Obituary for Alfred Wurtele
Alfred Hamilton Wurtele, born on December 27, 1934, in Montreal, died peacefully with family at his side at Hospice Peterborough on January 27, 2023. He is survived by his children Susan, David (Chantal Sylvestre), and Bruce (Jill Ritchie), his beloved sister Katharine Woods, and his four grandchildren Kate, Megan, Isaac and Owen. He is predeceased by his beloved wife Anne Laight and his parents Everard and Elizabeth. Al is fondly remembered as "Uncle" by his nieces and nephews Geoff, Stephen and Peter Boole and Roberta and Camille Bouchard.
Al was a gentle, generous soul who took pains to remember the name of everyone who crossed his path. Among the many legacies he passed to his children and grandchildren was self-reliance coupled with an enduring commitment to community. He taught you how to fix something yourself rather than doing it for you. Al’s father instilled in him a love of the outdoors, a passion he passed on to his children. As a family, winters were spent on cross-country skis and summers consisted of camping and canoeing.
Al’s adult life was spent in Lindenlea in Ottawa and in Kingston before moving to Peterborough. In Lindenlea he was the neighbourhood repair guy who loaned out more tools than he received back but did so with a spirit of community caring that was infectious. His home was accepting and open especially to all of his kids’ friends. Later in Kingston, he and Anne enjoyed restoring their home and garden and exploring the city and surrounding countryside. In Peterborough, he revelled in the exploits of his grandkids. Later, he was a familiar sight wheeling himself through downtown and along his daily trek across the river and back.
His family is grateful for the care he received at Princess Gardens and from Dr Lauren Morelli and everyone at Hospice Peterborough where he and his family were enveloped in deep care and compassion.
A private celebration of life will be held in Peterborough. Donations in Al's memory to Hospice Peterborough would be most appreciated.
Al was a gentle, generous soul who took pains to remember the name of everyone who crossed his path. Among the many legacies he passed to his children and grandchildren was self-reliance coupled with an enduring commitment to community. He taught you how to fix something yourself rather than doing it for you. Al’s father instilled in him a love of the outdoors, a passion he passed on to his children. As a family, winters were spent on cross-country skis and summers consisted of camping and canoeing.
Al’s adult life was spent in Lindenlea in Ottawa and in Kingston before moving to Peterborough. In Lindenlea he was the neighbourhood repair guy who loaned out more tools than he received back but did so with a spirit of community caring that was infectious. His home was accepting and open especially to all of his kids’ friends. Later in Kingston, he and Anne enjoyed restoring their home and garden and exploring the city and surrounding countryside. In Peterborough, he revelled in the exploits of his grandkids. Later, he was a familiar sight wheeling himself through downtown and along his daily trek across the river and back.
His family is grateful for the care he received at Princess Gardens and from Dr Lauren Morelli and everyone at Hospice Peterborough where he and his family were enveloped in deep care and compassion.
A private celebration of life will be held in Peterborough. Donations in Al's memory to Hospice Peterborough would be most appreciated.