BRENNER, Alfred Burrell aged 98 passed away suddenly on October 10, 2017 at Amica in West Vancouver B.C. Survived by his son Rick (Gale), grandchildren Michael (Gris), Christine and Megan, great-grandchildren Sophie and Lily. Pre-deceased by his elder son Don (Robin) and grandchildren Erin.
Pre-deceased also by his first wife Margaret in 1970. Alf married Jean Cormeau in 1973 who passed away in 2013. He is also survived by his three step daughters Kathryn (Grant), Louise (Jim) and Judy, grandchildren Amy, Douglas, Heather, Ann, Blair and Lianne, and three great-grandchildren. Alf had two nieces Wendy (Rhonda) and their daughter Emma in Portland, and Heather in New York.
Alf was born and grew up in Toronto, where he excelled at many sports including football, tennis, skiing and ski jumping. He obtained his private pilot license then joined the RCAF in 1940. He served as a pilot in 415 Squadron Coastal Command, based in southern England. He distinguished himself several times during his service and as a result was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. After returning to Canada he moved to the West Coast settling in Vancouver where he opened a wholesale steel business. The family then moved to Ashcroft and operated a cattle ranch. He moved back to Vancouver in the late nineteen fifties, obtained his helicopter pilot license and became part of the early era of commercial helicopter operations, flying throughout Northern Canada and BC. After retiring from aviation he obtained his realtor license working in Vancouver and the North Shore for several years. In 1972 he returned to his favourite sport of tennis joining Hollyburn Country Club, winning various Pacific Northwest, Provincial and National Senior titles in the singles category. He also achieved much success in the doubles category supported by his long-time court partner Lou Wynick. He represented Canada at various worldwide seniors’ tournaments, achieving a top 50 ranking in the World Men’s 75 age category. He loved the sport and played competitively until age 91. He enjoyed gardening and grew the most amazing tomatoes, fruits and vegetables on a ravine lot surrounded by tall cedars above McKay Creek in North Vancouver.
He was a good father and a loving husband. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends he made over his lifetime. The family wish to give a special thanks to all the staff at Amica for their tender loving care. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. Donations can be made to the Food Bank in your area.
Arrangements under the direction of Hollyburn Funeral Home, West Vancouver, BC.
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