Passed away at LHSC – Victoria Hospital on Monday, April 6, 2026 at the age of 78. Cherished husband of Mary (Shipley) Walls for 57 years. Loving dad of Greg and Kristin Walls, Ellen and Duane Swinkels, and Joanne and Thomas Simac. Proud Papa of Elayne, Alice; Ava, Faye; Clara, and Walter. Fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Telford and Clara Walls, his brother Doug, and brother-in-law Bob Shipley.
John was a proud lifelong farmer whose roots ran deep in both his land and his community. He believed in hard work, showing up when it mattered, and lending a hand whenever it was needed. Above all else, John loved his family and took great pride in them.
A celebration of John’s life will be held at the Ilderton Community Centre, 13168 Ilderton Road, Ilderton on Wednesday, April 15th from 1 – 4 PM with words of remembrance at 2:30 PM. Cremation with interment Littlewood Cemetery.
A private family Masonic Service will be held in the funeral home, honouring John’s 50 years as a Mason.
Donations to Muscular Dystrophy Canada or charity of your choice.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Robert J Fischer
Mary
So sad to here of John’s passing. Last time I seen him he cutting the grass along Hyde Park Road 10 ago. Had a lot of good time with him.
Bob Fischer and May
Doug and Susan Hodgins
Dear Mary and family. We are thinking of you doing this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. John will certainly be missed
Wendy Brown Tylers mom
Mary and family. I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I feel your pain Cherish his memory and the memories you made together. He will be with you always in your heart. Speak of him often as it’s a great healing tool. Live never dies.
Pamela Bice
Mary and family
Thinking of you during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Pam , Jonathan and family
Emily Stewart
Joanne and family, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Jeff Grigg
Mary and Family
I am so sorry to hear about John’s passing.
He was a good friend to my Dad and truly will be missed. My thoughts are with you.
Scott Charlton
To Johnny’s family, we are so saddened to hear of his passing. He was a wonderful member of the community and will be greatly missed.
With sympathy,
Ann Scott and Cori
John and Diane DeBlock
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. John will be missed but never forgoten.
Wayne and Heather Greig
Mary and Family, Each of you are in our thoughts and prayers. John will be missed by so many.
Pam & Rod
We’re so sorry to hear of John’s passing.
Liz Hodgins & Alan Gates
Mary & Family,
We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. May John RIP.
🙏
Carolyn ONeil
I am so sorry for such a great loss, to his family, friends and of course he will be greatly missed in the neighbourhood.
Gerald and Brenda Lenders
Dear Mary and family,
Our condolences to all of you at this very sad time. In your grief, may the memories of a life shared and built together, and wishes of comfort, strength and peace , sustain you in the days and years to come.
In sympathy,
Kim Grigg
Mary and family,
I am so sad to hear about Johnny’s passing.
Of all my good memories of growing up on the 14th, one that stood out, was watching Johnny come down the 14th concession from the Denfield Side Road in a ball of dust in his red pickup.
May your memories give you strength at this very sad time. My thoughts are with you. Johnny was a great man and he will be very much missed.
Linda Scott
Mary, Greg, Ellen, Joanne & extended family members.
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
May family friends and cherished memories bring you comfort & peace.
Brian and Sharon Haskett and Family
Dear Mary and Family
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Dale & Linda Froats
Mary and family,
Remembering you and I (SS#6)and John and Dale (SS#1)in same grades at public schools. Seems years ago but with us each staying in the same Denfield/Ilderton area we would always be connected by our roots. John especially as he was so grounded by his love of farming. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you grieve and share your memories of a wonderful husband and father whom it seems has departed too soon.
Fred and Tammy O’Neil
Mary and family, We were so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Ron and Glenda Lindenfield
Mary and Family
Our Sincere Condolences, John will be missed by many
Claire, Susan, Will and Kathy Pierson
Mary, Greg, Ellen, Joanne and families,
We are so sorry for the loss of John, he was a great friend and neighbour for 59 years. Please take care of yourselves and cherish all of your memories.
