Wall-Custance Memorial Forest Program

McDERMOTT, Michael – It is with great sadness and broken hearts, we announce the passing of J. Michael (Mike) McDermott at the age of 72. For the past years Mike faced a multitude of health issues. His fight is now over and can finally rest in peace

Beloved son of Marion McDermott (2011) and Jim McDermott (2019). Very much loved and high school sweetheart of Lee McDermott. Proud father of Jennifer Wiltsie (Tom), James McDermott (Teresa) and Michael McDermott (Morgan).  Mike loved having bragging rights and very proud of all his grandchildren Kaley, Alexander, Eric, Brodie, Kamryn, Abby, Maddy, Matthew and Marilyn. He loved you all so much.   Best and most cherished friend of 67 years of John Walker (Sandy). John was always there and supported Mike through every challenge. “And then there was one”.

Mike was known as a trusted and talented person who could repair any mechanical issue presented to him. Worked 35 years as a service technician and manager at Shuh Appliances.  Mike could walk customers and rising technicians through repairs over the parts counter or over the phone using his expertise and experiences. Enjoyed working on cars in his parent’s driveway as a teenager and performed all maintenance and repairs on his own vehicles. Helping teaching his kids how to properly repair their own vehicles and build and maintain their homes. Always willing to help someone in need. 

When health forced retirement, Mike enjoyed morning coffee with friends at the coffee time and the classic car meets with his 65 Mustang and his favourite Pontiac Parisienne. 

An interment of cremated remains will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 762 Woolwich St, Guelph. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the Red Chevron Club, 34 Elizabeth St, Guelph.  Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

In lieu of flowers or gifts donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation are preferred.  

A tree will be planted in memory of Michael McDermott in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.

James R. Lewis passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, at the age of 62 at Hospice Wellington. James is survived by his wife, Lynn, their children Eric (Rhian), Evelyn (Hannah), Kevin (Janet), Peter (Jules), David (Caroline), Matthew (Kaitlyn Leischner) and Michael, and a growing number of grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Blanche and brother Ed (Janet).

His Christian faith was a central thread throughout his life. He turned his hand to many things over the years; from diligently maintaining family vehicles, to working on plumbing, electrical and various other household projects. As his children grew up, he enjoyed passing on his knowledge and experience to them. James was a dedicated employee of Sleeman Breweries where he worked for over 30 years to support his family. In his leisure time, James was fond of walks, watching nature documentaries and researching the latest project. In recent years, he delighted in spending time with his grandchildren. James leaves a lasting legacy in his children and their families.

A funeral service and reception will be held at Guelph Bible Chapel, 216 Silvercreek Pkwy S, Guelph, on April 18th at 2:00 PM. A private family interment will follow at a later date.

The family would appreciate donations in James’ memory to Hospice Wellington or Watoto.

John Pushkar
January 30, 1939 – April 14, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Pushkar.  John passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family on Tuesday, April 14th at the age of 87.

Loving father of four children: Ginny Schirrmacher (Peter), Steven Pushkar (Mariëtte), Melissa Zarnke (Jeremy), and Jade Pushkar. He was the cherished grandfather of Lauren, Cole, Caden, and Tessa Schirrmacher; Rachel and Isaac Zarnke; and Katelyn and Colin Pushkar.

John is survived by his dear sister, Luba Pushkar. He is predeceased by his parents Isydor and Alexandra (née Humin) Pushkar and his six siblings.

John was born in Ukraine and his family immigrated to Canada in the 1960s.

He was a quiet, gentle person who was always ready to help his family. He carried a strong work ethic and had a brilliant mechanical aptitude. He had retired from ATS Automation where his innovation and skill helped ATS achieve its success in the early years. One of his roles provided him the privilege of sharing his expertise with apprentices. In his spare time, he liked working with cars and he enjoyed fishing.

Special thanks to the staff, especially Olga, at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Guelph for their incredibly compassionate care and support throughout his journey. 

John will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Cremation has taken place. A private family interment and 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.

A tree will be planted in memory of John Pushkar in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest. 

Colin Murray Bain died peacefully at his home in at The Village of Arbour Trails, Guelph, Ontario on November 21, 2025.

