Evan L. MacKinnon
With heavy hearts, we announce that Evan Leslie MacKinnon was called to his heavenly home on November 22, 2025, after a short but courageous battle with cancer.
Evan was predeceased by his parents, Bill MacKinnon and Lois MacKinnon (nee Gregson). He is survived by his children Alex (Janet), David (Jenny), Katie, their mother Heather Kennedy, and his beloved grandchildren Lucas, Madison, Rhya, Mikayla, Ellery, Liam, and Bennett. He is also survived by his sister Julie Rattray (Stephen), nephews Kyle Rattray (Stephanie and daughter Madiella), Curtis, and niece Lauren. As well as many cousins.
Born in Caledon, Ontario, on February 11, 1957, Evan entered the world with a zest for life that never once dimmed. His family later moved to Guelph, Ontario, where they continued to grow the family’s trucking business. From a young age, Evan embraced adventure—discovering a love for snowmobiling and a fair bit of mischief, often at the same time. While math came naturally to him, he was equally at home in gym class, or, on occasion, detention.
Following in his family’s footsteps, Evan began working in the business as a teenager, spending after-school hours and weekends in the shop learning the ins and outs of trucks. As soon as he was old enough, he earned his license and took to the open road. After graduating high school, he drove full-time until the birth of his first son, when he transitioned into dispatch. Over the years, Evan worked his way through every layer of the company, ultimately becoming Chief Executive Officer. He took immense pride in the trucking industry and deeply valued the people within it. Throughout his career he built countless friendships—relationships he treasured for a lifetime. His passion for the industry extended into service on the boards of the Ontario Trucking Association, the Canadian Trucking Alliance, and Trucks for Change; roles that allowed him to give back to a profession that had given so much to his family.
Even in retirement, Evan’s zest for life never slowed. He could often be found cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events, or enjoying quieter moments building Lego sets and puzzles. Family gatherings at his cottage were among his greatest joys—filled with food, fun, and laughter. Fishing offered him a welcome escape, granting hours of peace on the water. Though rarely the most successful angler, he derived just as much joy from celebrating others’ triumphs as he did from casting his own line. Winter never kept him still; once the lake froze, he was back on his snowmobile, carving across Ontario and Quebec with the same enthusiasm he had as a young man.
When not with family, Evan could often be found leaned over a pool table as an active member of the Guelph CPA Pool League, enjoying both the competition and the camaraderie.
Evan also found profound meaning, support, and friendship through his recovery journey. The relationships he formed within his recovery community became some of the most important of his life, offering strength, kinship, and a sense of shared purpose. He cherished every opportunity to grow, to help guide others, and to be guided in return. The fellowship he found there fundamentally shaped the man he became.
Above all, Evan possessed a remarkable gift for connecting with people. Whether offering advice, sharing a story, or simply listening without judgment, he had a way of making everyone feel valued and understood. His kindness, generosity, and genuine nature defined him. Evan was, in every sense, a gentleman.
He will be missed beyond measure, and the legacy he leaves—of integrity, compassion, service, and an unwavering zest for life—will be carried forward by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Evan’s family would like to thank Dr. Valdes at Waterloo Regional Health Network, the Palliative Team of Dr. Spadafora, and Nurse Shannon Wood of Bayshore HealthCare for the love and care they showed Evan during the end of his journey.
Friends will be received at the Wall-Custance Funeral Home & Chapel, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, on Friday, December 19th, 2025, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. A memorial service for Evan will be held at Elora Road Christian Fellowship, 5696 Wellington Rd. 7, Guelph, ON, on Saturday, December 20th, 2025, at 11:00am: with family arriving at 10:00am.
Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.
As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Crohn’s & Colitis Association.
A tree will be planted in memory of Evan L. MacKinnon in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.