Mary Loft
Dear Mary, Greg, Ellen, Joanne and families
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Wishing you comfort, strength and peace at this difficult time.
Rina Vandenheuvel
Our deepest condolences to the Walls family. He gave life his all,family, community, and all things agriculture related. So sorry for your loss.
Rina Vandenheuvel and Jason Vandenheuvel
Carl and Gail Lave
Carl and Gail Lave
Mary and Family,
Our sincere condolences to you Mary and your family, we were so very sorry to hear of John’s passing!
We had a good working relationship with John for many years, planning and planting the crops here on our farm.
He will certainly be missed!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
Bob and Nancy Rushton
Dear Mary, Greg, Ellen, Joanne and families,
John was a dear friend and a great travelling companion. From zip lining in Costa Rica to exploring Machu Picchu, cruising the Amazon River, sailing the Panama Canal and jet boating in New Zealand, Johnny was always up for an adventure. We are really gonna miss him.
We are so deeply sorry for your loss.
Steve and Marg McAuley
Mary and family
We were very sorry to about John.
Our sincerest condolences.
Thinking of all of you.
Steve and Marg McAuley and family
Ted & Diane Brodie
Our love and condolences to Mary and family. John was a very special man and we have fond memories of him.
Jane galloway
Mary & family so sorry to hear of johns passing. John loved his life, family & friends. He will be missed. Our condolences jane Galloway & david siddall
Walt Vermunt
Mary, Greg and all the Walls families, my condolences on losing John. May your memories carry you through this difficult time.
Walt Vermunt
John Elston
Mary and family
Sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of John. Thinking of you and your family at this time.
John Elston and family
Carolyn Wydeven
Mary and Family,
So sad to hear of John’s passing.
My sincere condolences to all of you. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Ann (Shoebottom) Brabender
Mary and family. My deepest sympathy. Johnny sure was a dedicated farmer and community supporter. He always had a great smile! Cherish the memories.
Ralph & Cheryl Kuebler
Dear Walls family,
We are very sorry to hear the news of John’s passing. Our deepest condolences to your family. You in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim & Janet Rock
Mary & family,
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. May you find comfort in the lasting family memories.
Jim & Janet Rock
Jim & Linda Bolton
We send our sincere condolences to you Mary, and to your entire family on the loss of your husband John. Our tboughts are with you during your time of grief.
Debbie Riddell
Dear Mary and family,
So saddened to hear of John’s passing . Don and I always had such nice visits with John . He always talked about the great trips and cruises that you took . Memories will always bring smiles to your hearts . Our Deepest Sympathies .
Debbie Riddell and family
Craig Lave
I have been working for John the last several years, many a times by his side. I got to see first hand his love for farming and its challenges, his love for the land and nature and, above all, his love for his family and community.
I witnessed his relentless work ethic. Many mornings I would get to the farm thinking I would be the first one heading out and I’d see John was already gone.
I will miss our one on one conversations and his sense of humour.
I have a lot of respect for John and he will be missed.
From Leah Ann and I and our family to Mary, Greg, Ellen, Joanne and all your families please accept our deepest condolences
John Gysbers
My sincere condolences on the passing of John. He will truly be missed by family and his community. Rest in peace
Elvy, Wayne and Julie
Dear Mary and family.
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us each and every day unseen, unheard but very near… still missed and still loved and very dear. Love Elvy, Wayne and Julie
Helga Howald
Mary and family, my deepest sympathies at this loss
Becky Shoebottom
So very sorry to hear of John’s passing. There was always a smile on his face. A great big grin. That’s what I see when I close my eyes. Hugs to all of you.
Fred & Sharon Mardlin
Mary and family
We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. We will miss him at harvest time. Treasure your memories.
Cliff and Ruth Dickie
Our sincere sympathies to you Mary and all the family.
Hoping that all your wonderful memories of this wonderful husband and father will give you comfort.
