July 31, 1911 – April 14, 2015.

After nearly 104 years of adventure, Alf or Alfie, has moved on.  He would be happy to announce that he is finally together with the love of his life, Connie, who passed away April 4, 1994.

His life story began in Royston, Yorkshire, England, where, as the son of a “green grocer” he would sell produce as he travelled by horse and cart. He often told the story of how he was robbed at gunpoint and he often showed off the newspaper clipping relating the tale.

He was a “pony driver” in the coal-mines and then at age 20, he joined the British Army York and Lancaster Regiment, serving in India from 1932 to 1938, including a stint on sentry duty for Mahatma Ghandi. A World War II veteran, he fought with the British 8th Army through historic battles, including Anzio and El Alamein under the leadership of Montgomery.

In love since teenagers, Alf married Connie in 1938 and their only child, Elaine, was born the following year. The family immigrated to Canada in 1947, where Alf worked in a number of roles, including that of a gardener at Butchart’s Gardens and Jubilee Hospital, until becoming a letter carrier in the 1950s until his retirement in 1976. He delivered the first mail to recipients in Langford in 1958, all on-foot. He later became a Supervisor Letter Carrier and continued to deliver mail across many parts of Victoria.

As a Grandfather, Alf wrote many stories that captivated his grandchildren. He was an energetic, creative Grandad, who enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A life-long writer and poet, Alf composed thousands of poems that reflected his thoughts and experiences relating to war, work, family, Victoria, and Vancouver Island.

Alf was a beloved resident of the The Glenshiel, where he resided from 1993, when his wife went into palliative care, until his passing. Here he was known for his charming, upbeat personality. He took up the violin in his 80s and would play for the birthdays of fellow residents. He was always singing and serenading. He was also known for his cartoon and bird sketches, many of which he would give to others he came to know through his regular walks through downtown Victoria.

As we celebrate his life, we also mourn his passing. Alf will be greatly missed by his loving daughter, Elaine Otter; granddaughter,  Allison Townsend (Duart); grandson, Neal Otter and great-grandchildren, Steven and Christina. He will be equally missed by whom he lovingly referred to as his “adopted” grandchildren, Anne Rankin, Terri Fullerton and her children, Claire, Kate and James, as well as the staff and residents of The Glenshiel.

Funeral services will take place in McCall Bros. Floral Chapel, Johnson & Vancouver Streets, on Thursday, April 23, 2015 at 1 p.m.  Interment to follow at Royal Oak Burial Park.  Condolences may be offered to the family below.

 

McCall Bros. Funeral Home

www.mccallbros.com.

 

 

  • Rick Wells

    I knew Alf and Connie when I was a neighbour in the 1980’s when they lived on Bay Street. Always cheerful and fun I visited with them often . I lost track of Alf until his birthday newspaper article a couple of years back, then I reconnected with him and visited at the Glenshiel. I have the same birthday as Alf and was honored to celebrate with him at his party last July 31. I was out of town when Alf passed away and also was away for his celebration of life.
    Take care Elaine, Alf was an inspiration to many of us! It is interesting to note my family came from Yorkshire England as well, maybe that’s why we got along so well. All the best, Rick Wells

  • Caron Smith

    What a loving tribute to Alf! Thank you for leaving a link on the Glenshiel’s facebook page so that I could find it. It was my pleasure to have met Alf, and remember him with great fondness.

    Sincerely,

    Caron

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