Alfred Scarfe

On March 1, 1958, he married his beloved wife, Olive Bolton, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned 67 wonderful years and was marked by deep love, mutual respect, and shared adventure.

Education was always important to Alf. He attended Barnsley Junior College of Technology and went on to earn his Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Barnsley College of Technology. Later, he shared this knowledge with students as a part-time instructor at the Barnsley College of Engineering, a role he deeply enjoyed.

Alf began his distinguished career with Wilson & Longbottom Ltd., a textile manufacturing company in Barnsley, where he started as an apprentice draughtsman. Through dedication, talent, and a profound understanding of engineering, he rose to the position of Chief Research and Development Engineer. During this time, Alf designed the W&L 500′ Loom—an extraordinary machine measuring 53 feet wide and 13 feet high—making it the largest loom ever built for the manufacture of solid-woven conveyor belting in the world. Alf personally supervised the entire project over a three-year period, from design through construction. Its completion in 1968 brought significant recognition to both him and the company.

In 1972, Alf moved his young family to Montreal, Canada, after accepting a position with JWI as Engineer in Charge of Special Projects. There, he led the development of an innovative “swordless operating system” adaptable to all company looms and provided technical assistance for W&L looms. His work frequently took him into the field, where he collaborated closely with teams on installations and specialized engineering projects.

The family relocated again in 1977 to Kanata, Ontario, when JWI moved its head office. While in Kanata, Alf joined Drytex, an affiliate of JWI, as Plant Engineer. He was known for his steady leadership and deep technical expertise.

In 1981, Alf was transferred with his family to Jonesboro, Georgia, USA, to take on the role of Production Manager. During this time, he developed and patented a Seaming Machine for the company. His work was widely respected for its innovation, practicality, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Even after retirement, Alf’s expertise remained in demand. He worked as a consultant for several companies in the United States and India, generously sharing his knowledge and experience well beyond his formal career.

Beyond his professional achievements, Alf was deeply committed to service and community. As a young man, he was an active member of the Barnsley Boys’ Club from 1951 serving in various roles including Honorary Secretary. In Georgia, he attended Jonesboro First United Methodist Church and volunteered with Back Yard Missions and Habitat for Humanity. He and Olive also participated in two mission trips to Biloxi following Hurricane Katrina. Alf was always ready to help neighbors and friends with home repairs and engineering challenges of all kinds—sprinkler systems, plumbing, lawn equipment, chainsawing, gardening, electrical work, and just about anything else that needed fixing.

It is impossible to speak of Alf without also speaking of Olive. Together, they shared a rich social life and many lasting friendships through their card groups, dining-out group in Georgia, and the Canadian Women’s Club. Their home was always open, welcoming family and friends from around the world, and it was filled with warmth, laughter, and generous hospitality.

Alf embraced a full and active life. His interests included photography, hiking, the Youth Hostel Association, table tennis, golf, skiing (both cross-country and downhill), racquetball, gardening and travel.

Alf was preceded in death by his parents and eight siblings.

He is survived by his loving wife, Olive; his son, Robert Ashley Scarfe; his daughter, Rachel Ashley Ownbey, and her husband, Stephen “Michael” Ownbey; and his cherished grandchildren, Devon Tyler Ownbey and his fiancée Linlee Morrison, Riley Harrison Scarfe, and Cameron Ashley Scarfe. He is also survived by his sister, Marjorie Sterling, and her husband, Ron Sterling, as well as numerous nieces and nephews in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Thailand.

Alf will be remembered for his sharp intellect, kindness, humor, and unwavering dedication to his family, his work, and his community. His legacy lives on through the innovations he created, the people he mentored, and the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.

A memorial service for Alf is to be announced soon.