singing and the many trips and adventures he and Christine shared.

Malcolm was an active member of St. Andrew’s Church where he was an elder and sang in the choir for over 30 years.

It was Malcolm’s wish to donate the gift of education to the human anatomy program at the U of G. As such, there will be a Celebration of Life for Malcolm on Saturday, October 18th, 2025 at 11am at St. Andrew’s Church, 161 Norfolk St., Guelph. To watch the service remotely, please use this YouTube link. 

Thank you to Hospice Wellington for their exceptional care and compassion.

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

To those who wish, donations in Malcolm’s honour can be made to Hospice Wellington or St. Andrew’s Church.

A tree will be planted in memory of Malcolm J. Orme in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest. 

MCGLADREY, Kathryn (nee Ferguson) – Of Fergus, passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning of October 13, 2025 at the St. Joseph’s Health Centre, after a courageous battle with cancer. Recently celebrating her 68th birthday and four short weeks from her 50th anniversary.

Born in Guelph to Joyce Fyfe and Walter Ferguson. Survived by her husband Doug McGladrey and two children; David and Karen McGladrey, both of Guelph. Grandmother to Kyla, Kenny, and Chance. Sister to Ken of Wasaga Beach, Steven of Guelph, and Richard of Rockwood. Kathryn is predeceased by her parents and her sisters Sandra Hubbel and Brenda Cutting.

A special thanks to all the outstanding Doctors and Nurses at Groves Memorial Hospital in Fergus, Grand River Hospital in Kitchener, and Guelph General Hospital for their care and compassion.

A private family memorial and cremation have taken place. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

A donation to the Groves Memorial Hospital or a charity of your choice in Kathy’s memory would be welcome.

A tree will be planted in memory of Kathryn A. McGladrey in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest. 

A tree will be planted in memory of Joseph W. Cormier in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.

Albert Abbink (a.k.a. Opa / Appie) passed away peacefully on the morning of October 11, 2025. He will be missed by Margaret (nee Van Kooten), his wife of 53 years; his children Amy (Mike and Griffin), Philip (Anna, Fergus and Simone) and Andrew (Karlene, Willem and Hanna); his surviving brothers Gerrit, Tony and Harry; and, his many friends.

Born on July 12, 1935, in Hengelo, Gelderland, the Netherlands, Albert grew up on a farm as the eldest of seven boys. That was, no doubt, the genesis of his particular brand of humour. After growing up in the midst of the second World War he then completed his mandatory military service. Before emigrating to Canada at age 32, he studied poultry science, and carpentry. He spent the rest of his working life as a carpenter, and passed on his knowledge, tools, and work ethic to his children.

Albert brought his sense of adventure to his chosen country. Having grown up on a flat, land-locked farm, he met Margaret while downhill skiing and bought a canoe early in their marriage. Camping became the family summer vacation, usually in Killarney. Sunday afternoons were for long walks in the woods.

Albert read widely and constantly. He tried his hand at classical guitar, and choral music was a lifetime passion, from operettas as a young man to decades as a member of the Guelph Men’s Choir.

Most of all, we will remember Albert for his kindness and generosity. He loved his wife, children, and grandchildren more than anything else. He would chat with anyone because he always wanted to hear a story and make a new friend.  He loved to laugh with other people.

A celebration will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 2 – 4 pm at Wall-Custance Funeral Home & Chapel, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph. 

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

In lieu of flowers, we suggest donations to Lisaard House or the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

A tree will be planted in memory of Albert Abbink in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest. 

BRIAN CLIFFORD SCRAGG
September 30, 1941 – October 11, 2025

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness, that we announce the passing of a well-LOVED Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather & Great Grandfather after battling a long terminal disease, Multiple Meyloma (for 4 years). Brian’s Life journey ended on the morning of October 11th, 2025 at Hospice Wellington, Guelph.

Brian was born in England and immigrated to Canada in the 70’s to open the first Canadian Marks & Spencer store, till the stores closed in the mids 90’s. He then worked in the Graphic arts industry, later moving to landscaping & building decks, fences and sheds.

He was active in the community as a hockey coach for over 20 years. He loved to read and tinker in the garage. Brian was a hard worker, dedicated to what ever he put his hand to.

He was a man of his word. Always seeing the positive side, he lived his life to the fullest and was always kind to everybody. His sense of humor was amazing, he cared with is his whole heart and anybody that ever met him, just simply liked him.

He will be greatly missed by his;
Wife: Kathleen,
Sister: Pat
Daughters: Cara & Amanda
Sons: Brent & Jordan
Grandchildren: Jade, Conor, Sophie, Dylan, Sebastian, Ella, Mason & Athena
Great Grandchildren: Karson, Ryann & Faith
Friends & Family

A visitation will be held at the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, on Sunday, November 2, 2025 from 12:30 to 1:30pm. Funeral service will follow at 1:30pm in the Wall-Custance Chapel. Reception to follow in the Wall-Custance Family Reception Centre.  

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

In lieu of flowers, donation would be appreciated for Grand River Hospital, Guelph General Hospital, or Hospice Wellington, where they took awesome care of Brian.

A tree will be planted in memory of Brian C. Scragg in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest. 

SMITH, Sara Rosemary (née Willis) – 

Sara Smith, Who Carried the Sunlight with Her, Wherever She Went

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend and teacher, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, in Guelph, Ontario, at the age of 85. Loving, generous, and radiant, Sara moved through the world with open arms and an open heart. Her spirit continues to inspire creativity, community, and wonder in the many lives she touched.

