Suddenly, while living his best life surrounded by some of his closest friends, a great time became a tragic accident. Gabe passed away at Haldimand War Memorial Hospital on Friday, August 2, 2024, at the age of 18.
Adored oldest son of Laura (Dickenson) and Ben Wencel of Denfield. Admired big brother of Elijah, Jude, and Eden. Much-loved longtime boyfriend of McKenna Sangster of Dundas. Gabe will be deeply missed by his large extended family, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and his many friends (who he considered family).
Cremation will take place, and a private family gathering will be held to celebrate all of the life Gabe enjoyed in his limited years.
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).
Caden Booker
this August will be 2 years…… still doesn’t feel right. I’ve posted about Gabe before but as I am writing/typing this tonight it just stings a lot more for some reason… I miss this guy, so much….. he is someone I feel like I’ll never forget because of how important he was as a “brother”…. I don’t know what his last 3 years were like from the move, but from what I heard from McKenna and his friends is that he was thriving… I love that he was able to and was living his life out to the best of his capabilities……
Gabe was a guy that could get anyone to smile from the roughest situations…. and someone that was easy to talk too and sometimes it was easy to be jealous of him for that 🙂……
I hope the Wencels, his friends and McKenna are doing alright….. I still am not but I hope for the best for others 🙂.
Love you like a brother Gabe, fly high and can’t wait till we meet again…..
Caden Booker
It’s half a year now, crazy how time flies…. always think about Gabe like a lot. still was and is one of the most important friend’s I have ever had. miss you so much bro…. i wish that you would still be here ik im not the only one that wishes that. every day I’ve been prayin for the fam and McKenna. she is in College now!!!! ik you’d be happy for her and most likely are happy for her up there :) .
fly high brother, hope to see u up there when its my time.
Sofia
It’s been just over 4 months since Gabe passed, and honestly, the grief is hitting hard this holiday season. Gabe was truly an amazing person and a great friend to all of those who surrounded him. He was one of the most hard-working, determined, and spirited people I’ve ever met. I will always remember and cherish the smile that he shared with everyone, and the time and memories I got to make with Gabe around. I met him when he came to Medway, and found out he lives just up the road from my brother and I in denfield. Some of my best memories of Gabe are the innocent harmless pranks he would pull on his friends, and the way his laugh could warm up the coldest of rooms. I wish every day that Gabe could still be here to enjoy every day with us, and that he could achieve all of his life goals and to watch his friends achieve all of theirs, as that always made him very happy. Gabe was one of the most supportive and caring people I knew, the type of person to always set an extra plate at a table in case someone in need shows up. I hope Gabe is resting in the most peaceful afterlife, and that he gets everything he’s ever wanted in the sky. Gabe was deeply loved by all of those he surrounded himself with, and his memory will live on forever in the hearts of those people.
To Gabes family and girlfriend: I am so sorry for the tragedy that you all of experienced. I only wish there was more we all could do to help other than sending condolences, because that doesn’t feel like enough. I hope you all find peace in your grief with time, although I understand that’s easier said than done.
My sincerest condolences go out to everyone sharing this grief.
May Gabes soul be resting in the most beautiful afterlife 🕊️🤍
Reese Keene
I write this 4 months after the accident but I can’t help but feel empty as Christmas came about.
I met gabe at school and from the day I met him up until our last moments he had done nothing but show me compassion and prove there’s still genuine people who want nothing but to see you succeed. Gabe was an extremely important person in my life and I would give anything I could to get off work and grab a pizza and go see my buddy. As much as one can feel like a puzzle missing it’s last piece I will say that gabe taught me lots in life that I still hold dearly to this day, he was a kid who touched everyone’s soul with a smile no matter the room he was in or the people he was around, gabe would give you the shirt on his back and the socks on his feet. He was truly one of my closest friends and I will continue to succeed with him in my heart. Thank you gabe. For everything you’ve done for me.
