Wall-Custance Memorial Forest Program

REID, LEONA LUCY (née Barclay)
Slipped away quietly in her sleep at home on April 23, 2026. Her final years reflected the gentle, gradual decline that comes with advanced age; she did not leave because of any disease or illness. Fortunately, she experienced no pain or discomfort and lived comfortably into her 98th year.

Devoted wife of Melville Reid, who predeceased her in 2013, she was the beloved mother of Raymond (Gretchen d. 2024), Richard (Eleane), and Marlene Collins (Derwin).

Leona was the loving and cherished grandmother of Darren (Rhona), Andrea, Shawn d.2021, Sarah (John), Nathan (Cari), Justin, Evan (Allison), Emily (Heath), and Marianne (Nathan), Magda, and Vanessa and the proud great-grandmother of seventeen.

Born on a mixed farm near Ariss to Gilbert and Lucy Barclay, she was the sister of Barbara Reid (George) and remained close to her brothers and sisters-in-law throughout her life. Her extended family included many nieces and nephews, most of whom kept in regular touch with her.

The eldest of two girls, she was drawn early to the work of the barn and the fields, where she found both purpose and belonging. She was as comfortable driving a team of horses, turning hay with a dump rake, as she was behind the wheel of a tractor. Many hours were spent on her knees in the turnip fields, separating doubles and attending to the steady, necessary barn chores that come with caring for livestock.

When she was 17, her mother, who often took in boarders to earn a little pin money, welcomed Melville Reid into their home, a farm boy eight years her senior who had come to Guelph in hopes of becoming a carpenter. Though he had little experience, he was eager to make good. It was not long before she came to admire his straightforward nature, his integrity, and his steady, hardworking character. They soon fell hopelessly in love and, a year later, were married, beginning an adventure that would see them celebrate their 66th anniversary together.

At 18, she began her married life in a small upstairs flat at 30 London Road, soon welcoming a baby into her arms. With hard work and careful scrimping, she and our father built a modest two-bedroom house at 24 Summit Crescent, where we lived next door to our aunt and uncle throughout the 1950s. Shaped by the frugality of the Depression years, she drew on a simple, enduring recipes from that era. Though means were limited, she managed the household with care and good judgment and gave us a full and happy life, rich in love and contentment, and never lacking in what truly mattered.

Our mother cherished the open fields, as did our father, and in 1961 they moved to Puslinch Township, where she would spend the rest of her days in the home he built for her. There, while our father worked off the farm in the early years, she took charge of the mink ranch, managing it largely on her own. She had a natural gift for organization and hard work, keeping the books, overseeing the operation, and working alongside the small crew in all seasons. At pelting time, she could gather and direct a crew of eighteen women with quiet efficiency. Whether in rubber boots vaccinating the kits or in the kitchen preparing a scrumptious Sunday dinner for company, she was equally at ease. She worked long hours, in cold and heat alike, and continued with that same steady dedication until the age of 80.

In the last 25 years of their lives, my parents enjoyed their Airstream trailer, spending a month each winter in Crystal River, Florida before the busy breeding season began in March. My mother was never hesitant around machinery and was a confident driver, handling the arduous journey herself, guiding the long trailer through major American cities with ease, while our father contentedly took in the passing farm fields. They shared many happy weeks with friends, a well-earned time of rest and companionship.

Our mother, together with our father, was grounded in a shared and abiding Christian faith from which she never wavered. She lived it quietly and faithfully, often expressing it through simple acts of kindness—serving Sunday dinner to company almost weekly, delivering home baking, flowers, or a meal to ailing neighbours or friends without drawing attention to herself. Her faith was steady and unassuming, and she came to the end of her life at peace, content in her relationship with God.

We will miss her wisdom and presence, but it’s hard to see a full load of grain leaving a shorn field without feeling a sense of rejoicing!

A visitation will be held at WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 4:00 – 8:00 pm. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 11:00 am.  To watch the service remotely, please use this link. Burial will follow the service at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

Condolences and notes can be made online at www.wallcustance.com

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

CHIDWICK, Ann Dickson – Peacefully, surrounded by her family, Ann Dickson Chidwick died of old age after a long and full life. She was predeceased by her husband, Paul Field Chidwick (2007). She is survived by her children Mark (Heather), Paula (Kevin), Lynn (Terry), and Valary (Dan); her grandchildren Robert, Amanda, Gaby, Phillip, Hanna, Andrew, Ijeoma, Owen, Maeve, Will, and Evan; and her great-grandchildren Veer and Sadie. She was also “Auntie Ann” to many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, all of whom loved her dearly as she loved them.

Ann’s life was one of adventure, courage, and deep faith. With Paul at her side, she lived abroad, raised four children in Nairobi in the 1960s, and later made homes in England and back in Canada, gathering wisdom, stories, and many friendships along the way. In Ontario, she brought this rich experience to St. Mary’s parish in Windsor, where she helped establish family life education and marriage preparation programs for the Diocese of Huron.

A gifted storyteller, Ann was the published author of nine books tracing her own family’s history and giving voice to the historical stories of Sorrento and Blind Bay, BC. She approached storytelling, as she did life, with curiosity, respect, and a desire to understand. A devoted Anglican throughout her life, Ann most recently worshipped at The Church of the Apostles in Guelph, where she started “Living Better on Less,” a program rooted in her conviction that living simply and in harmony with the environment and with one another truly matters.

