Mr. Alfred George Hall

      “Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Mr. Alfred George Hall, it summarized in every way who he was. He was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around him and always thinking before acting. He was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything he did. He was a friendly person who truly cared about those around him.

       He was the son of Albert and Margaret Hall. As a child, he learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that he would carry with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, Alfred was always aware of how others around him felt and this quality served him well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Alfred was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Alfred was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where he could concentrate, Alfred also had the ability to relate well with his family and friends. Alfred was raised with three sisters. He had a twin sister Agnes, a sister May and a sister Margaret. He was constantly involved in activities with his family. Alfred and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

      Growing up, Alfred was one of those children who didn’t need to be in the center of a whirlwind of activity. He was content to entertain himself. Alfred was never pushy when it came to games and other activities, but rather, he was able to enjoy the pure fun these could bring. In just about everything he did as a child, Alfred was intent on pleasing both the adults and the other children around him. Alfred took part in a number of activities as a child. He took part in soccer and ice hockey. In his spare time he liked to walk his beloved dog Gip.

      Alfred enjoyed learning. He always had a great memory and was particularly skilled at retaining factual information. Alfred was generally quiet in class, learning best through observation. He often showed great concentration and was competent at completing the tasks at hand. Good with details, Alfred was painstaking and accurate in his efforts. All of these talents culminated in a successful high school career. He completed grade ten, then had to go and work to help the family during the depression. Alfred enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. His favorite class in high school was french and fencing. Alf graduated In 1935

      Most folks would say that Alfred was shy until they got to know him. Those who were privileged to know him well learned that he was a solid, good friend. Alfred was reluctant to generalize about people, and he based his friendships on his personal experiences. Because of this, Alfred best trusted those people that he truly knew. He was concerned about how those around him felt, and he always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. He could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that he made, Alfred kept. While growing up, Alf's best friend was Tommy, who lived in his home. Later in life, he became friends with Min Delmonico, Monty, Bev Clifford, Anna and Merle.

      Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Alfred. On July 25, 1943 Alfred married Ethel Maisie Mary Groom at Holy Cross Church of Greenford, Middlesex England. He was totally committed to Betty and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if Alfred naturally sensed his spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Alfred disliked conflict, he did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

      Alfred was a good father to his children. He had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Alfred was blessed with three children, Iris Mary, David George, and Albert Edward. He was also blessed with 6 grandchildren Jenifer, Rachel, Erica, Charlyn,Travis and Davina.

      If you gave Alfred a deadline, he would meet it. At work, Alfred was always on task. Without hesitation, Alfred could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. His primary occupation was Air Force and Commissionaire. During that time, Alfred excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. He was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Alfred was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Alfred had at true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems.

      Alfred was an Air Force Veteran. He seemed to thrive on the routines offered up by the military. Being a literal thinker with a calm exterior helped him handle the rigors of the military. He was in the Air Force from 1937 to 1946, RAF 1937 to 1945 then RCAF. Alfred saw action for 6 years during WWII. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Sergeant. He received several awards including a service medals, including Africa Star.

      Alfred liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Alfred's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Alfred preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on his hobbies. His favorite pursuits were cribbage, whisk, and other card games. Alfred was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying his hobbies all by himself and could often be found just reading about his favorite pastimes.

      While thorough and measured in his approach to things, Alfred often liked to physically do things rather than just think about them. He was like that with sports. In high school, Alfred played soccer and ice hockey. Recreational sports included walking briskly. He also enjoyed the statistical data and the facts behind the sports. In this way, he was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were ice hockey, soccer and wrestling.

      Due to his excellent organizational skills, Alfred was a welcome addition to the professional and community organizations to which he belonged. In high school, Alfred was a member of the fencing club. Throughout his later years, Alfred was an active member of the Richmond,Vancouver and Mission Legions.

      An individual who respected and maintained traditional values, his faith was important to Alfred. His compassion, consideration and sympathy toward others was evident in his personal beliefs. He was a member of the Church of England and then the Anglican Church until retirement.

      Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Alfred had smooth sailing. It was often taken for granted that he was the trip planner. He would start early and examine all of the possibilities, selecting the best and most effective options. Favorite vacations included California.

       His family was rounded out by his many cats, including Selma, Nemo, and Timmy. Alfred was as loyal to his pets as they were to him.

      When Alfred's retirement finally arrived in 1985, he was well prepared. He had taken the time to learn about his various options and chose his course wisely. His new life involved relocating to Richmond. In retirement, he found new pleasure in mall walking and visiting family. Even in retirement, Alfred continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

      Alfred passed away on February 11, 2010 at Pleasantview Care Home in Mission, BC. of Pneumonia. He is survived by sisters Mary and Margaret, niece Sharon, daughter Iris, granddaughters Jenifer, Rachel,Erica, Cherlyn, Devina, grandson, Travis and 11 great-grandchildren. Services were held at All Saints Anglican church on February 22, 2010. Alfred was laid to rest in Hatzic Cemetery, Mission, BC.

      It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Alfred was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Alfred was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of man to whom everyone was drawn. He was thorough and practical. Alfred Hall was very literal with his words. You always knew where you stood with Alfred. He will be missed.

* * * * * * * * * *

Alf died peacefully at Pleasant View Care Home in Mission on February 11, 2010 at age 93. He was predeceased by his parents, twin sister Ann, his sons David and Albert, and his wife Betty. Survived by sisters Mary Johnson and Margaret Hall, daughter Iris Todd-Lewis (Chris), grandchildren Jenifer Hall (Allan Hackett), Rachel Kleindienst (Kevin), Erica Shurey (Craig), Charlyn Laverdure,(James), Travis Todd (Kindra), Davina Hall, 11 great-grandchildren, and many friends in Richmond and Mission.

Alf was born in Winnipeg, and after high school, left Canada in 1935 to work at his uncle’s pub in England. In 1937 he joined the Royal Air Force and rose to the rank of Sergeant. During WW II, he served in North Africa (Alexandria and Tobruk) and Reykjavik Iceland, transferring to the Royal Canadian Air Force when war ended. Leaving the Air Force in 1945, Alf found work in Canada in Toronto and Hamilton, and moved to England in 1950 where he found employment at Hoover’s Factory. Returning to Canada in 1958, Alf found various work and eventually joined the BC Corps of Commissionaires where he served until retirement in 1985.

Alf’s family was a source of pride to him, and he enjoyed each child as he or she arrived. He loved his many pets and doted on the various cats who made their way into his heart. In his final years, as his body failed, his mind remained sharp, and his generosity and humour was apparent until the end.

A Service to commemorate Alf’s life will be held at All Saints Anglican Church, 33077 2nd Avenue, in Mission on February 22nd , 2010 at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the SPCA.