Wall-Custance Memorial Forest Program

George Thomas Jilek
1955-06-28 ~ 2026-01-28

“Thanks to Ashley and Jessica Dawe for the amount of time and care you both gave him while he went through his final journey. Thanks as well to Simon, the chaplain at St. Joseph’s, for helping Geroge and family spiritually during his time there. A beautiful smile, joyous laugh, and compassion for both patient and family. Kudos to Dr. Jayaram, he saved Georges life by amputating his right leg in 2019. He has operated numerous times on the left leg, and he was very proactive in his continuing care that gave us another six years with him. Thank you so much. Huge thanks to Williams and McDaniel Property Management who have been so supportive of our family over the years.”

Service Information
George has been cremated as per his wishes. There will be a family and close friends barbecue as a celebration of his life when the warmer weather chases all this snow away.
Donations to The War Amps please.

It is with heavy hearts, yet fond memories and smiles that we bid farewell to George Thomas Jilek, who passed away on January 28, 2026, at the age of 70.

Born on June 28, 1955, George was a lover of the great outdoors from a young age. His adventurous spirit led him to embrace activities such as swimming, downhill skiing, hiking, and camping, soaking up every moment nature had to offer.

Back indoors, George was quite the game enthusiast, often found engaged in intense battles of Euchre, Backgammon, and various board games. He had a knack for word games on Facebook, leaving his opponents in awe of his cunning wit and strategic prowess.

A true master of the grill, George’s barbecuing skills were second to none. His culinary talents knew no bounds, and many were lucky enough to savor the delicious creations that came off his grill.

Even after facing challenges, such as the amputation of his right leg in 2019, George’s spirit remained unbroken. He found joy in spending time with his friend Tom, rolling down the hall in good company and laughter. Embracing his new scooter, he continued to explore the world around him, especially enjoying leisurely rides around Fergus on pleasant days.

A compassionate animal lover, George will be deeply missed by his feline companions, Whiskey and Wilson, whose purrs and playful antics brought him much joy.

George leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, survived by his beloved wife Kathy Dawe-Jilek, and their son George Dawe-Jilek and Leanna Testani. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great-great nieces and nephews, all who will cherish his memory dearly.

Though he may have left this world, George’s zest for life and warm heart will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Rest in peace, dear George, and may your spirit forever roam free in the vast wilderness you so adored.

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

A tree will be planted in memory of George T. Jilek in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest. 

FERRIS, Norman Arthur – In the earliest hours of Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Norman Arthur Ferris died at Hospice Wellington, holding his daughter’s hand and being reminded one final time how much he was loved.

Without you, the grass has lost its greenness
Without you, the sky’s not as blue
Without you, the clouds show a little more meanness
For without you, I don’t know what to do

Without you, my tears never stop falling
Without you, I never stop calling your name
Without you, my heart’s torn asunder
Like the rain followed by the thunder

Norm (born February 17, 1944) was predeceased by his precious wife Ruth Doris Ophelia Pharoah (1999), after 30 years of marriage. He was also predeceased by his parents Edmond Arthur Ferris (1993) & Lillian Violet Waters (1995), as well as his older sister, Myrna Bernice Ferris (2018). Norm is lovingly remembered by his two daughters, Stephanie Ferris & Kelly Ferris, and his delightful grandson, Jameson Perrett. Norm will be tenderly missed by the Pharoah family, sister- & brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and extended relatives, many of whom surrounded him and his daughters especially in his final months.

“I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Philippians 1:3) Norm’s family is deeply grateful for the recent months of medical care provided by the Guelph General Hospital, as well as periods of care at Louise Marshall Hospital, and Hamilton General Hospital, and for all the PSWs who helped keep him independent in his home over the last year, which was exactly what he wanted. For all the tender care he received, we are so thankful to the entire staff of the hospitals who contributed to his care: the nurses, PSWs, and doctors who attended to him daily, and also the housekeepers, pharmacists, dieticians, and kitchen & cafeteria staff, the social workers, patient relations staff, and all the folks behind the scenes we never met who did lab work, the administrators, and many others: Thank you for all you do so our dear loved one had a place to land in a time he needed it. Your hand was God’s hand for him (Proverbs 3:27 MSG) giving us more time together.

We are also deeply grateful to Hospice Wellington for the kind, supportive, and experienced staff & volunteers who cared for Norm & his family at the end. You helped us honour his final two days, and brought beauty and gentleness to a difficult time.

Above all, Norm was grateful to God for his ever-present hand sustaining him through the years, more evidently in the recent months of physical fragility. Many, many times he expressed tender gratitude to all those who continued to pray for him, especially those at Crestwicke Baptist Church, who carried him in prayer for years. While he grieved his declining health, he also was moved to tears more than once over God’s goodness to him, praising God in times when the physical pain was unbearable. While Norm hoped for more time with his precious daughters, and believed that God could sustain him as He had been his entire life, he expressed a deep, joyous assurance over God’s grace and his eternal hope: “Jesus paid the price for my foolishness and sin, and gave me His righteousness.”