Sara was born to Reuben and Betty Willis and grew up alongside her sister Pam in Toronto and Montreal. Her father, Reuben, was the chief structural engineer of the St. Lawrence Seaway—a man of strength, perseverance, and dry wit. Her mother, Betty, embodied compassion and a quiet grace, with a deep love of language and classical education; she nurtured Sara’s curiosity and instilled in her a reverence for books. Creativity, too, ran deep in the family: Sara’s grandfather, Charles Adamson, was a sculptor whose work included the iconic gargoyles of the Peace Tower in Ottawa.

From this foundation, Sara emerged expressive, imaginative, and resolute—qualities that came alive through school theatre, writing, and dance, as well as in the deep friendships she would carry throughout her life.

She attended Huron College at the University of Western Ontario, where she earned a B.A. in English and History and deepened her love of literature and ideas. It was there she met Paul Smith—a bright, principled, and quietly charismatic law student who would become her best friend, constant companion, and the great love of her life. Married in 1962, Sara and Paul began a partnership that would span more than six decades.

Together, they built a life rooted in faith and friendship, centered around their four children and a home filled with books, pets, optimism, and laughter. Summers were spent at the family cottage on Twelve Mile Bay, where the days stretched long and adventure beckoned—O’Donnell’s Point cookouts, Pomeroy campfires, swimming the six islands, and sleeping under the stars. Rainy-day card games, visits to the MacTier public library, and always—ice cream. Sara also gave freely of her time, building children’s programs for the Moose Deer Point First Nation, whose families she came to know and cherish. For Sara, the journey was the destination, and it was a journey devoted to others and sprinkled with ice cream. If you listen closely, you can still hear her singing “Land of the Silver Birch” as she headed out the bay with her family to watch the falling sun light up the sky. “Blue lake and rocky shore, I will return once more…” The only problem with summers with Sara was that you never wanted them to end.

Sara was a gifted educator and lifelong learner. She worked as a teacher-librarian at Brock Road Public School and later at Jean Little Public School, where she founded and nurtured the Rare Book Club and inspired a generation of children—and beloved colleagues—to read, write, imagine, and laugh. (One April Fool’s Day, the tightknit staff of Brock Road quietly vanished, leaving Principal Love to discover a school with no teachers. They reappeared—just in time for O Canada.) Sara won the Wellington County Teaching Award for making learning feel like a kind of magic, and she brought that same spark to everything she touched.

Sara’s deep love of life was matched only by her love for Paul. She was drawn to his calm strength and abiding integrity; he was drawn to her sense of fun and fearless spirit—on their first Christmas together, she tucked a lump of coal into his stocking. Together, with family and friends, they spent summers exploring the open waters and hidden inlets of Georgian Bay, and winters soaking up the sun in Doral Village, Caladesi Park, and Captiva Island, Florida. The only thing Sara loved more than Paul was Paul in a boat! “Yoh-hoh-hee-hoh-hoh!” they’d chime, wind in their hair, smiles beaming—and off they’d charge to find adventure in their treasured 30,000 Islands.

Sara leaves behind many cherished friends and extended family. She formed bonds easily and nurtured them with handwritten notes, thoughtful gestures, and steadfast care. Her friendships spanned every chapter of her life—from childhood and college to teaching, parenting, and retirement. And, together with Paul, they deepened around dinner tables and bridge tables, through travel adventures and a shared grounding in faith. Sara was a sister and Past President of Chapter L of PEO, a Past President of the Chalmers United Church Women, and a Spiritual Retreat Leader at Ignatius College. Her spiritual homes included Three Willows United Church in Guelph and St. Alfred’s Episcopal Church in Palm Harbor, Florida. Wherever she went, she built community through joy, generosity, and laughter.

She is survived by her children: Doug Smith and his wife Julie; Sara Halstead and her husband Terry; Colin Smith and his wife Stephanie; and Andrew Smith and his wife Jennifer Bottos. She was a devoted Nana to Sarah and Adam Poirier, Megan and Nick Smith (mother Marcie), Charlotte, Alex, and Nathan Halstead, Abigail (Abby), Lucas, Meredith, and Rhys Smith, and William and Abby Bottos-Smith—shaping their lives with open arms, a bright smile, a welcoming ear and Thanksgiving scavenger hunts. She also leaves behind her dearest friend, Cherrill Walker—known lovingly to the family as Aunt Cherrill. Sara believed spirits—like flowers—needed nurturing. “Eight hugs a day is maintenance!” she’d remind the family—repeated for emphasis: “Maintenance!”

She was predeceased by her parents Reuben and Betty, her sister Pam, and her beloved husband Paul—her partner in all things, with whom she now rests.

Sara moved at a different pace—unhurried, slow enough to take it all in. She would pause to gaze at the trees. Bend down to touch a flower. Marvel at a leaf. Stand back to take in the sky. She had an eye for beauty and wonder, and found it in the smallest details. And when your eyes followed hers, your world brightened too. Most of all, she was unhurried in her relationships. She listened deeply, laughed easily, and left you feeling seen without judgment and loved without limit.

“Paul and I want to go home together,” she shared at their fiftieth wedding anniversary in 2012. “As soul mates, our journey is leading us homeward to God.”

Now, they are home—together. 

We will celebrate Sara’s life at 11 a.m. on October 25 at Three Willows United Church in Guelph.  Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Three Willows United Church.

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