Wall-Custance Memorial Forest Program

WIGGINS, David – The family of David Wiggins is sad to announce his death on Monday, May 11, 2026 at Hospice Wellington.

David was born in Gimli, Manitoba, the son of an RCAF pilot and a British war bride. He received his BA from Carleton University and his MBA from McMaster University. After earning his designation as a chartered accountant, he practiced first in Hamilton, then in Mississauga and Toronto and finally in Puslinch Township, only fully retiring in 2024.

David was a devoted member of the Baha’i Community, serving in many different capacities over the years as well as an active participant in many local groups including Bereaved Families of Ontario and the Optimist Club of Puslinch.

David was predeceased by his parents, Maxwell Vincent (John) Wiggins and Marjorie Gordon, and by his son Josh. He was much loved and survived by his wife Mary, sister Kate (John), daughter Maggie (Fulvio), stepson Ian (Ulala) and by grandchildren Shinryu, Livia, Satori, and Yurika, as well as by many nieces and nephews and his sisters-in-law Ina and Grace.

The family is grateful for the kindness and compassionate care provided by his family physician Dr. Ana Dul, the Juravinski Cancer Clinic, Guelph General Hospital and Hospice Wellington.

Family and friends will be received for visitation at the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 6-8 pm. Funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 1 pm (To view the service remotely, click here). Burial at Crown Cemetery.  Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

Memorial contributions to the Foundation of Guelph General Hospital, Hospice Wellington or Juravinski Cancer Clinic would be appreciated.

A tree will be planted in memory of David Wiggins in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest. 

BUTLER, Elizabeth “Beth”

August 20, 1939 – May 10, 2026

With hearts full of love and thanksgiving for a woman whose life reflected God’s grace and faithfulness, the family of Beth Butler announces her peaceful passing on May 10, 2026. Beth has now gone home to be with her Lord and Saviour, whom she faithfully served throughout her life.

Born on August 20, 1939, Beth was the oldest of four children born to George and Isabel Sickle. She grew up on the family farm near Glen Morris, where she developed the resilience, compassion, and strong work ethic that would define her life. At the age of 13, Beth contracted polio, a disease that brought lifelong physical challenges. Through every hardship, she demonstrated remarkable courage, perseverance, and unwavering trust in God.

Beth graduated from the Macdonald Institute at the University of Guelph in 1962 with a Bachelors of Households Sciences, where she met the love of her life, Daniel “Danny” Butler. They were married in 1963 and began their life together in Barrie, where Danny practiced veterinary medicine while Beth devoted herself to creating a loving and faith-filled home.

In 1965, they moved to Guelph, where Danny joined the Ontario Veterinary College and Beth embraced her calling as a full-time homemaker, mother and volunteer. Together, Beth and Danny raised four children in a home grounded in love, kindness, hospitality, and steadfast Christian faith.

In 1982, the family moved to Madison, where Danny joined the veterinary faculty at the University of Wisconsin. They returned to Guelph in 1987 and spent many joyful retirement years surrounded by their growing family and cherished grandchildren.

Beth’s faith was central to every aspect of her life. Wherever she lived, she faithfully served her church and community through countless volunteer roles, quietly helping others. She was a longtime and devoted member of First Baptist Church in Guelph, where her gentle spirit, servant’s heart, and enduring faith touched many lives.

Beth was also a gifted seamstress and talented in needlecrafts, expressing creativity and care through everything she made for family and friends.

Beth will be lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of 63 years, Danny Butler; her children Ron and Sharon Butler, Karen and Paul Wismer, Phil and Anne Butler, and daughter-in-law Antonia Jiménez Butler; and by her treasured grandchildren Heidi Butler and Nate Edwards, Noelle Butler and Jeremy Lovelett, Emma Butler, Daniel Butler, Sarah Wismer, Isaac and Vanessa Wismer, Erica Butler, and Owen Butler.

She was predeceased by her beloved son Kevin Butler (2021), her sister Jean Kindy, and her brothers Bill Sickle and Jim Sickle.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caring staff at Extendicare Columbia Forest for the compassionate care Beth received.

A woman of deep faith, quiet strength, and loving devotion to family, Beth leaves a legacy of grace, perseverance, and trust in God that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial visitation at WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception.  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 Alzheimer Society of Waterloo Wellington or to First Baptist Church Guelph.

A tree will be planted in memory of Elizabeth (Beth) A. Butler in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest. 

HEIPEL, Scott – It is with heavy hearts but profound gratitude for a life lived with boundless joy that the family of Scott Heipel announces his passing on May 9, 2026 at Wellington Terrace in Fergus, Ontario. Born on February 12,1976, Scott was the cherished and only son of Ron and Jane Heipel.

A decorated Special Olympics athlete, Scott brought determination and his strong-willed spirit to the pool, the hockey rink and the bowling alley; while he was known for a touch of stubbornness that made him a formidable competitor, he was equally recognized for his sense of humour that could lighten any moment. His passions ran deep, from his unwavering loyalty as a Guelph Storm hockey fan to his love for the music of Garth Brooks, and the high energy world of the WWE and his favourite John Cena (“u can’t c me”). Above all, Scott was a deeply loving man who possessed the best smile in the room – a grin that perfectly captured his zest for life.

