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Maureen Jennings posted a condolence
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Iden and I went to visit Alfie when he had been moved to palliative care at St. Mike's. Rather unnecessarily I asked him how he was. "Oh I'm dying' he answered. His tone was rueful. Then he tried to remember something that he and I had shared a long time ago. He searched for the memory and the words. At first I didn't know what he was referring to. Not golf. Not tennis. Ah. He got it back. Horse racing. Many years ago we had shared a love ot the ponies especially the big races. Our mutual friend, Tom O'Sullivan, also loved to talk horse and to make the occasionally flutter. The three of us said we'd buy a horse one day. We were hoping for the Cinderella story that so many horse lovers share. Buy cheap some plain little horse, (like Sea Biscuit for instance) then this same plain little horse would startle the world by being a phenomena with speed above all expectation. Of course we hardly knew one end of the horse from the other but we were sure love could work miracles. We talked about this a lot but never went further than dreams. Perhaps Alfie has now gone to a place where these dreams will be fulfilled. Dear man, funny, kind. always interested in life. We will miss him.
K
Katie R. posted a condolence
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Alf was such a reassuring figure in OISE morning meetings. I recall meeting him back in 2003 and knew instantly that he had something I wanted - I learned later that what he had seemed to be peace of mind.
He was not loud when he spoke, but when he did say something, it seemed profound - yet also full of common sense.
He was also very humble and unassuming. In fact, if it was not for his name (it always reminded me of that alien Alf from the 80's tv show), I may not have ever introduced my self.
I disappeared out west for a number of years, but returned to Toronto and to the OISE meetings in 2011 and was thrilled to see that Alf was one of only two people that I remembered from those early years.
While his words made sense back in my early days, they meant more now. While I did not know him outside of the OISE meeting, I could tell that he lived by his words. He seemed honest and approachable - always willing to extend an ear or a thought. But most of all it was the sheer presence of him in the room that made those morning meetings for me a treat.
I will miss him, but remember him fondly.
My condolences to his family and to all those who knew him better than I did.
Katie R.
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Jim Ranieri lit a candle
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
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Thanks Alf, you presence could always be relied on. Your dedication and your kindness are an inspiration to me.
K
Kate Hewlett lit a candle
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
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Always so nice to see Alf's smiling face. xoxo
T
Tino Argimon lit a candle
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
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Dear Alf - thank you loving memories of so many good times. I will forever miss our Friday get-togethers when we read the letters of Paul, and always remember how you reveled in their inspiration. Farewell, beautiful friend.... Tino
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Teressa and Rudy Gold posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Dear Julia, Rudy and I send you and your family our love and sympathy at this difficult time. Alfie was a compassionate and caring and gentle man with a strong faith, and we hope that that same faith will sustain you and your family at this time. We shared good times and bad. Alfie was a great man, full of dignity, humility, and a great love for nature, especially for birds of all kind. He cared for his feathered friends with a passion, and shared that passion with us. He’s up there with them now, and they’re all around him, as are our prayers and heartfelt wishes as he journeys home to his Creator. Love,Teressa and Rudy
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Larry Carney posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Memories go all the way back to 1951 - all good ones! Rest in Peace now, and God's blessings upon all your family.
J
Joan Kuntz Adamson posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
So sorry for your loss, Julia. A big loss for all who knew and loved Alfy. Such courage, humility, humor and compassion he possessed. My favorite Irish tenor and a true Irish mensch he was. We are all lucky to have had him in our lives. Bless you at this sad time. I am there in spirit paying tribute to my dear, old friend and offering sympathy and love to you. love, Joan
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Jessica (Borzilleri) O'Brien posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Julia, I am so sorry to hear that Alfie is gone. I'm amazed at his picture--he looks exactly the same as he did 30 years ago. My heartfelt sympathy to you and his family. Please take care of yourself, and I'm thinking of you in this difficult time. love, Jessica
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Chris and Cathy posted a condolence
Monday, August 25, 2014
Chris and Cathy made a donation to St. Michael's Hospital Foundation, Palliative Care Unit
Julia, you are in our thoughts at this difficult time.
T
The Jocelyn Family posted a condolence
Monday, August 25, 2014
The Jocelyn Family made a donation to St. Michael's Hospital Foundation, Palliative Care Unit
With fondest of memories and appreciation for a great neighbourly spirit
J
Joan and Mike Adamson posted a condolence
Monday, August 25, 2014
Joan and Mike Adamson made a donation to St. Michael's Hospital Foundation, Palliative Care Unit
We will always remember and cherish our times with Uncle Alf, our dear, dear friend. May he rest in the peace he so deserves. With sympathy and love, Joan and Mike
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Susan Leonard posted a condolence
Monday, August 25, 2014
Susan Leonard made a donation to COVENANT HOUSE TORONTO
Dear Julia, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Alfie was a fine man who will be remembered. Take care, Susan Leonard
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Teressa and Rudy Gold posted a condolence
Monday, August 25, 2014
Teressa and Rudy Gold made a donation to COVENANT HOUSE TORONTO
May the lord give you the strength to carry on, knowing Alfie is at peace.