Verda Keays
Mary and Family
I am so sorry to read of John’s passing and send my sincere condolences. Keep your precious memories close to your heart and may the memories give you much strength during this time and the days ahead.
Joan Vogel
Mary and all the family… Immeasurable loss… your precious husband, father, grandfather. Please know we carry you in our heart of prayer. Joan, Paul, Miriam and family
Peggy and Clarence Graansma
Deepest sympathy to Tom, Joanne and your whole family. Thinking of you at this difficult time
Pat Foran
I want to extend my condolences to the Walls Family on the passing of John. I got to know him while I was working close by at Fred Lewis’s farm and would see him occasionally and remember him being a great, friendly man and hard working farmer.
I also recall at the time he took part in a documentary with TV London News. It was called “Season To Season: A Farmer’s Story” and aired in 1987 and examined the economic hardships facing Canadian farmers during that era. I was always impressed and thought it was very interesting that he participated in that program. All the best to the Walls Family at this difficult time.
W. Hindmarsh and family
Please accept our deepest sympathies on your loss.
Shannon O'Shea Ross
Dear Mary, Greg, Ellen, Jo and families-
Our hearts join yours in sorrow. Johnny was truly a legend and the stories we are all lucky enough to have will be re-told with smiles and laughs for the rest of our days.
I hope they have pie nights in Heaven. The ones down here sure won’t be the same.
Our love and condolences,
Shannon & Mark and family
Tim Ryan
Entire Walls Family, I was sorry to hear of John’s passing. It didn’t happen that often, but I always enjoyed our chats whenever we did bump into each other,
Let the memories of love and laughter carry you through this difficult time.
Rick& Brenda Graham
Mary, Greg, Ellen, Joanne
Our deepest condolence to the family, Will surely be missed, He was a great man, and also a friend. Really showed what it was to be a Lions member and to be a pillar of the community, May you now rest in peace my friend.
Bill and Marilyn Hack
Mary, Greg, Ellen and Joanne. We are sorry to hear of John’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolence at this sad time. Think on all your good memories spent together to help you through this tough time.
Joanne Hatt
Mary and Family:
Thoughts and prayers from the Hatt Family.
Heather Bice
Mary, Greg, Ellen and Joanne and families
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Thinking of all of you and hoping that the memories you have in your heart will give you peace and strength during the difficult days ahead.
Ross & Anne Holden & family
Mary & family,
I (Anne) watched my cousin John as a baby grow up to becoming a good, kind man.
We are thinking of you Mary & family.
John will be missed but his legacy will carry on for the years to come.
God bless all of you.
Neil Gysbers
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Kathleen Lindenfield
Ellen and Joanne and families
Sending my condolences during this difficult time! Thinking of yous and your families, big hugs
Ken Oliver
To Mary and family
Sincere condolences. Rest in peace John
Greg & Katlin Sumner
Mary and the entire Walls Family,
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all during this very difficult time.
Alan & Marion Wood
Condolences Mary and family, may you find peace and strenght at this difficult time and know that you have many neighbours, friends and family for support in the coming days.
Jack & Dana Garrett
Dear Mary & family,
Jack & I are so sorry to hear about John’s passing. He left his mark in Ilderton and the surrounding farming community and also with his active participation in the Masons and Lions.
Wishing you all peace and love in this sorrowful time.
Kelly O’Neil and family
To the Walls families
Please accept my condolences at this sad time. John will be missed on 14 mile. My deepest sympathies to you all
Steve & MaryAnn Rosser
May you find comfort in the memories you shared, strength in the support of this community, and peace in knowing his life made a lasting difference.
Carl and Judy Baltare
Greg and family
We are so sorry to hear the sad news of your father’s passing and send our condolences.
Steve and Kim Bowman
Dear Mary, Ellen, Greg , Joanne and families
Our sincere condolences on the passing of John. He will truly be missed by family and his community.
May your wonderful memories of 57 years bring you comfort.