Born in London, England, on June 19, 1945, Colin spent his childhood in both London and the Scottish Highlands, his ancestral home. A student at St. Paul’s School in London, Colin was steeped in classical 19th century education, studying Latin, History, and English, enjoying boxing, cricket, and rugby, and becoming Lance Sergeant of the school’s Combined Cadet Force. With the encouragement of his brother, Donald Morrison Bain (1939-2009), Colin moved to Hamilton, Ontario in September 1963 to study Social Sciences at McMaster University. At McMaster, Colin met Vida Ruth Seifert (1947-2016), who had come from Sudbury to study Science. They married in 1969 and had forty-seven happy years together.

Colin pursued graduate studies at the University of Guelph and his M.A. in History was granted in 1968. He entered the university’s brand-new doctoral program focusing on the industrial revolution in Scotland. Colin and Vi moved to Scotland for a year and, once installed in Kirkcaldy, Fife, Vi organized all the historical records Colin needed to study and removed the ones he could safely ignore. Accordingly, three years-worth of research were completed in eighteen months, and Colin’s Ph.D. was granted at Guelph in 1973.

Having completed his Ph.D., Colin realized he did not really want to spend all his life in historical research and enrolled at Althouse College of Education in London, Ontario. He joined the teaching staff of Nelson High School and took early retirement from Acton High School in 2000. Colin was highly dedicated to educating young people and is remembered as a strong supporter of the Halton Learning Foundation. In collaboration with his writing partner, Dennis DesRivieres, he co-wrote over a dozen social science textbooks for use in Ontario’s schools.

In their retirement, Colin and Vi had an intense fifteen years of visiting their recently acquired cottage on Manitoulin Island, travelling the world, enjoying their garden in Morriston, Ontario, and pursuing hobbies such as the restoration of his 1972 MG B.

In 2014, Vi was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and Colin spent much of his time as a caregiver until Vi’s death in 2016.

After relocating to Guelph, Ontario in 2015, Colin received the support of the Arbour Trails community with Vi’s sudden decline and his own deteriorating health as he dealt with Parkinson’s disease. Colin also found an advocate and was strongly supported by his nephew Nigel Bain, who moved with his family to Guelph in 2017.

Colin used to say that his finest quality was his luck. He had the luck to be born into a rock-solid family, to have been exposed to an intellectually challenging education, to have met Vi, the bedrock of his adult life, to find steady employment with none of the periods of unemployment common in professional careers today, and lastly, Colin felt lucky in that he chose to live in the best country in the world.

Donations can be made to Colin’s favourite charity, Halton Learning Foundation, in support of the Colin M. Bain Halton Social Science Scholarship.

A memorial will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 10:30am at Morriston United Church, 22 Victoria St., Puslinch (Morriston). Reception to follow. 

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

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

ARNOLD, James (Jim) Brian – Passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026, at the age of 82 at the Guelph General Hospital, surrounded by the warmth and love of his family.

Jim will be terribly missed by his wife of 29 years Vickie (Elvic Elizan), his sons, James Sharpe (Lindsey) and Jeffrey Sharpe (Amy), his twin sister, Lynda D’Aoust, and her husband Mark.  He will be remembered fondly by his grandchildren, Halen, Malcolm, Hunter, Dustin, Olivia, Henry, Carter, Kolton and Kayden.  Jim will be missed by his nephew Michael D’Aoust (Sheri), his niece Sharon Hagen (Rob), and many extended family members. 

He will be dearly missed by his family in the Philippines — his mother-in-law, Mom Rufina; his in-laws Ely and El, Maria Joy, Ellen, and Ivy; his nephews Clenton Jay, Koa (Kokong), and Gael; and his nieces Shaira, Victoria and Bianca.  He will also be lovingly remembered by his “adopted daughters,” the nieces who fondly called him their Daddy Jim; Liana, Lavinia, Zahara, and Sophie, also by Auntie Mercy and Uncle Jun, his cousins in the Philippines and California, and his many Filipino friends in Guelph.

Music was at the core of Jim’s life, and he will be especially remembered by the fellow musicians and friends he considered family.

Born on April 15, 1943, Jim deeply valued the connections he built throughout his life, particularly through his love for music and travel. A proud graduate of the University of Guelph, he enjoyed a vibrant career as an agricultural engineer, leading international projects in Tanzania, Senegal, and Sri Lanka. Travel remained a constant for Jim and Vickie; including a trip to the Philippines and six other countries this past November, Jim explored more than 50 countries in total.