Caden Booker
Its been a little over 4 months since he has passed away, and it still hurts. he was such a amazing friend to have in my early teens, was my best friend and one of my only friends i had.
I remember hearing the news about him passing away, it was the morning after at around 7:00 AM, i heard my mom crying in the other room and my dad hugging her, i didn’t question it since i just never really know what is going on with them at all really. then maybe 20 minutes later my mom came in my room tears dry on her face, she said Gabe’s dead…… I didn’t believe her, said it was a twisted joke and not to joke about stuff like that. then she shown me the post 18 year old Gabe Wencel of Denfield formerly Dunnville has passed away. i must have cried for almost 2 hours, it was a little over 3 years since i last saw him because he ended up moving away around 2021 and we barely kept contact….. I never got to see him again, never got to hang out, never really had any conversations with him since he moved, basically lost all contact with him.
A few days later I gone to the memorial in Dunnville and i was a complete mess was getting comforted by my gf (at the time) and as soon as i stopped crying, I saw Mckenna making her way to me and give me a hug, it felt like hours the hug lasted yet it was only maybe 30 seconds, i said to her i miss her too since ik how much her and gabe loved eachother almost 5 years which i was extremely proud of both of them. after me mckenna my gf and another person where there for a bit i wrote something on the pole that was surrounded by stuff that gabe had and had stuff put on the pole for example flowers and messages on the pole, “I’ll miss you brother, Fly high” was what i put on that pole.
my thoughts and prayers are always with the wencel family and mckenna’s family aswell, rest in peace Gabe, Fly high.
Eden. The only good sister
The day I found out was honestly one of the worst days ever. It almost feels like yesterday I was packing a small bag because my parents got a call that you got hurt or something. I honestly wasn’t worried one bit because you where the type of person to jump off a cliff and still be fine. The morning I found out was probably the worst I was sitting on the my cousin’s house upstairs with my aunt when my father told me the news over phone. I’m so happy my and Emily was there to comfort me. I honestly dont even know if I’ve accepted that your gone it feels like your still at that old Denifeld house. I’m so glad I’ve made so many great memories with you. I’m happy that you’ve been my favorite brother for about 7 years and your still in first. You’ve been a amazing kind of hand working person I remember the times you would grab my coat when the bus came so I didnt get ran over I remember the times you would tell people your my brother so they wouldn’t mess with me I remember that one time you ran out from the bus and onto a iced over lake thing beside are old church so you can pull a dog out of the ice cold water and fell in. I was always so happy when you let me stay on the top bunk of your bed so the other brothers couldn’t kick me out I remember the time I scared you when we were coming back from closing the chicken coop and I’ve still been trying to scare you to this day sometimes when I walk past the box your in a scream boo to try to scare you. I remember all the times you’ve been probably the best brother only for a bit. All the things you would buy me all the times you would save me. I’m so glad to have you as a brother gabe. I honestly wish I didn’t tell you I hated you so much. Although i have some bad memories with you. You just know how to make some good ones and I’m still jealous that you got to see the afterlife before me. Guess your the lucky one. I honestly love you so much and you’ve been the best brother ever i dont know how to thank you more I know that your never coming back but if I ever see you again you better not be ugly.
Your a loser ❤
Your amazing sister eden
Kristina Kolodziej & Matt Mihaljev
Ben, Laura and family. Matt and I want to send our deepest sympathy. There are no words to ease the pain of a loss as tragic as this. We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Joanne Hodgins
Nancy, Tom, and family,
Sending you light and love at this difficult time.
May you find peace in wonderful memories of your grandson
Betty Ann Quartel
So sad to hear of your loss. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
John & Betty Ann
Shari Craig
On behalf of all the North Middlesex District High School staff, I would like to send our condolences to the entire Wencel family. Our thoughts go out to you.