God Bless
Leroy and Jane Siddall
Mary and Family
Sending our sincerest condolences.
John was a great guy and will be missed by all.
Heather Swinkels
Mary, Greg, Ellen & Joanne
So sorry for your loss, thinking of you all at this difficult time. Wishing you strength, comfort & peace in the days ahead.
Brad & Sheila Hodgins
Mary, Greg, Ellen & Joanne and family..
We are saddened to hear of Johns passing. Take comfort in knowing he lived a good life on the farm and supporting the community
Thinking of you over the days ahead
Marlene Maguire
Ellen & family
We are so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. He will be remembered fondly by so many!
You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Jim & Marlene Maguire
Pat Robson
Dear Mary, Greg, Ellen, Joanne and families,
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was a good human, a lifelong friend to Art and a friend and business partner to me these past years.
You will miss him dearly now when your grief is fresh. But he will be with you always as you say his name and share your precious memories of a much loved husband, father and grandfather.
Oh, the stories and laughter that are being shared now in Heaven…
Deb & Rob Andrews
Mary, Greg, Ellen, Joanne and extended family
Thinking of you all during this sad and difficult time. Hoping you find peace, comfort and support as you reflect on all the wonderful memories that you shared together.
RIP – Johnny.
Brian and Linda Burnet
Linda and I wish to offer our deepest sympathy on John’s passing. ” Now may the Lord of peace himself give you His peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with all of you .” 2 Thes. 3:16
Shirley Dykstra
Dear Mary and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing.
Sending our heartfelt condolences to everyone.
Thinking of you,
Shirley Dykstra and Family
Shirley Crampton
Mary, I was sorry to hear of John’s passing. May your memories be a comfort to you.
Paul and Gayle Bycraft
Mary and family: We are sorry to hear of John’s passing he will be missed.
Brent and Kathy Harvey
Mary, Ellen,Greg,Joanne and families,
We are sorry to hear of John’s passing. When talking to John at an event we were always guaranteed to get a smile and laugh. Super nice, funny guy. Take care and cherish the memories in days to come.
Bob and Pat Hodgins
Mary and family.
We are saddened to hear of John’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time.
Beckie Robb
Mary, Greg, Ellen and Joanne and families
My deepest condolences to you all.
May your many wonderful memories of John bring you comfort and peace.
Thinking of you,
Beckie Robb
Gary and Bonnie Ideson
Mary, Greg, Ellen, Joanne and families
Sending you our sincere condolences for the passing of John. He was a great community man and his presence will be missed. Treasure all your loving memories of time spent with him to help you find peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Dan and Ruth Dobinson
Mary Greg Ellen Joanne. John will be missed. We are thinking of you all at the passing of John. Sorry for your loss.
Doug & Nancy Garrett
Mary, Greg, Ellen, Joanne and the entire Walls family
Our hearts and prayers are with each of you as you mourn the loss of John. We know you will miss him dearly. Our prayer is God will fill each of your hearts with so many fond memories to help ease the terrible loss you are feeling.
marjorie & Ernie Taylor
Dear Mary. We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. Sending our sincere sympathies
Wendy and Peter Lenders
Mary and family,
Our sincere condolences to you all at this time,
God grant you strength,
Jean and Ken Watson
Mary and family. We are so very sorry to hear of John’s passing. Condolences to everyone.
Chris, Denise, and Haley McLennan
Dear Mary, Greg, Ellen, Joanne and families.
Sending our condolences and thinking of you all during this difficult time. May your memories of John bring you comfort -and even a smile when you need it the most.
Nancy Vandergulik
Joanne and Tom and families
Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Fran Urbshott
Mary and family,
Sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Brian, Fran, John-Guy, Alisa and family
Wilfred and Greta Lix
Our deepest sympathy to Mary, Greg, Ellen, Joanne and families. Words cannot express how sorry we are! Hold your loving memories close to your heart & he will always be with you..love & prayers 💗🙏
Peter and Julie Hodgins
Our sincere condolances. John was a pillar of the community and will be greatly missed.
