ALFRED WALTER SIME

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ALFRED WALTER SIME On Wednesday May 8, 2002, at the Emerson Personal Care Home, Alfred Walter Sime passed away peacefully at the age of 96 years. Alf was born on September 8, 1905, in London England. He immigrated to Canada with his family in 1907, settling in Moosomin, SK. His earliest recollections were of his love for music and the piano which he studied intensely throughout his youth. As a young man he moved to Winnipeg where he took up piano teaching and where he met the love of his life, Freda Cummings. They were married in 1935. The depression years made it necessary to look for supplementary work, and in 1940 he and his family moved to Emerson, MB, where he acquired a permanent position with the Canadian Pacific Railway. He retired from the railroad in 1970 and returned to the piano and the world of music, his first love, studying piano tuning. He was subsequently very well known for his work both in Emerson as well as surrounding communities where he continued to tune pianos into his late 80s. He lived in his own home in Emerson until his 95th year when failing health compelled him to move to the Emerson Care Home (April 2001). He was a longtime member of the St. Andrews United Church and served many years on the Board. He served on the committee which built the first swimming pool in Emerson and was a well loved and respected member of his community. Alf was predeceased by his beloved wife Freda in 1998; and by brothers, Ted and Reg. Left to mourn his passing are daughter Rosalind and husband Jack Irvine of Emerson; son Kenneth Sime and wife Marilyn of Winnipeg; grandchildren, Douglas (Lynn) Irvine, Shelley (Brad) Day, Scott (Nancy) Sime, and Jennifer Sime (Garett Surcon) great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Raymond Irvine, Chelsea, William, and Tristan Day; as well as sister-in-law Agnes Sime. He was very close to all his grandchildren and also had a special relationship as "grandpa" to Janey and Christina McKay. Alf will always be remembered by his family and friends for his inquiring mind, his interest in people and the world around him. He passionately pursued his musical gifts throughout his life with appreciation and joy. His indomitable spirit, optimism and love of life will be his legacy. Cremation has taken place. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday May 11 at St. Andrews United Church in Emerson, with interment of his cremated remains in the Emerson Cemetery. The family would like to thank all the staff and fellow residents at the Emerson Personal Care Home for their kindness, care, and the dignity shown to their father during his residency. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Emerson Personal Care Home, Box 428, Emerson, MB, R0A 0L0, or St. Andrews United Church, Box 126, Emerson, MB. Morris Funeral Home Phone 746-2451 Toll Free 1-866-746-2451

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 11, 2002