Wall-Custance Memorial Forest Program

SCOTT, Dave – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Scott, with his loving family by his side, on Wednesday March 19, 2025, at Guelph General Hospital. He was in his 81st year.

Dave is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Sharon, and his children David (Bonnie) and Bradly (Michelle). He was the proud and devoted grandfather of Jessica, (Andrew) Joshua, (Jennifer) Robert, (Isabelle) and Emily. He was great grandfather to Daisy. Dave was always involved in knowing and supporting and encouraging his family through life. Dave is survived by his sister Margaret Webster, brother Dale Scott, sister-in-law Laurie (Pat) Monaghan and Rita Perrin. He was an uncle to many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Susanna, his brothers Robert (Doreen) and Ronald (Susie), brothers-in-law Chuck, Wayne and Brian, and sisters-in-law Carol and Jackie.

Dave loved his family tremendously and will be greatly missed. Dave was a dedicated University of Guelph employee of 42 years and a Guelph minor hockey coach for many years.

A special thank you to Doctor Le and all the nurses and doctors of the Guelph General Hospital.

A memorial visitation will be held at the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, Wednesday, March 26, 2025 from 6 – 8 pm. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

Donations in memory of Dave may made to the Guelph Humane Society or the Canadian Lung Association.

A tree will be planted in memory of Dave A. Scott in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.

MITCHELL, Mollie E. M. – With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Mollie Elma Mae Mitchell, born July 12, 1930. Mollie lived a long life filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with family and friends. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Howard.

Mollie will be deeply missed by her children: Jon (Monica), Steve (Mary Leigh), Jeff, Scott (Carol), Ray (Heather), and Marianne Watt (Robb). She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Jeremy (Stacey), David (Jessica), Andrea Foley (Paul), Jenny (Scott), Robyn, Shannon MacDonald (Adam), Mitchell Hamilton (Meghan), Leigh (Kate), Taylor Hamilton (Victoria), Allison Demsky (Paul), Ian (Julia), and Joshua. Her love extended to her great-grandchildren: Lincoln, Otis, Claire, Arrow, Jackson, Carter, Kaia, Verena, Brennan, Elijah, Dylan, Bucky, Griffin, Axel, Laina, and Kora.

Mollie’s family is grateful for the compassionate care she received from the doctors, nurses, and staff at both Guelph General Hospital and The Royal on Gordon.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no funeral. 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 may be made to a charity of choice in her memory.

Mollie’s selflessness, wisdom, and unwavering love for her family will remain in our hearts forever.

 A tree will be planted in memory of Mollie E. M. Mitchell in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.

McKINNIE (née Ockenden), Sheilagh Joyce Venart – Passed away peacefully at Hospice Wellington in Guelph on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, in her 82nd year. 

Beloved wife of William (Bill). Loved mother of Michael and Meghan. Loving grandmother of Eric and Mara. Dear sister of Janice and Rob. Also survived by Michael and Meghan’s partners, Ruth and Andrew, and countless friends and former students. Predeceased by her father, Robert Ockenden, and her mother, Patricia Ockenden (née Venart).   

Sheilagh was born in Hamilton, Ontario, and grew up Dundas.  Legally, her name was spelled without the “gh”, but she hated that spelling—she was always Sheilagh, to herself and to everyone who knew and loved her.  Education was central to Sheilagh’s entire life.  From an early age, she wanted to be a teacher and, after completing her degree at McMaster University in 1964, she joined the teaching staff of Cayuga Technical and Commercial High School (later Cayuga Secondary School).  She also met another young teacher on staff, Bill.  They married in 1967 and last December celebrated their fifty-seventh wedding anniversary.  Sheilagh and Bill moved to Hagersville Secondary School when the new school opened in 1967 and from 1969-1971 taught in Lahr, West Germany, and travelled all over Europe.  Shortly after returning to Canada Michael was born.  Two years later, Meghan followed. 

The family moved to Guelph in 1977.  For more than twenty years Sheilagh was Head of the English as a Second Language program at John F. Ross CVI.  Her students came from all over the world, and she played an important role in welcoming generations of them, and their families, to Canada.  In recognition of her achievements, she was presented with the Award of Merit by the Wellington County Board of Education in 1994.  Sheilagh was also an active member of St. Andrew’s Church for many years, including helping the congregation sponsor and support refugees in Guelph.  After retiring in 1998 she became a member of Wintergarden Church in Port Charlotte, Florida, and the Friends of the Guelph Public Library.  She helped organize the group’s annual book sale to raise funds for the construction of the new main library, now being built downtown.

