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ALFRED LASER
1939 - 2020
Alfred Laser was born in Tigerweide, Zaporozhye, Ukraine and emigrated to Canada with his mother and two of five siblings in 1951, with two more siblings emigrating in later years. They first lived on Bannatyne Avenue and became active members of McDermot Avenue Baptist Church and the German community in Winnipeg.
Alfred attended the University of Manitoba and received a Bachelor of Education and a Masters of Arts. His studies took him across Canada to New Brunswick and Quebec, as well as the Goethe Institut in Germany. Alfred taught French and German language as well as ESL programs in Winnipeg School Division 1 at St. John's High, Elmwood High, and Ellen Douglass Schools for over 30 years until his retirement in 1996.
After his retirement from teaching, he worked for the German Canadian Congress, helping seniors access pension funds from Europe. Following this, he started his own pension consultant business doing this same work.
Alfred met Vera Dighton in 1961 at a University of Manitoba gathering and they married in 1965. They built a house in St. James with Alfred's brother Ed's construction company and created a wonderful home for their three children, Heather, Ralph and Linda. They all attended Broadway First Baptist Church. The family travelled on cross-Canada camping trips, European tours and to sun destinations. He looked forward to travel and was hoping to get to Hawaii again with Vera.
As much as he enjoyed travel, he enjoyed staying at home and the meals prepared there. He always saved room for dessert. He looked forward to Sunday dinners with the family and seeing his granddaughters, Amber and Alison. He cared for them during their summer holidays at "Grandma and Grandpa Camp" that included outings to A&W for breakfast or Tim Hortons for a donut.
Alfred and Vera attended Sturgeon Creek United and then Charleswood United Church. He had many interests, including photography, fishing (summer and winter), camping, five pin bowling, Bonsai and lap swimming.
Having been depleted by cancer these past years, Alfred was home resting up and was home until the last two days of his life, which were spent at Seven Oaks Hospital and Health Sciences Centre under their expert care.
Alfred is predeceased by his father Daniel; mother Ida; brother Ewald and sisters, Lea and Alice. He is survived by one brother Artur (Elena). One brother Erhard has been missing in Eastern Europe since 1945; Alfred's wife, Vera Dighton Laser; son Ralph; daughters, Heather (Rob) and Linda (Jovan); two granddaughters, Amber and Alison will dearly miss him every day. We will miss his wisdom, advice, as well as instructions in everything from proper French pronunciation, to how to mow the lawn.
A private service with immediate family is being held. A celebration of Alfred Laser's life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice that carries out the work most meaningful to Alfred – food, shelter, religion and education.
NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
neilbardalinc.com
Publish Date: Jun 13, 2020
ALFRED LASER
1939 - 2020
A longer obituary to follow.
NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
neilbardalinc.com
Publish Date: Jun 6, 2020
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 06, 2020, Jun 13, 2020
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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I would like to offer my condolences to the family. I had been a client on behalf of my father for many years and he was always very pleasant and helpful, a truly decent person. - Posted by: Ros Hammann (client) on: Jun 19, 2020
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I second Joe's comments. Alfred clearly nurtured and guided young people carefully as he did his young trees. And he presented the trees with dignity and respect, as he treated everyone that he dealt with. It was a pleasure to have spent time with Alfred and Vera on a number of occasions. A small tree that I recently trained will be a reminder of this real gentleman. Debbie and I wish the family peace. - Posted by: Stu Innes (club member, Bonsai Society of Winnipeg) on: Jun 16, 2020
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Today I’ll think about the Bonsai Club road trip to Lethbridge to collect Limber Pines from the Rockies, the wonderful Bonsai Club Christmas party Alfred and Vera hosted, the six-leaf seedlings in the thimble-sized pots he brought to shows, and the many times Alfred was Master of Ceremonies at club events. Undoubtedly, the best MC our club has ever had. I only wish we could be together to drink a toast to Alfred and share some stories. - Posted by: Joe Grande (fellow club member, Bonsai Society of Winnipeg) on: Jun 15, 2020
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I am very sorry for your loss. Alfred was a great friend and neighbour. I will miss the neighbourhood coffee get togethers with him. - Posted by: Evan MacKenzie (Neighbour since 1966) on: Jun 14, 2020
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I was deeply saddened by the news, I’ve been doing much reminiscing lately, your dad, husband, ‘Mr. Laser’ to me - was a very kind and gentle man. I’m thinking of you all and wishing you the best through this difficult time. - Posted by: Craig Warrian (Friend and neighbour ) on: Jun 13, 2020
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My condolences to the Laser family on the loss of Alfred. He was my best customer during the years I sold handmade greeting cards at the church. We missed Alfred and Vera when they transferred to Charleswood UC. Nan Christie - Posted by: Nan Christie (church friend) on: Jun 13, 2020
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With Heartfilled Sympathy to you and the family So sorry to hear of your sad loss - Posted by: Marina Warrian Gustafson (Friend of family) on: Jun 07, 2020
