Obituary

Peacefully, in his sleep at Hospice Wellington in Guelph on Tuesday July 27, 2021. Malcolm, formerly of Arva, in his 82nd year. Pre-deceased by his parents Melbourne and Karen Monteith and his eldest daughter Jennifer (Andy) Bard pictured here with Malcolm. Survived by his spouse Libby Acton of Arva, and former spouse Donna (Pardy) of Guelph. Beloved brother Lloyd (Catharine) of Granton. Loving father to Jocelyn Monteith of Moffat, Amanda (George) Crawford of Guelph, Amy Monteith (Andrew Kramer) of Guelph, step-father of Caroline Acton of Toronto, Jenny Acton (John Shiga) of Toronto. Robert Acton (Tosh Thomas) of Sydney. Doting papa to Kati, Alex, Brendan, Jessica, Erika, Callie, Evie and Elise. In addition, Malcolm and Donna fostered thirteen children over a decade and a half. Born and raised on a beef farm in West Nissouri township, Malcolm became very involved in music at a very early age. He went on to become an organist at several local churches as well as playing piano in a professional dance band (the Keynotes) in the 50’s and 60’s. Malcolm graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1962 and Althouse Teachers College in 1963. He started his career as a teacher with The Thames Valley District School Board in London, Ontario. He retired as Vice Principal with the Waterloo County Board. In the early 1970’s he was a pioneer in bringing computer education to students and staff alike. Throughout his working years, he also continued to share his love of music; as organist and choirmaster at Trinity United Church in Preston, and in the school system where he led choirs that successfully competed and performed throughout Ontario and Quebec. Following in his father’s footsteps, Malcolm became very involved in the Ontario Tug of War Association and was eventually inducted into the Ontario Tug of War Hall of Fame. In retirement, Malcolm travelled extensively. Returning time and time again to his beloved friends in Cuba. Over the years, Malcolm developed a deep love for the Cuban people and maintained close relationships with several Cuban families. Malcolm’s love of people, conversing, learning their stories, meant that it was a very rare occasion that he ever left a gathering without gaining a new friend. An interment ceremony will be held at Vining Cemetery 22157 Purple Hill Road, on Friday August 6th at 1:00pm. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:30pm on Lloyd and Cathy’s farm in Granton (34542 Granton Line, Granton, ON). Words of Remembrance will take place at 4:00pm. Those wishing to attend either event, please RSVP with the Andrew L. Hodges Funeral Home, St. Marys, either through www.hodgesfuneralhome.ca or by calling 519-284-2820. To accommodate COVID-19 protocols, there will be a large marquis tent onsite to allow for appropriate distancing. Please feel free to bring lawn chairs for additional outdoor seating if desired. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hospice Wellington in Guelph or St. George’s Anglican Church in Thorndale. Our heart felt thanks goes out to all the medical professionals and hospice personnel that provided stellar care over the past month.