LOPES, Patrick “Mario”

Patrick “Mario” Lopes, loving husband to Carol for 47 years and devoted father, grandfather, brother and neighbour, passed away peacefully on Oct. 8, 2026, just weeks before his 74th birthday in Guelph, Ont. Born on Oct. 30, 1952, in Georgetown, Guyana, Mario, as he was affectionally known by everyone who loved him, spent much of his youth on his family farm with his 10 siblings, before immigrating to Canada in 1972. He was a lover of puzzles, summers at the cottage along Sauble Beach, the winter retreat to the sunny shores of Cancun, and a good project to tinker at his Fergus home. Mario was a loyal employee of Gerrie Electric in Cambridge, Ont., where he was a respected and beloved colleague, leader and friend for more than 25 years. He was also a fan of cricket, hockey, soccer, and baseball – especially his cherished Toronto Blue Jays – as well as Motown and oldies tunes, spaghetti western films of the ‘60s, and classic Fords like his dream Mustang and Shelby Cobra. He was a reliable member of the Knights of Columbus and St Joseph Parish of Fergus. More than anything, family was most important to Mario, who loved nothing more than spending weekends with the people he cared for, especially his children and grandchildren, and playing games, eating delicious dishes from his homeland Guyana and sharing a good chuckle. His quiet kindness and strong work ethic will be remembered by all that knew him – as well as his hilarious mischievousness pulling off the odd prank. Mario may not have been the loudest in the room, but his presence was certainly one of the biggest. He was a fighter, survivor and caregiver. He was the loyal and faithful partner to Carol, who he met in 1976 after easy phone conversations working at Union Electric of Toronto and Goodwill Electric of Guelph. He will be immensely missed by everyone who loved him. Mario is lovingly remembered by his wife Carol, children Michelle (Sebastian), David (Jeff), Ryan (Crystal), and Gillian (Justin), and grandchildren Joey, Alena, Willow, Keaton and Elias. He is also survived by siblings Leon (the late Philipa), Stephen (the late Eileen), Sylvia (the late Bernard), Christopher (Marlene), Gregory (the late Margaret), Vicky (William), Christine (Bernie), Bryan (Jennifer), Rose (Chuck) and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents Romeo and Winnie Lopes and brother Lawrence (Doreen). The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff at Hospice Wellington for their dedicated care and compassion. Visitation was held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00pm and 6:00 to 8:00pm at the Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home, 280 St. David Street South, Fergus. A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 11:00am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 760 St. David Street North, Fergus. Following the service, family and friends were warmly invited to gather in the Parish Hall for a time of fellowship and refreshments. A private family interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Hospice Wellington would be deeply appreciated by the family. To view Mario’s memorial page and leave online condolences, please visit www.grahamgiddyfh.com.