Alfred Hart

HART, Alfred Thomas - March 4, 1920 – May 11, 2011 Alf, as he was affectionately know by his family and friends, was born in London England, the youngest boy and 7th in a family of 9 children. Alf joined the British Army at the beginning of WWII. He was assigned to the 8th Army, serving initially in North Africa where he earned the nickname Tiger for his boxing prowess winning the Regimental Championship. Later he was captured in France spending 3 years as a POW until he escaped. At the end of the war he signed on for 2 more years of service, when he earned his parachutist's wings and had achieved the rank of sergeant at the time of his discharge in 1947. After the war, Alf was introduced to Rita Trigg by his sister Marie and from the day he met her there was no one else for him. Alf and Rita were married in 1951, emigrating to Guelph in 1957, which was where Rita's brother Vincent was living. Alf and Rita lived in Guelph for the rest of their married lives. Alf worked for the Royal Bank and Rita at the University until their respective retirements. Alf and Rita had no children and were devoted to each other for the whole of their married life. They owned a cottage in Wiarton for a number of years and enjoyed many a summer weekend there. They also enjoyed winter vacations in Florida or cruising the Caribbean. In the summer they would often visit their families in England. In 2008, after living for 50 years on Westmount Road, Alf and Rita moved to Stone Lodge Retirement Residence. In January 2010, Rita moved to St. Joseph's Health Centre and they were separated for the first time in their married life. For the next 16 months Alf dutifully made the daily trip from Stone Lodge to St. Joseph's to spend time with Rita. They were both favourites of the staff at St. Joseph's because of their pleasant dispositions. Alf and Rita celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on March 31st of this year. On April 2, Alf was able to join Rita at St. Joseph's. Tragically, Alf's health began to deteriorate and although very weak, he continued to visit with Rita on his good days. His spirits were further boosted by a recent visit from his younger sisters Marie and Iris from England who spent time reminiscing with him. Unfortunately, after 91 years, Alf's big heart finally gave out. May he rest in peace. Alf is survived by his wife Rita, sisters Marie and Iris and nephews in Canada, David and Tony Hart A Memorial Service for Alf will be held at the Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Dublin Chapel, 252 Dublin St. N., Guelph on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Cremation has taken place.

A Memorial Service for Alf will be held at the Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Dublin Chapel, 252 Dublin St. N., Guelph on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.