Whether known as James or simply “Jim,” he was always smiling and loved a good laugh, and his passing leaves a void in the hearts of many. A man who cherished his musical community and friends, Jim’s memory will be honored by the songs sung and the stories told by those who were lucky enough to walk alongside him.

Please join us at The Royal Canadian Legion Br.234 Guelph Ontario on June 20th, 2026, to celebrate the life of Jim Arnold.  Stories and music will be shared from 12:00 – 4:00PM. You are welcome to bring photos or stories to share. Please feel free to share this invitation, all are welcome.  Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

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

HACKETT, Leslie James – It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Leslie James Hackett (April 21,1949- April 8, 2026). He passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Hospice Wellington in Guelph on April 8th. He was at peace, in part because his beloved Toronto Blue Jays finally snapped a six game losing streak the day he left us. 

Beloved husband of Joye MacIsaac-Hackett, devoted father of Kenzie (Peter) and Byron (Ashley). Fondly loved and remembered by his dear grandchildren Elsa and Riley. Dear brother to Tom (Mary Kay), brother-in law to Paul (Eileen), Don (Carol) and Iain.  Predeceased by his parents Leonard and Marjorie Hackett, and sister Kristine Suffel. Les will be missed by his extended family and wide circle of friends, old and new.

Les was a remarkable man, leaving an indelible mark on anyone he encountered during his 76 years. He was a kind, caring and thoughtful individual, who was willing to do anything for anyone and not ask for a single thing in return. His superpower was showing up. He showed up for those who needed him and many who didn’t even realize they needed him until long after he helped them. 

A teacher by trade, including 25 years at Morning Star High School in Malton, Les was an educator until the very end. During his final days, former tutoring students were reaching out to tell him how his work with them propelled them into various careers that weren’t possible without his help. Of course, in retirement he didn’t set out to be a tutor, but one day, helping a friend of a friend led to student after student working with him 20 years after he finished teaching. 

Math may have been his first love, but after his wife, his grandkids were the apple of his eye. Elsa, 10 and Riley, 7, may have lived far away, but they had a full hold on his heart. He always talked about them with such pride, admiration and love. Many people in the ‘Village By The Arboretum’ have likely been regaled of tales about their adventures in Australia.

And you can’t mention the Village without talking about Les’ love of pickleball. The move to the Village provided Les and Joye so many great activities and the introduction to his obsession with pickleball was one of them. He was a ‘pickler’ through and through and even as his cancer was making life hard, he persevered to make it onto the courts.

Beyond his love of sports, Les’ heart belonged to his family. To Kenzie and Byron, he was a pillar of support who consistently put his children first. He spent countless hours at sporting practices and games, helped navigate moves across provinces and university transitions, and even gave up his own car to ensure his children had what they needed. His selfless nature knew no bounds, leading him all the way to Australia to spend months at a time with his grandchildren.

None of these accomplishments would have been possible without his exceptional wife, Joye. Throughout their 46 years of marriage, she was his steadying force and his calm in the storm. He was a kind and caring man, with Joye guiding and supporting him throughout the rest of his life.

The family would like to thank all of Les’ doctors, nurses and caregivers who assisted him throughout his battle with cancer. We truly appreciated all the support and care he was given.  

The family would like to invite you to a Celebration of Les’ Life on April 18, 2026. Please feel free to Drop-In and visit us in Reid Hall, Village by the Arboretum in Guelph between 9:30am and 11:30 am. A few tributes will be delivered at 10:30am. Please wear something casual or sports related as we celebrate a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice Wellington Guelph, Canadian Cancer Society or to WRHN-Midtown (Waterloo Regional Health Network-Cancer Care) will be gratefully appreciated. 

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

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

Hugh James Paul O’Neill
August 2, 1955 – April 6, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Hugh O’Neill on April 6, 2026, at the age of 70.

Beloved husband of Lubelia (née Cabral), Hugh will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his children Daniel, Ayden, Christopher (Amy), and Samantha (Matt), and by his cherished grandchildren Owen and Miles. He will be remembered with love by his siblings John (Lori), Larry, and Cathy, as well as his nieces and nephews, many cousins from the Kenney family, and members of the Cabral family.

Hugh was predeceased by his parents, Therese (née Kenney) and William O’Neill, and by his brothers Tom (Susan) and Bob.

He will be remembered for his kindness, his love for his children, and the lasting impression he made on all who knew him.  

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.

A tree will be planted in memory of Hugh J. P. O’Neill in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.