ALFRED (ALFIE) JAMES ROOKE -

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ALFRED (ALFIE) JAMES ROOKE 1913 - 2003 On Tuesday, November 4, 2003 at Victoria General Hospital, Alfie died peacefully, surrounded by those he loved. He was predeceased by his first wife Rose; brothers, Walter, William, Stanley and sister Florrie. Alfie is survived by his loving wife Joan; his daughter Gerry Bennett (Doug) and grandchildren, Michael and Crystal. He is also survived by stepchildren, Kathy Alarie (Yves), Gregg Wizbicki (Colleen), Sheila Pshebnicki (Gord) and David Wizbicki; also step grandchildren, Jennifer, Joel, Rebecca Alarie, Reagan, Cailey, Rory Wizbicki, Dylan, Beata, Austin and Carleigh Pshebnicki and Tara Kinchen (Bill). He will also be remembered by many nieces and nephews. Alfie was born in Plymouth, England on July 20, 1913. He attended the Royal Naval School in London, England. Because he was an orphan at the time of graduation he emigrated to Canada at the age of 15 under the auspices of the Church of England. Life was hard working on farms but he was tough and survived. During the depression he worked in the soup kitchens in Winnipeg. At the outbreak of the Second World War he joined the P.P.C.L.I. and spent the war years serving in England and Europe. His Canadian girlfriend Rose joined him in England where they were married. After the war they returned to Canada and Alf worked for Winnipeg Transit until retirement. Alf loved his church St. Michaels and All Angels. He loved his family and enjoyed his life to the fullest, had a great sense of humour and a positive attitude. He was a keen bowler, a fan of the Bombers, Blue Jays and Maple Leafs, loved to dance, play cribbage and liked people and parties. He was also a long time member of the PPCLI Association and Army Navy and Air Force Club #60. The past six years since his stroke have been difficult for him, but he was able to stay in his own home with the support of his wife and excellent care from the home care system. Our thanks and gratitude to people like Bob, Phil, Michael, Neil, Conrad, Jack, David, Luis, Christata and Linda. He enjoyed this past summer at his cottage at Silver Harbour with the wonderful help of the caring workers, Peggy, Donna, Shannon, Tom and friend Myrna. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Alfs life will be held at Garry Memorial Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. on Saturday, November 15 at 11:00 a.m. Father A. M. Klassen of St. Michaels All Angels to officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. (He missed you Stephen.) Garry Memorial Funeral Home Cemetery and Cremation Centre 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 14, 2003