Christopher Pellin

Loving son of Karen McGivney-Pellin and John Pellin, brother to Shelley Franchetto (Kyle Powell), Jenny Pellin, Katie Pellin, and uncle of Alex Franchetto. Survived by aunts, uncles, and many cousins. Loved and supported by an extensive care community network for decades. All of whom are tremendously proud of the life he led and the legacy of love he left behind.

If you ever had the pleasure of meeting Chris, you would know that he was simply a magical being. Throughout his life he faced and surpassed many challenges, given his physical condition. Outliving his life expectancy of 16, he was told so many times that things would not be physically, medically, or socially possible for him. Defying all odds he was able to graduate from college with distinction, volunteer as a statistician and scorekeeper for the Guelph Gators, live independently, work for a period of time as a bookkeeper, get married, then separated, and transcend medical expectations of a person living with Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy. Chris’ quiet acceptance of his reality and willingness to take each day as it came, had the ability to change peoples’ perspectives. He truly was an inspiration to many, his presence a reminder of what is precious in life.

Having been born with a rare progressive neuromuscular disorder, Chris lived his life with courage, determination, tenacity, and cheeky rhetoric. He was a lover of music, movies, video games, dancing, hugs, quality time with friends and family, nature, the Toronto Maples Leafs, the Toronto Blue Jays, animals, and rocks and minerals.

He lived the first 25 years of his life at home with family and the support of the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC). Then his remaining 15 years, as a tenant and beloved client at Guelph Independent Living (GIL). In the last year he spent time between four different local hospitals and received additional support from Care Partners and Paramed Nursing, to help him fulfill his wish to return home. Having had this type of daily support for 30 years he developed countless cherished relationships with his many care givers, nurses, specialists, medical technicians, and doctors. Despite the village that it took to support Chris’ daily needs, his journey would not have been possible without the undying love and devotion of his mother, Karen.

Additional special thanks to the staff of GIL, CCAC, Muscular Dystrophy Canada, Medigas, Motion, Bayshore, Norfolk Pharmacy and Surgical, Ontario Home Oxygen, and Ontario Ventilation Equipment Pool, for their loving care, contributions, and years of devoted service.

Resting at the Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, Dublin Chapel, 252 Dublin St. N., Guelph, where the family will receive their friends on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Celebration of Christopher’s Life will be held in the Chapel on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow in the fellowship lounge.

As expressions of sympathy, donations made to the Muscular Dystrophy Canada would be greatly appreciated by the family. Donations and condolences can be made online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com