Sheilagh adored her husband, Bill, her children, Michael and Meghan, and Meghan’s children, Eric and Mara.  To her grandchildren, Sheilagh was simply Boopboop (a name Eric gave her when he was learning to speak).  She loved to travel, including to Edmonton to visit Meghan, Eric, and Mara, and to London, England, to visit Michael and Ruth.  Sheilagh also loved the company of friends and neighbours.  She maintained close friendships over decades and was part of a tight-knit group of neighbours on Woodborough Road.  Sheilagh loved good food and good company, and she shared these with loved ones until the end. 

A celebration of Sheilagh’s life will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 11am at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 161 Norfolk St., Guelph. For anyone that would like to watch the service remotely, please use this link. A reception will follow in the church hall.  

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

Memorial contributions to the Chalmers Centre would be appreciated. 

A tree will be planted in memory of Sheilagh J.V. McKinnie in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.

WICKHAM, Brenda Darlene (nee Lillie) – Passed away peacefully at Caressant Care Living Facility, in Harriston, ON, with her family by her side on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 in her 74th year.

Brenda was the beloved wife Marshall Wickham (2014). Dear mother of Kelley Dietrich (Ray Dwyer) of Harriston and Michael Wickham of Owen Sound. Beloved grandma of Emily Dietrich (Nathan Finoro), Owen Dietrich and Hailey Wickham, and great grandma of Gus Finoro. Predeceased by her parents Leonard Lillie (1975) and Wilma Lillie (2012). Beloved sister to Bryon Lillie (2023) and Brad Lillie (Stephanie). Dear family friend of Joe and Anna Stone of Fergus, Denise and Doug Arndt of Drayton, and Jody Dietrich of Guelph.

Thank you to Judy, Michelle, Cathy and all of the staff at Caressant Care Facility.

Thank you for the many years and memories made with friends and family, at the Port Elgin Tourist campgrounds, and the support from many over the last couple years.

A graveside service to celebrate her life will be held at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 2723 Victoria St. N., Breslau, ON, on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 1:00pm.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society, would be appreciated by her family.

 A tree will be planted in memory of Brenda D. Wickham in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.

SCHINCK, Alan R. – With heavy hearts and much love, we are mourning the passing of Alan Schinck, our loving husband, father, and Aubey (grandpa). He passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, March 7th 2025, in his 82nd year after a long battle with cancer.

He will be missed by Donna, his wife of 55 years, his sons Trevor and James (Maggie), and his precious grandchildren Cooper and Mia. He will also be missed by his sisters Noel, Carole (Jack), and Sharon (Pat) and by many nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by his parents Frank and Rose, and his sisters Pauline (Pat), Margaret (Ted) and Loretta and his brothers Gerard (Lois) and Dennis.

Alan worked hard all his life. He loved auctions and garage sales and was often found in his shop rebuilding an engine or repairing a transmission. He also loved a good game of Pepper with friends.

We wish to thank everyone who has been a part of our long journey over the past couple of months:  Groves Memorial Hospital Emergency, Dr. Nguyen, St. Mary’s Hospital and its staff, Cambridge Memorial Hospital, and all the nurses and PSW’s with Community Health Care. A special thanks to Hospice Wellington for making his last few hours so comfortable, and ours less stressful.

A celebration of life will be held for Alan Schinck on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at the Acton Canadian Legion, 15 Wright Ave., Acton, Ontario from 1 – 4 pm with remarks starting at approximately 2:30 pm.  A luncheon will be served. 

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

Memorial donations can be made to Hospice Wellington or Community Living Guelph Wellington.

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

Marilyn Audrey Campbell (May 26, 1936) otherwise known as Mom and Nanny.

If it looks a little darker than normal, it is because the world has lost one of its brightest shining lights. The matriarch and heart of the Campbell family, Marilyn passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 16, 2025 surrounded by her family at the age of 88.

Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario where she lived until she met the love of her life at the cottage in Cook’s Mill, Marilyn and the late Donald Campbell were married in 1954 and lived the rest of their lives in Guelph and the surrounding area. Together they raised 9 children, camped and travelled throughout the Caribbean, Europe, Canada, and the U.S. spending numerous winters in Florida after Christmas was over.

Marilyn/Mom/Nanny loved to knit and crochet. At first, it was baby blankets, sweaters, booties, and bonnets for her newly-born grandchildren. She then started making hats for preemies at the Guelph General Hospital, baby blankets for Michael’s House, and finally prayer shawls for several local churches.

