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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
McCLANAGHAN, Alfred Watson (Alfie) - died in Hospice in Victoria, BC on March 6th, 2022 at the age of 90. Alfie was lovingly devoted to his wife of 66 years, Vera (nee Richmond), (predeceased in 2020); his six children Edward (Daphne), Dale (Lillian), Heather (Steven), Elda, Elaine and Kelvin (Eleanor), seven grandchildren (Rebecca, Colleen, Ryan, Amanda, Erica, Denise and Lauren), their spouses; and four great-grandchildren (Coralee, Evelyn, Savannah and Isobel). Alfie is survived by three siblings (Charles, George, and Edna). He is predeceased by six siblings (Earland, Burton, Elda, Verna, Emily and Catherine) and his parents Fredrick and Gussie (nee Leavitt) McClanaghan. Alfie was born in 1932 in St. George, New Brunswick. He joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1950 and in 1953 met Vera at Glad Tidings Church while stationed at CFB Esquimalt. Vera and Alfie later married in Halifax and moved back to Victoria in 1956 after completing his time with the Navy. Together, Alfie and Vera established a close-knit family in a welcoming home where family and friends were frequent visitors. Alfie spent his working life on and around ships. While in the Navy he was a diver with the inaugural Diving Branch using newly-invented scuba gear. In Victoria he worked for a short while as a tugboat mate before joining Yarrows Shipyards (later Versatile Shipyards) where he worked with, and led the Labour gang until his retirement in the early 1990's. For recreation, Alfie enjoyed salmon fishing and hunting, along with his annual fall moose hunting trips. Together he and Vera especially enjoyed traveling throughout BC and Western Canada, and shared a great appreciation for its beautiful landscapes, birds, and wildlife. Alfie was a proud member of the Freemasons and Shriners where his community efforts focused on children's charities. Alfie went through life with a mixture of wit, grit, forbearance and kindness. He will be missed by his friends and a large, loving family who find comfort in the knowledge that he is with his Lord and Saviour, and reunited with his Vera. (Victoria Times Colonist 26 Mar 2022)
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