He will be profoundly missed by his devoted parents, Ron and Jane, and remembered with love by his aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and adopted sister Kendra Klein. Scott is predeceased by his grandparents Margaret and Victor Robinson of Palmerston and Clayton and Marie Heipel of Harriston. Scott will always be remembered for his warmth, humour and love of his friend Ryan Fox for 48 years, and for his many friends at Ontario Special Olympics Guelph/Fergus, Guelph Giants Special Hockey, Live and Learn and ARC Industries. Scott was a valued and dedicated employee at Guelph Boston’s Pizza and Guelph Stone Road Metro Foodland.

Heartfelt thank you to Wellington Terrace for their truly exceptional care, and special gratitude to Dr. John Stickney, Nurse Ryen, Nurse Hannah and the amazing caring staff at Oak Glen, who all provided exceptional kindness and support.

A private funeral service will be held for Scott at Wall-Custance Funeral Home. However, a public celebration of life for Scott will also be held at a later date and location to be announced.

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

As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers donations can be made to Guelph Giants Special Hockey (click here) and/or Ontario Special Olympics (Fergus Phantom Swim Team) (click here).

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

LUMSDEN, Stuart Arthur – Passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

He is survived by his wife Mary Theresa, his brother Dwyte (Lisa), and his sister Elise (Robert). Predeceased by his parents Arthur and Alice, and nephews Craig and Rob. Survived by his nieces Linda, Margaret, and his nephew Christopher.

Stuart loved to camp. He spent the last thirty years with a trailer at the West Montrose Campground where he enjoyed many summers with his friends and family.

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

In memory of Stu, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Diabetes Canada.

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

Donna Marie Wehner (nee Sharpe)
July 27, 1941 – May 6, 2026

Donna passed on to be with the Lord, in her 85th year, with family by her side, at Hospice Wellington.

Donna was the beloved wife of Chuck, having recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. She was the ever devoted mother to Jill (Paul Vet) and Sandi Thomson and was a loving Gam to her grandchildren Emily (Jozef Duijvestein), Jacob and Tyrel. Donna was sister to Bill Sharpe (Marion), sister-in-law to Jack Wehner (Ruth) and Lee Steele (Alan). Lovingly remembered by her nephews, nieces and many cousins. Predeceased by her parents, Cyril and Marguerite Sharpe.

Donna found great joy in spending time with family and friends, going back to her early days at Priory Park Baptist Church. She was a beautiful piano player, great lover of bridge (Trinity Church’s Sunshine Club), crocheting, and serving others. She loved to cook and host get-togethers. She had a selfless heart and welcomed many into the Wehner home, be it family, friends, neighbours or university students studying in Guelph, while away from home. We will miss her smiles and laughter.

Our family is so grateful for the care we received from Dr. Minich at GGH, the staff of Hospice Wellington, Catherine Manning (Music Therapist), Pastor John Benham, Dr. Ellen Lee and our family and friends.

Please join us (casual dress welcome) for Donna’s Celebration of Life on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 at Trinity United Church, 400 Stevenson St. N, Guelph. A visitation will be held from 10am to 11am with a Celebration of Life to begin at 11am. Lunch to follow the service. 

Livestream link- https://www.youtube.com/@trinityunitedchurchguelph5773/streams

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Hospice Wellington would be very much appreciated.

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

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

Thomas “Thom” Herrmann

July 18, 1943 – May 4, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share that Thomas “Thom” Herrmann passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026, in Guelph, at the age of 82.  He is lovingly survived by his wife, Carol Ann Herrmann (née Van Horn); his daughters, Krista and Annelise (Olivier); his cherished grandchildren, Keegan (Joseph), Rowan, Xavier, Tristan, and Zackary, as well as his dear brothers Robert and Paul.

Born on July 18, 1943, in Rochester, NY, Thom spent his early years in Rochester before pursuing his studies at the University of Tennessee. In the 1970s, upon receiving his PhD, he accepted a position at the University of Guelph, where he became a respected Professor of Psychology focusing his research in the area of neuro-science. Over the course of a meaningful career that spanned over three decades, Thom was admired by colleagues and students alike, having been awarded the distinguished University of Guelph Faculty Association Service Award in 2012 and the Medal of Merit in 2013 for his contributions to the university community. He remained at the University of Guelph throughout his entire career and, upon retiring, was named Professor Emeritus. After retirement, he continued contributing to the university through his role as a board member of the University of Guelph Retirees’ Association (UGRA).

Outside of his academic career, Thom was deeply committed to his community, known for his mentorship, community spirit, and involvement in youth-oriented programs. He generously gave his time to organizations including the Sertoma Club, the Lions Clubs International, where he served as District Governor of District A-15 from 1998–1999 and was an active member of the Guelph Men’s Club, always eager to contribute and connect with others.

Thom found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Above all else, he was a devoted family man and proud grandfather.  He loved cooking for family and friends, travelling, and watching baseball. A lifelong fan of the game, he also spent many years umpiring baseball, combining his love of sports with his sense of fairness and community spirit.

Thom will be remembered for his warmth, passion, generosity, intelligence and his love of storytelling and off-the-wall sense of humour. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service, and love that will continue to live on in all who knew him.

A memorial visitation will be held at the Wall-Custance Funeral Home and Chapel, 206 Norfolk Street, Guelph, on Saturday, June 6th, 2026, from 1pm – 2pm with a Celebration of Life service at 2pm, reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations to CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) would be greatly appreciated.

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

A tree will be planted in memory of Thomas Herrmann in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest. 

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.