Alfred Warkentin

By any definition Alfred was a true original. Born in Lowe Farm, Manitoba and raised in Steinbach, MB, Alfred began his career at The Carillon News in Steinbach as a local sports reporter before moving to The Washington Post as a copy boy.

In the late 1950’s he moved again, this time to Montreal, where he learned French and married the elegant, late Claire Chouinard of Quebec City.

Alfred’s career ranged from politics—he ran for election in the 1965 Canadian federal elections as a candidate for the Progressive Conservative Party in the former riding of St. Lawrence—St. George—to speech writing for the 1976 Montreal Olympics, public relations and publishing. Writing fiction, however, was his passion. Throughout his life he relentlessly pursued his singular focus of penning a historical-political novel on the Mennonite immigrant experience. Ultimately, his marriage did not survive his immersion in the work for his anticipated novel.

With his stentorian voice, disheveled appearance, cheery disposition, and his habit of walking everywhere and speaking to anyone regardless of their station in life, Alfred knew everyone and was a beloved personality in NDG.

He is survived by his two daughters, Elizabeth and Alexandra (Deniz Berkin), sister Winnifred, and brother John.

The family wishes to thank his loving caregivers Pearline Noel and Elsa Jobe, and nurse Julia Hakien and the rest of the 4th floor team at Vigi Reine Elizabeth.