Obituary of William Edward "Ted" Wakeling

To view the recording of the service, please CLICK HERE.

 The livestream of the music will begin at 1:30 p.m, with the service beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Ted passed away peacefully at The Village at University Gates Long-Term Care in Waterloo at the age of 88.

Beloved husband of Heather (MacDonald) Wakeling. Loving father of David (Hiroko), Jonathan “Jon” (Terry), Laura Wakeling (Chris), and Mary Moir. Cherished grandfather of Kristy, Ben, Vanessa, Wes, and Zach, and proud “Grandpa-Great” to Cameron, Brody, and Jayden. Ted is also remembered by his first wife, Jane Turnbull.

Predeceased by his parents, Ethelwyn (née Swain) and William Wakeling; his sister, Faye Wakeling; and sister-in-law, Karen MacDonald.

Ted lived a life guided by family, hard work, integrity, discipline, kindness, and service, and deeply valued the relationships that enriched his life. He met ongoing challenges with a positive attitude and a smile.

After formative years in Dundas, Ontario, he spent several years in the United States with his young family before returning to Waterloo Region (St. Agatha, Heidelberg, and Waterloo). Beginning his working life as a photographer, he later moved into the insurance industry, working in marketing and management with Dominion, Manulife, and Equitable. Music, sports (tennis and hockey), volunteering, chocolate, and travel brought him lasting joy throughout his life.

Ted’s long and rich life was made possible by the exceptional care provided by Drs. Smart, Bodkin, Milligan, and many other medical professionals, as well as the caring and dedicated staff at University Gates, our “Wright” family.

The visitation, Celebration of Life, and reception will be held at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Thursday, July 2, 2026. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., with music beginning shortly afterward. The musical Celebration of Life will take place in the funeral home chapel at 2:00 p.m., followed by a reception in the Fireside Reception Room.

A livestream and recording of the service will be available on Ted’s tribute page at www.erbgood.com.

In lieu of flowers, condolences or donations may be made to Diabetes Canada, the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony Orchestra Association, or the WRHN Cardiac Care Centre (via the WRHN Foundation), arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com