She always loved a full house and was happiest at holiday get-togethers when the house was bursting with family, laughter, and memory making so here are a few we’d like to share:

“Nanny always had this seemingly magical way of making time move just a little bit slower, and for your burdens to feel instantly lighter. Listening to her talk about the way she loved Granddad and the rest of her family was always so soothing and heartwarming. You couldn’t help but feel at peace when you spent time with Nanny.”

“You created the most love-filled family home.  Our bodies were always full of food and hearts overflowing with your love.  Your unending love will live in my heart forever.”

“She was an absolute light that loved her family so much.”

“She made her family feel special by wearing family birthstones in her rings.”

“She loved as fiercely as she is loved. She never hesitated to help someone in need, no matter who they were.”

“She was a selfless woman who dropped what she was doing to help out family members in need.”

“I lost my tooth while eating and I threw it out. Nanny did everything she could to try and find it. We didn’t find it but it just shows how selfless and caring she was.”

“She always did what she could for her family and didn’t hesitate twice about teaching.”

“Thank you for helping shape all the young one’s minds and instilling your wisdom.”

“I’ll never forget relaxing at the cottage and doing word search after word search.  With all this time spent together, she helped make me the person I am today.”

“Everyone that knew her loved her.  Her secret was simple.  She asked questions and listened without judging.”

“My paternal family was uniquely matriarchal: and our matriarch, Nanny, my grandmother, has passed away.  Hug your loved ones.  Tell them you love them.  Often.  Frequently.”

Dedicated wife, Mom, and Nanny, the fortunate recipients of her endless love were her 9 children, 17 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. Her love of children also extended to 100s of foster children, primarily newborns.

Predeceased by her beloved husband Donald Campbell, she was still as in love with him today as the day they met. Their love story has been an inspiration to the entire family.

Predeceased by her parents, Frank Guerney and Lydia Donaldson, her brother Doug (Lynn decd.) and survived by her sisters Patricia (Den) and Dolores (John, decd.).

Already deeply missed by:

Audrey (Peter);  grandchildren Danny, Beverly, Ryan, Derek, Jonathan; great-grandchildren Alexandria, Miranda, Joshua, Finley, Leonardo, Dominick, Keith, Sarah, Isabelle, Holly, and great-great-grandchild Charlotte.

John (Heather); grandchildren Kelly and Michael; great-grandchild Avery.

Timothy (Anna); grandchildren Crystal, Amber, and Tim Jr.; great-grandchildren Jayden, William, and Nolan.

Thomas (Susan); grandchild Matthew; great-grandchildren Owen and Georgia.

Beverly (Don).

Douglas (Janice); grandchild Dawn; great-grandchildren Mackenzie and Skylar.

Elizabeth (Chris); grandchild Kieran.

Charles (Valerie); grandchildren Chloe and Zachary; great-grandchild Logan.

Delores (Joel); grandchildren Dawson and Darla.

Our homes, cottages, and dining room tables will never be the same without you there. We love you Mom/Nanny ❤️

First visitation will be held at the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, Wednesday, March 19, 2025 from 7 – 9 pm and a second visitation on Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 10 – 11 am. Funeral service begins at 11 am in the funeral home chapel, followed by a reception in the Wall-Custance Family Reception Centre. For those who are unable to attend the service but wish to watch the service remotely, you can do so via YouTube by clicking this link.

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

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

HIBBS, George Cecil – It is with great sadness that the family of George Cecil Hibbs, announce his sudden passing on March 15, 2025, in Fergus, Ontario. Born on October 29, 1974, George leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife and best friend of 27 years, Launa Hibbs; his daughter, Shevonne Klymko; his parents, Grace and George Hibbs; and his sister, Tammy Hibbs. He will be greatly missed by his extended family and Launa’s family who loved him as a son, brother and uncle. George loved animals and will be greatly missed by the family he and Launa had adopted.

George was a kind, generous, gentle soul who loved his family deeply. His daughter was his pride and joy, he cherished his time with her and loved attending her soccer games and was her number one fan. He found joy in the sunshine and always looked forward to weekend visits with his parents and sister sitting outside in the sun. George enjoyed working on cars for his friends and family. He was proud of his self taught skills and eager to help others.

George fought a courageous battle with Kidney disease. He was taken from his family much too soon but in the end we know he is finally pain free and at peace.

A celebration of his life and opportunity for friends and family to drop by and say goodbye will be held at the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, on Friday, March 21st between 6:00-8:00 pm.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations to an animal rescue or any charity of your choice would be appreciated.

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