Wall-Custance Memorial Forest Program

MARGETTS, Tracy Anne – Passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026.

She was the loved daughter of Gillian and Don Smith and Roger Margetts (dec). She will be lovingly remembered by many aunts and uncles; Jennifer and Paul, Tony and Elaine, Chris and Mike, Terry and Gayle, Brian and Cathy, Bet and Grant, Barb (Doug, dec), Sher and Doug, Rob and Terri, Heather and Pat, Mark and Sue, David, Tim (dec), and special siblings Selina, Jeannine, Kerry and Jim (dec).  She will be missed by many cousins and their families.

Tracy will also be fondly remembered by many friends at Community Living Guelph, where she attended for thirty years. Tracy was a very happy, outgoing person. She was able to make friends anywhere she went and always greeted her friends with a smile when she ran into them around town.

Cremation has taken place, no service will be held. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

A tree will be planted in memory of Tracy A. Margetts in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest. 

Rev. Hendrik (Henk) Dykman
December 6, 1933 – April 29, 2026

It is with sadness Henk’s family announce his sudden passing with an advanced prostate cancer, diagnosed only 3 weeks ago. Deeply missed by his wife Lorraine, daughters Mindy (Andrew) and Dineke (Chris) and stepson James (Fernanda), grandsons Nathan (Erin), Ryan Kearns and Ryan Fisk (Cyla), nephews and nieces in both The Netherlands and Canada, and finally 2 great-grandchildren Claire and Wyndham, who will never really know him except for the stories of the joy he had in their arrivals.

Growing up near Zutphen, The Netherlands, his elementary school days were marred by the ravages of World War II. Living on the flyway of the Allies’ bombers headed to Germany, he learned to recognize any and every airplane flying. He studied horticulture before immigrating alone to the land of his Canadian liberators on August 1956, where he continued to study at UBC, earning a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

The call to ministry of the United Church of Canada changed his plant science path into one of serving people. Ordained in 1965, his people path led him to Home Missions work north-east of Prince George, B.C., pastorates in Manitoba’s farmlands, and then more training to become a chaplain which brought him to Ontario in 1978 to serve a prison chaplaincy in Guelph’s former Guelph Correctional Center.

A peace and justice activist all his career, it was his letter to every parliamentarian considering abolishing capital punishment that was read into Hansard before the successful vote that ended that flawed practice in Canada.

In 1990 Henk began a second volunteer ministry to Canadian veterans and families of fallen soldiers, particularly the families of the 11 Canadians who died near his home during the battles for liberation that ended World War II. That ministry included building memorials in The Netherlands as well as inviting reconciliation with German veterans, a work for which he was honoured with The Netherlands Order of the Orang-Nassau in 2012.

In Henk’s long retirement, he was able to continue his participation in gardening, birding, sports and music. We are grateful for his long and fruitful life.

Many thanks to all who cared for him in these last difficult weeks: Dr. Diaz, Community Paramedics, the emergency staff at Guelph General Hospital, and most of all Wellington Hospice.

Donations to Guelph’s Chalmers Centre or charities of your choice in Henk’s memory would all be appreciated.

The funeral service for Henk will take place at Harcourt Memorial United Church, 87 Dean Ave, Guelph, on Friday, May 8th at 1:30 pm, with reception to follow. A private internment will take place Saturday May 9th. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

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

MERCANTI, Paul A. – It is with great sadness for everyone that Paul Andrew Mercanti of Elora, ON passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026, after years of fighting many health issues. He was a strong fighter all the way to the end which was truly admirable.

Paul (Bubbles) was born in Hamilton, ON to Frank & Elaine on February 3,1965. His Dad was the proud owner of Mercanti Auto Body.

Our fun Paul will be deeply missed by his loving wife Laurie Cowan, daughter Natalie (Noodle Bear) & wife Erin Gerard who have memories of an amazing father with fun & lots of laughter.