Scott Carmichael
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you
Shelley otterman
From the Otterman family on Anderson Ave., we send our deepest condolences to Ben, Laura, Eli, Jude and Eden. Gabe had a big heart and a gentle spirit. These attributes are seldom found in such a young man. We grieve with you and lift you up in prayer. ❤️
J & S Wagner
Dear Ben, Laura, Eli, Jude & Eden and Family & Friends:
Although words will not take away the grief you all feel at this difficult time, may the love & support of family and friends help bring some comfort in the days and months ahead. Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
With Heartfelt Sympathy, Jeff & Susan Wagner ❤
Carrick Lapere
Very sad news to hear. You will be missed Gabe. I’ll remember the times you visited us during family gatherings, spending time together playing Nintendo games.
Jonathan Wong
So deeply sorry to learn of your family’s devastating loss, Ben. Sending my heartfelt condolences, thoughts, and prayers during this time.
Kate Gibson
Ben and Family,
So sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Shawna MacDonald
Ben and family,
My deepest condolences to you on the loss of your beloved Gabe. May you find comfort in the many beautiful memories you have and with those that are now shared.
Hugs,
Shawna & family
Rebecca and Mario LaRocca
Ben and family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your son. Our hearts ache for you as parents and for his siblings. Your family and Gabe will continue to be in our prayers.
Dominic
I am so disheartened to hear this, my condolences to Ben, Laura, Elijah, Jude and Eden. Rest in peace.
Jennifer Specht
Dear Benjamin Laura and family
My heart breaks for your family
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time
Much love
Jen Specht
Penelope
To Gabe’s family
Sincerest wishes in dealing with this tragedy, he was part of such a strong family.
You all have my deepest sympathy.
Debbie Benoit
Ben and family,
My deepest condolences to you, on the loss of your beloved Gabriel.
May you find peace in the memories of your boy, and comfort in the caring and prayers of your friends and colleagues.
Caden Booker
im so sorry for your loss, he was a amazing friend to have. he will be missed.
Kirby Alguire and Lora Yoshida-Alguire
Laura, Ben and extended family,
We were saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Gabe. Our hearts go out to you at this difficult time. The photos you posted indicate wonderful memories….may they comfort you and bring you some peace.
Ainsley and Eth
Ben, Laura and family,
My heartfelt condolences for your loss. Thinking of you all and sending our sympathies. Big hugs Ben. ❤️
Joyce Garrett
We are very sorry to hear about Gabe’s tragic accident.
There are no words to ease the pain at this difficult time
Thinking of you all
Sending hugs. RIP
Bill and Joyce
Erica, Ethan
Evan and Courtney Luke
Words fall short of expressing my sorrow for your loss. I am deeply sorry to hear about the passing of Gabe!
Nancy Mills
Laura, Ben and your family
We are sending our heartfelt condolences to you The memories of each day you had with Gabe will keep him always in your heart
Nancy, Steph and Chris/Carla
Robyn Hickson
Laura, I am so sorry for your loss.
Our condolences to you and your family.
Dave and Robyn (Parkinson) Hickson
Laurie Arthur
Dear Laura and family, So very sorry to hear about the sad loss of your son. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Kathy winter
Am so sorry for your loss Laura. I remember those boys coming into church they were always so nice. I’m sending your family daily prayers to get through this difficult time
Ferne Mardlin-Smith
Nancy Riddell- Sorry to hear about the tragic loss of your grandson. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Bruce, Sara and Jacob Mills
Sending our sincere condolences on the loss of your son, grandson, brother and nephew. We are thinking of all of you during this difficult time.
May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead. Cherish all of your memories and keep them close to your hearts.
Jennifer Walden
My deepest condolences to you and your family
Chris Gysemans
My sincere condolences to everyone for your loss.