Dale Cook
Mary, Greg, Ellen and Joanne
My sincere condolences to you your families
Greg Hindmarsh & Allison Smith
Mary, Greg, Ellen, Joanne and family.
Greg and I are sending our condolences. Our thoughts are with everyone in this time of sorrow.
Barb and Tom McInroy
Dear Mary and family – Tom and I are so very sorry to hear of John’s passing. He will be missed very much. Our condolences.
Chelsey (Manning) Passmore
Mary, Greg, Ellen, Joanne and families,
Sending my sincere condolences. May you find peace in the coming days and weeks. Take care of each other.
Gerald & Sharon Foran& Family
Dear Mrs. Walls, Greg, Ellen, Joanne and Families,
Our deepest sympathies on your loss. John was a great man, well respected by all who knew him, and above all, a devoted and loving family man. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Joan and Ralph Robson
Mary and family,
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was a great guy and respected y all that knew him.You always knew what John was thinking . Say his name often and he will never be far away.
Allan DeBlock and Deb McFadden
Mary and family, terribly sorry to learn of John’s passing. Many great memories, never to be forgotten! You have our sincere condolences.
Paula, Steve, Ben and Joel Morrison
Mary, Greg, Ellen, Joanne and family,
Sorry to hear the sad news about John. We hope your happy memories will help you through this difficult time.
Carrie & Eric Passi
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Sending our deepest condolences to you all. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Terrie (O’Neil) and Kirk Shaw and family
Dear Mary Greg Ellen Joanne and your families
Sending our deepest condolences to you all.
Keeping you in our thoughts at this sad time
So thankful to John many years ago bringing his tractor to pull me out of a snow bank on 15 mile …
Joyce and Doug Byers
Our deepest sympathies to the Walls family. Johnny was a great family man and loved farming. Doug loved to have a quick chat with him whenever possible. He will be missed by all. Sending our love to everyone.
Bob and Nancy Manning
Mary and family. We are so sorry to hear of the passing of John. You will have many treasured memories to talk, laugh and cry about in the coming days. May these memories help remind you of the wonderful Husband, Father and Papa, John was. Gone, but not forgotten!
The Trudgen Family
So sorry to hear of John’s passing! John was a great guy, always a friendly smile! Deepest sympathy to Mary and family!
Gord Moir
Mary and family so sorry for your loss our thought and prayers are with you
Moir family
Paul Robson
My condolences to Mary and family, John will be greatly missed.
Wayne Hall
Mary & Family, I am very sorry to hear of John’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time.
Cathy and Bruce Cornish
Dear Mary and family
We are so sorry to hear of Johns passing, Thinking of you in this very difficult time.
Please except our condolences.
Ben and Jodi Greig
Dear Mary, Greg, Ellen, Joanne and families. Sending you our deepest condolences as you navigate this difficult time. Please know that we are thinking of you all.
Daniel Šimac
Condolences to you, Walter and Clara, and the rest of your family during this difficult time. We’ll be thinking of you, Daniel, Maja, Vinko, Marija, Benjamin.
Chuck & Tanya Erb
Mary and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. A valued customer of mine for many years.
Keeping you all in my Thoughts & Prayers
Deborah and Rich Hunter
Rich and I offer your family our deepest condolences 💐
Mark and Paula Robson
Dear Mary, Greg, Ellen, Joanne and families,
We are saddened to hear of John’s passing. Hold your memories close to your hearts.
Our condolences to you all.
Ron Barr
I worked for John a couple summers when I was in university in the early 80’s. He was a great person to work for, and a very good farmer. Condolences to Mary and the family.
Brett and Lori Fairweather
Mary and family. Our heart felt condolences to all of you. Please know you are all in our thoughts.
Clinton Smith
Very sorry to hear of John’s passing.
Sarah O'Flanagan
Thinking of your family Tom and Joanne.