Siblings Debbie Pollice (Tony), Joan Mastroluisi (Nick), Dan, Adam, Pat (Diana), Marnie Yarema (Brad), Christopher (Cindy), all of whom will miss his contagious laugh, jokes & pranks.

Predeceased by his parents Frank & Elaine Mercanti and his sister Lynn.

He also had many nieces & nephews that he created many memories for when they were little.

Later in life Paul added 4 of Laurie’s daughters Jacinda, Miranda (Tyler), Natalie & Aislynn (Jack) whom they adore him.

Lastly are his little people that gave him a chance to relive joy & fun again with children that he was so great at making a connection with.  Emry & Arty (Natalie G) Rory, Quintin & Isla (Jacinda).

Paul’s friends Dave & Tony have wild memories from days gone by that will stick with them forever. Paul will be with his best friend Dean now to laugh with everyday.

Paul worked as a cement truck driver for Dufferin Concrete. He loved his truck & going to different jobs all day & drinking his coffees & listening to music singing every word of every song no matter what genre. He loved hard rock the best. During the winter months he worked for the City of Hamilton plowing snow with many adventures that go with the job.

Paul was an amazing Dad to Natalie as she grew up, going the extra mile for her & taking her to many fun places. He taught her to laugh, have fun, never sweat the small stuff & go with the flow.

His passions were simple, good food and lots of it, pizza & pasta were favourites. He loved movies especially Jason Bourne. Paul could remember every title and every actor say the one liners to go with them.

Later in life Laurie got Paul back into regular golfing using his Dad’s heavy, vintage, bright red leather bag with gold accents and clubs with a new driver! He got better and better and played until September when he had to quit. He curled with Laurie for one season and loved it, he thought he should be a skip instead of her. He was a quick learner and liked to be the best. Anyone who can juggle is proof.

A celebration of life will take place in the near future for close family & friends. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.

A tree will be planted in memory of Paul A. Mercanti in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest. 

PODRUBSZKY, Gabor – Of Guelph, passed away peacefully at Hospice Wellington on Monday, April 27, 2026.

Beloved husband of Patricia, loving father of Gabor Jr. and Gerry, and cherished grandfather. He will also be fondly remembered by his many friends and fishing companions.

Gabor found his greatest joy in simple pleasures-casting a line off the dock, spending time outdoors, and relaxing at Camp Ashtaboula with Patricia at their trailer. A devoted sports fan, he could often be found watching and cheering on his favourite NFL team. In his younger years, Gabor enjoyed playing both baseball and hockey.

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

Memorial contributions to the Hospice Wellington would be appreciated.

A tree will be planted in memory of Gabor Podrubszky in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest. 

LAWRIE, Patricia (Pat) (née Leader)

February 9, 1938 – April 25, 2026

Patricia “Pat” Lawrie passed away on April 25, 2026, at the age of 88.

Pat lived a life rooted in love, family, and fierce independence. She was predeceased by the love of her life, Michael “Mike” Lawrie, whom she married in 1958. Their partnership shaped her world, and after his passing in 2010, she carried that love with her every day.

Pat’s greatest pride and purpose was her family. While she did work later in life, her heart and energy were always centered on being a mother first. She is lovingly remembered by her children Greg Lawrie (Laura Wilkes), Chris (Cliff) Tucker, Melinda/Lini (Gary) Botter. She was a proud grandmother to Kathleen Lawrie, Meghan (Braden) Hicks, Zach (Veronica) Tucker, Max Tucker, Madison (Taylor) Binkle, Blake Botter, and a cherished great-grandmother to Molly & Emma, Valentina & Melina, Charlotte & Mackenzie, all of whom brought her immense joy.

Pat also leaves behind her brother Barney Leader and brother-in-law Brian Osatchuk.

Pat had a gift with people. She went out of her way to connect, always asking thoughtful questions, genuinely listening, and making others feel seen. She had many friends and was always ready for a social gathering, bringing laughter and warmth wherever she went. She had a deep appreciation for life’s small kindnesses and returned them tenfold, often through her handmade cards and heartfelt thank you notes.