There is so much more we want to share & remember about Norm. We invite you to please join us as we grieve his death and our loss, and celebrate his life.

An evening visitation is planned for Monday, February 2, 2026, from 6 to 8 pm at Crestwicke Baptist Church (400 Speedvale Avenue East, Guelph).

A funeral celebration of life will take place Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 11 am, followed by a light luncheon at Crestwicke Baptist Church (400 Speedvale Avenue East, Guelph). Arrangements entrusted to Wall-Custance Funeral Home.

As expressions of sympathy, flowers are very welcome, as are donations in memory of Norm to the Guelph General Hospital and Crestwicke Baptist Church. Donation cards will be available at the visitation & funeral. For those unable to attend, condolences may be left online on the funeral home website.

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

A tree will be planted in memory of Norman A. Ferris in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest. 

Gesche (Grace) Schwartkop (nee Kelting), lover of all things nature, passed away at home on January 26, 2026, at the age of 83. Predeceased by Klaus, her husband and partner in adventure, she is lovingly remembered by daughter Angela and son-in-law Michael, sister Annegret, brother Gustav, and sister-in-law Ingrid.

Cremation has taken place at her request. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

A tree will be planted in memory of Gesche Schwartkop in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest. 

Claire Margaret Murphy

It is with great sadness that the family of Claire Margaret Murphy announce her peaceful passing with her loving husband Lawrence Murphy by her side on Sunday, January 25th, 2026 at the Guelph General Hospital in her 87th year. Claire, also affectionately known as Peewee, was the navigator of many trips traveled throughout Canada and the United States making many friends along the way. She was a fierce competitor at the Murphy Olympics and loved bowling and bingo.

Claire will remain in the hearts of her family, Larry Murphy (Sarah), Shelley Price (Jack) grandchildren Dana Farr (Ryan), Cameron Price, Mitchell Murphy (Jenna), Steven Price (Sara), Hunter and Jake Neamtu and great granddaughters, Ensley and Shayla Murphy. 

We would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the Guelph General Hospital 6W for their compassionate care given to Claire in the final days of her life.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation, Guelph, Community Support Services (Alzheimer’s Day Program) would be greatly appreciated by the family.

A tree will be planted in memory of Claire M. Murphy in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest. 

SMITH, Gail – Passed away at the Guelph General on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at the age of 66 of complications in the ICU after a week. Gail took her last breath surrounded by her family. 

Born in Sudbury with 2 sisters and survived by 2 sons. 

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

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

Gaetan René Lamontagne

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Gaetan René Lamontagne, who died at home in Guelph, Ontario, surrounded by love, on January 23, 2026, at the age of 74.

Gaetan was born on March 22, 1951, in Welland, Ontario, to Henri and Thérèse Lamontagne. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Gaetan lived his life fully and always with his family at the centre of everything he did. Guided by his faith in God, Gaetan lived with compassion, humility, and deep love for his family.

He is lovingly survived by his wife of 50 years, Betty, and his children Angelique (Dave), Jacob (Heather), Natalie (O’Neil), and Hannah (Jeff). With grandchildren in both Ontario and Alberta, he was a proud and devoted grandfather to Caleb, Brian, Gabrielle, Teo, Niko, Tyson, Manuel, Madison, Nicolas, Amario, Cruz, Daniel, Abigail, Arabella, Boaz, and Zendaya, always taking joy in cheering them on and supporting them in every way he could.

Gaetan is also survived by his siblings Suzanne, Mike (Linda), Ginette, Nicki, Julie (Joe), Alan, Danny (Cheryl), Ann, and many cherished nieces and nephews. 

He was predeceased by his parents Henri and Thérèse Lamontagne, his sister Cécile, and his brother Marcel.

Gaetan had a deep love for golf and was a true, lifelong diehard fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Above all else, he was known for his unwavering devotion to his family, his steady presence, and the love he gave so freely.

A celebration of life to honour Gates will be held in the spring, with details to be shared at a later date.  Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to a charity of your choice.

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

Sheila Ann Kazmeirowski (née Hogg) – On the morning of January 22, 2026, Sheila Ann Kazmierowski (née Hogg) passed away peacefully at the Guelph General Hospital at the age of 73.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Bernard; son, Mathew; brothers Hart (John) and Doug (Donna); sister; Sharon; and best friend, Diane (Bill). She joins her late brothers, Bill and Elwood, in the afterlife.

Sheila was born in Collingwood on December 31, 1952, to Stanley and Ismay Hogg. She later moved to Toronto and worked as an executive secretary for several departments in the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations. Upon early retirement, she worked as an office administrator for multiple chiropractic clinics in Toronto and Guelph. Her later life involved joining a knitting club, enjoying word searches, and watching her favourite TV shows.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada would be greatly appreciated by the family.

A tree will be planted in memory of Sheila A. Kazmierowski in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.