Born 27 May, 1938 in Agen, France Died 23 January, 2025, Sechelt, British Columbia.
A PASSIONATE LIFE WELL LIVED...
It is hard to capture the essence of Alf: he was an adventurer, a connoisseur, a mountaineer, a traveler, a voracious reader, a dedicated gardener, and an amazing husband, father and granddad. He was a gifted raconteur.
Alf ’s spirit flew away on the bright frosty morning of January 23, 2025.
Alf was born in the south of France where his father was working as a machinist. When WW2 broke out the family was repatriated to Germany. The Menninga family of seven children escaped from their apartment in Russian controlled Berlin in 1949. They settled temporarily in France where Alf had to learn to speak French. The Menningas moved back to Germany briefly while awaiting clearance to immigrate to Canada.
Once settled in Montreal Alf learned his third and most used language, English. Alf left school and enrolled in technical training earning a Diesel Mechanic certification. After graduating, Alf worked for the CPR in Montreal and soon after left for Vancouver and the west coast.
In the sixties Alf completed three epic journeys: Australia, New Zealand, and an extensive motorbike trip through Japan, South-East Asia, India, Iran, Afghanistan, through Russia ending in Western Europe.
On returning to Vancouver, Alf met and married Julia Patterson. They worked hard together to buy an acreage of bush near Qualicum and start a family. After spending a year in South Africa, they returned to Qualicum where they built a log house and raised their four children.
By the 90s Alf was restless and moved to the Sunshine Coast where he built a stone cottage in Gibsons. He met and married Roberta Leslie and they spent the past twenty happy years together. They went on many adventures, travelling to exotic destinations, by air and in their travel trailer.
Alf always enjoyed the outdoors: playing tennis, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, camping, mountaineering, and cutting and hauling firewood. He also enjoyed keeping a beautiful garden.
Left to mourn are his loving wife Roberta, his children Fiona, Yurgen (Joanne), Malcolm (Anneka). Ingrid (Gaston), Sean and Dwight Leslie and a combined total of 16 grandchildren.
Alfred also leaves his sisters Edith, Lillian, and Erika; his brothers Wilfred and Hans and families; First wife Julia, and many family members, and friends. Spooky, the cat, will miss his dad.
Alfred was predeceased by his parents Amalie, and Wilhelm, and his sister Sonja.
Service of remembrance will take place at the Botanical Garden in West Sechelt on Saturday, Feb. 8 at twelve pm.
Bring your stories.
THE MOUNTAINEER
By George William Russell
Oh, at the eagle’s height To lie I’ the sweet of the sun While veil after veil takes flight And God and the World are one.
Oh, the night on the steep! All that his eyes saw dim Grows light I’ the dusky deep. And God is alone with him.