She was known for her signature lasagna, a staple at many family gatherings, a tradition that will now be voluntold to someone in the family. Pat also had a vibrant sense of style; always embracing colour & pattern in her own way.  Hair done, lipstick on… and often her soft pink nail polish still drying as she walked out the door.  She was a woman that carried herself with a confidence that never reflected her age.

After Mike’s passing, Pat found companionship in her beloved cockapoos. Maggie brought her comfort for many years, and more recently, Toby became her constant companion, her “main squeeze” and daily partner.

Pat found joy in the simple, meaningful things. She loved her garden (especially the Iris flower) and expressed her creativity as an artist, working in oils and acrylics. Strawberries were Mike’s favorite and they always found their way onto countless canvases (and even the occasional mini bike), a quiet and lasting tribute to their life together.

She will be remembered for the laughter she shared and the memories she created. Pat had a close-knit circle of friends in Rockwood and, more recently, embraced a new chapter at Guelph Lake Commons, where she thoroughly enjoyed both the friendships and the need to never cook a meal. 

A lifelong friendship with Carol Burak was one of the constants of Pat’s life. The two met at age 10 in Mimico and remained inseparable ever since.  They were BFF’s long before that term existed.  They always said from saddle shoes to compression stockings was the story of their friendship. Their daily ritual of checking in with one another (right up to the very last day) ensuring they were both alive & well each day.  

True to her spirit, Pat remained active and engaged.  She had plans to tidy up her Rockwood garden the day of her passing. We find peace in knowing she passed without suffering, while Cracklin’ Rosie by Neil Diamond was playing in the background.  A fitting soundtrack for a life filled with heart, humour, and connection.

Pat’s family finds comfort in knowing she has moved on to the next phase of her journey, reunited with Mike.

A celebration of Pat’s life will be held at Arkell United Church, 600 Arkell Rd, Puslinch, on Friday June 19, 2026, at 1:00pm with refreshments to follow. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

She will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever part of the lives she touched.

Memorial donations to Hospice Wellington would be appreciated.

A tree will be planted in memory of Patricia (Pat) Lawrie in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest. 

HUTCHISON, James (Jim) Arthur

Jim passed away peacefully at the age of 74 at Guelph General Hospital on April 24, 2026. He was born in Guelph on January 11, 1952, to Fred and Doris Hutchison (both predeceased).

Jim and his wife Mary Jayne (Tucker) (predeceased in 2023) were married November 19th, 1971. He will be sadly missed by his daughter, Alisa Hutchison; his son-in-law, Les Indoe; his three grandchildren, Jordan Indoe (Jess), Taya Yarrow (Ryan), and Jenna Indoe (Jesse); his great-granddaughter, Alayna Indoe and many friends and extended family members.

Jim was a proud member of the Guelph Opti-Knights Drum Corps, where he formed many lifelong friendships. He met Jayne in 1971 while serving as an instructor to the Durham Girls Drum Corp. Jim retired at the age of 60 after 25 years with Purolator Courier, a job he truly loved.

He had a passion for old cars and trucks, enjoyed building replica cannons, and was an avid fan of the Cincinnati Bengals. Jim also enjoyed curling, listening to the Rolling Stones and Rod Stewart, and spending time with family and friends over a Black Label beer.

Special thanks are extended to the wonderful staff at Wellington Park Retirement Home for their care and compassion over the past few years, as well as to the nurses and doctors on 4 West at Guelph General Hospital.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at the Guelph Country Club, 133 Woodlawn Road East, Guelph, on Saturday, June 20, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Waterloo Wellington or the Guelph Humane Society would be appreciated by Jim’s family.

A tree will be planted in memory of James (Jim) A. Hutchison in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest. 

A tree will be planted in memory of Lynne Howell  in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.