Junior Sorzano
Rose and I were shocked to hear of Gabe’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences are extended to Laura, Ben and family. We have fond memories of Gabe attending VBS day camp at our church and other gatherings. We know he will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Our love and prayers are with the family
Brian & Cathy Kernohan
So sorry to hear of Gabriel passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Brian & Cathy Kernohan
Jennifer Latta
Laura and family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Mackenzie
I met gabe at Sunday school he made everyone feel included and always had a smile on his face, I’ve seen gabe make all his friends in highschool like it was easy because he’s such a good kind person many of us are asking why but gabe will always know how much he was loved here love and care 😭❤️
Donnelly
Condolences to you and your families at this difficult time. May your memories help comfort you.
Janet and Alicia
Sandy and Clint
We are all so very sorry for the loss of your son Gabe, we have heard nothing but wonderful things about him and his passions and future things he was excited for.
Sending our deepest condolences to your entire family for the days and years ahead, may you find some sense of peace and space to cherish the memories you hold in your hearts!
Sandy, Clint, Adam, Colton, Sofia
Laurie Hamilton
Laura and family,
I am so saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved son.
Words cannot express the deep sadness I feel for you and all of his family and friends.
My sincere condolences Laura
Kylar s
My deepest condolences to everyone who knew him, he was such a wonderful person to be around and lit up every room he walked into
Deborah and Rich Hunter
Our deepest condolences on the sudden and tragic loss of your incredible son Gabe. He was an incredible young man.
Donna (Pautler) Jantzi
Dear Laura and family so sorry to hear this sad loss! May the memories you have bring you through this very difficult time!
Carl and Donna Jantzi
Melissa Garcia
Ben & Laura;
I was absolutely gutted to hear of this tragedy that fell upon your family. I will be praying for you all in the upcoming days and weeks ahead. So sorry!
Dennis and Cindy White ❤️
Ben, Laura and family,
Sending our deepest condolences to you on the loss of your son. No words can take away the pain of losing a child but remember the good times and keep him safe in your hearts forever.
Sharon Neal
Upholding you all in prayer, Laura and Ben. So sorry you had to say goodbye for now to Gabe.
Kirsten Richardson
Oh Laura, I am so sad to hear this! Praying for you all in this achingly difficult time!
Fran Dow
Laura and Ben. I am so sorry to hear this news! Please accept my condolences on the loss of your sweet Gabe..
Jim and Shelley McKeen
Sympathy to the Dickenson and Wencel Family:
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss of “Gabe”. May God bless you and give you strength as you mourn the loss of your beloved family member. Laura, Ben, and family you are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
Sincere Sympathy
Jim and Shelley McKeen
Shelley Foster Madill
Laura, Ben, and family,
I’m so sorry to hear the tragic news of Gabe’s passing. May you hold your memories dear to your heart and lean on your loved ones for strength during this difficult time.
Jay and Tara Funston
Our deepest condolences to you all for the loss of Gabe. He seemed like such a fun loving guy who clearly touched the hearts of those around him. Sending you all the love, courage, and strength as you navigate the loss of your amazing son 💙
Skylarlynn McLellan
To the boy I grew up with from running around on the farm to doing flips on the trampoline. You were such a good soul, you had so much coming towards you. My grandma absolutely loved you and your family. You, Gabe, were my best friend when I came up to Dunnville. I always looked forward to coming up on the weekend and spending all day and night outside. You were such a good friend but not only that you were such good brother. You were an amazing brother. You protected your siblings like they were the last thing you had. Your little sister looked up to you. Your brothers wanted to be just like you, a strong loving person that never let anything get in your way. Gabe I will forever miss you, my childhood best friend. I wish I was able to say goodbye to you one last night. My whole soul goes out to your family. Your wonderful beautiful mother, your strong powerful father, your 2 loving sweetheart brothers and your little angel faced sister. I will forever love you Gabe. Thank you for the best childhood I could ask for and thank you for being the person I could always come to at my nana’s. May your soul rest in peace now🤍🕊️
Jim and Jan Steele
We were so sorry to hear of Gabe’s accident! So sorry for your sudden loss!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
With deepest sympathy,
Jim and Jan Steele
Wayne & Brenda Alguire
Dear Laura, Ben, Elijah, Jude, and Eden,
We are so sorry to hear of this sudden and tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bowron Family.