Ann’s family and friends will remember her unshakable joy for life and her instinct to seize every moment. Everything, in her eyes, was interesting and possible. She never stopped asking questions, and she never pretended to have all the answers, always learning, adapting, and growing. The Shuswap Lake was her favourite place on earth, where she spent countless happy hours with her grandchildren—at tea times, swimming, and playing—laying down lifelong memories. To her grandchildren, “Noni” was the embodiment of wonder and elegance, the grandmother who thought nothing of exploring boar trails in rural Portugal with a gleeful grandchild in tow.

Above all, Ann will be remembered for her abiding love and respect for people. She welcomed everyone into her home, and at any moment she might arrive with an unexpected guest—or several—knowing they would be received into the warmth of a shared meal and conversation. From raising worms on her kitchen counter as part of her commitment to the earth, to launching community projects that brought neighbours together, Ann quietly modelled a generous, inclusive humanity. She was, to all who knew her, an inspiration: gracious, fearless, endlessly interested, and deeply kind.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11:00am at The Church of the Apostles, 86 Glasgow St. N., Guelph.

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

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to The Church of the Apostles-Living Better on Less would be appreciated.

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

KERR, Wm. James (Jim) – It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of William James Kerr (known as Jim to his family and Jake to his friends), who died peacefully on April 21, 2026, at the age of 73 after a brief battle with cancer.

Jim was born on August 21, 1952, in Guelph, ON.  Jim was a beloved husband, son, brother, uncle and friend, known for his kindness, gentleness, and mischievousness – seen through the twinkle in his blue eyes. Jim was deeply committed to his wife Diane (Dupuis) Kerr who shared a life with him for 35 years.  He was a lifelong resident of the Puslinch, ON area, but spent a number of years in Calgary, Alberta working with cattle, and taking opportunities to camp in the mountains.  He loved his garden and had plans for his tomato plants this spring.  Jim was a truck driver at heart and loved to go for a drive to see the countryside.  He also loved to spend time outdoors, hunting, pruning trees, and puttering in his shop.  Jim leaves a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Jim is survived by his wife Diane Kerr, his son- and daughter-in-law Marc and Kim Dupuis, his siblings Bea (John) Henderson, Kathie (Larry) Davidson, Janette (Graham) Wood, and John (Gail) Kerr, and his nieces and nephews – Amanda (Andrew) Atkinson, Talitha (Tim) Metcalfe, Tara (Kevin)Tawse, James (Robin) Wood, Chris (Mallory) Henderson, John (Trish) Kerr, and Jenny Davidson.  He will also be deeply missed by his best friend Bill Allen as well as many great-nieces and nephews, including Josie – who he referred to as his “little princess.”  Jim is predeceased by his parents William (Bill) and Mary Kerr. 

At Jim’s request, cremation has taken place and a small gathering will be held by the family. 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 Hospice Wellington, in honour of Jim’s memory. 

He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and the community. 

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

A tree will be planted in memory of Pamela Bickerstaff in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest. 

Lee Morris, born April 13, 1956, in Sept-Îles, Quebec, to Robert and Ann Morris (both predeceased), passed away peacefully at Hospice Wellington on April 20, 2026, at the age of 70.

Lee was a loving and devoted mother to Genevieve (Tim) and Kate (Rob). She was a proud and caring grandmother to Scarlett, Morgan, and Jordan (Shawn), who brought her immense joy. Sister to Paul (Monica), Marc (Kate), Michele, Grant (Laura) and Reid (Peggy). 

For over 25 years, Lee worked as an Educational Assistant with the Wellington Catholic School Board. She had a deep love for children and made a lasting impact on the many students she supported throughout her career. Her patience, kindness, and dedication were felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Lee will be remembered for her warmth, strength, and the love she gave so freely to her family. She will be deeply missed and forever held in the hearts of those who loved her.

The family would like to sincerely thank the hospice staff for their exceptional care, compassion, and support. Their kindness brought comfort not only to Lee, but to our entire family during a very difficult time.

A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026 from 1 – 3 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.

Memorial donations to Hospice Wellington would be appreciated.

A tree will be planted in memory of Lee A. Morris in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest. 

Edgerton, Sylvia Ellen – Peacefully passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, April 20, 2026, with family by her side at Guelph General Hospital.

Beloved wife and best friend of Roy Edgerton (2020). Loved mother of Tom (Vickie) and Don (Paula); loving grandmother of Matthew (Jessica), Blake, Courtney (Chase), and great grandmother to Ava, Ali, Aria, and Brayson. Predeceased by her siblings Bill, Ed, and Rose.

A special thank you to the nurses and staff on the 7th floor for the wonderful care of our loved one during this very difficult time.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, details to be announced.

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

Memorial donations to St. Joseph’s Palliative Care, Hospice Wellington, or your local hospice facility would be appreciated.

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

VALLANCE, Stuart James 

June 20, 1953 – April 19, 2026

We are sorry to announce the passing of Stuart Vallance, professional musician, teacher, accomplished journalist and dear friend to so many, at Guelph General Hospital on April 19, 2026.

Born in Mimico in 1953, Stuart put his renowned bass guitar talents to work with rock and blues bands that played across North America, married a Southern belle in Georgia, and later built a career in Toronto as editor of several business and technology publications. In his spare time, he was a company softball star, played with bands at blues landmarks across Toronto and taught music here in his adopted home of Guelph.

Stuart is predeceased by his father, Royal Canadian Navy veteran Wilfred Vallance, mother Jacqueline and little sister Julie, who succumbed to juvenile diabetes as a teenager, and is survived by cousins Mary, Christina, Margaret, Nancy, Peter, Cindy and John.

Stuart will be interred at the Vallance family plot in Brampton.  Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

In memory, please consider a donation to Breakthrough T1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) or MS Canada.

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