We are so sorry for this loss Laura and Ben. Gabe was an amazing young man who will be so missed by so many.
We are sending all our love and strength for you and your family.
Cheryl McLellan
Ben & Laura…I was shocked to hear this, I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences go out to you and the family Cheryl & Dave
Malachi
Such a soft spoken, humble and kind hearted person. He always put the people that mattered to him before himself. We’re all greatly missing you already youngin but don’t think we’re ever gonna forget the impact you made on all of us. Forever in our hearts buddy rest easy❤️🕊️ My most sincere condolences to the entire family.
Marilyn Mifflin
My deepest sympathy to all Friends and Family. May your happy memories give you peace and comfort. ♥️
Meagan Green
My deepest sympathy for a soul lost too soon. He will be remembered. So sorry for your loss. Laura we will be thinking about you.
Meagan & Liam
Ken and Bonnie Parkinson
So very sorry of your loss. Our condolences to you and your family at this difficult time.
Ashley
Sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Mary Shepherd
Sending are condolences to the family. May god give you strength though this rough time.
Ken Charlene Carruthers and family
Laura and family,
Sending our deepest sympathies to you and your entire family with the loss of your son.
Cherish your memories.
Thinking of each of you at this most difficult, very sad time.
Heather Goodwin
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I hope that memories of your love will give you strength, comfort, and peace in this time of need.
Gabe will be greatly missed in this community by his many friendships he had.
I will be praying for your family in this time of need.
Tracy
Laura & Ben, during this time of grief, may you find solace in the love and memories you shared with Gabe. His spirit lives on in the lives he touched.
Junior & Rose
Our hearts go out to you at this difficult time Laura, Ben and family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Colleen and Paul Lymburner
Love to you all! Our most heartfelt condolences to your family
Craig & Ashley Swarthout
Our deepest sympathies in this time of incredible loss. Hold tight to your wonderful memories.
Brina Gross
Dear Ben and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss and you all are in our thoughts and Prayers.
Brina Gross and Emma & Wyatt Loya
Dale Cook
Laura & Ben
So very very sorry read of Gabe’s passing .
My sincere condolences to you and your family
The Benner's
Dear Ben, Laura, Elijah, Jude, Eden, McKenna and everyone that loved Gabe. Such a devastating tragic accident…truly no words to ease your pain and sorrow. Keeping you in our hearts and thoughts…Sending Hugs and Love….Don and Heather
Judy Wheeler
Dale and I and our family send you our sincere and loving condolence to you all at this very difficult time.
Susan Cook
Dear Laura, so very sorry to hear this. I can’t imagine the grief that your family is going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Sandy Passmore
My heartfelt condolences to tha Family.
Jeremy also sends sympathy.
Leeann Maguire-Socholotiuk
My deepest sympathies for the loss of an amazing young man. He was loved by lots and will be remembered by everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
Sending my love to Laura, Ben and all of your extended families.
Chris Willert
Dear Laura and family……..we are so very sorry to hear of your loss. We hope that your family and friends and your most cherished memories will help you through. We are thinking of you at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Chris & Rod Willert
Mel and Cindy Bowron
It feels like only yesterday your mom brought you to meet me, I enjoyed watching you grow into the beautiful young man you were become, your milestones, your humour, kindness and your awesome smile. I will never forget all your help you gave Mel and I, and the willingness to always push forward, you were an amazing young man and will be truly missed. Love Aunt Cin and Uncle Mel
Cathy Foster
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. So sorry to hear of your loss.
Pam Dolan
Deepest sympathies to you and your family Laura. Much love Jim & Pam Dolan
Emily
God I love him and miss him so much. He will always be remembered.