Dad passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Friday, October 24, 2014 during his 86th year. He is survived by Margarete, his beloved wife of 53 years, and his 4 children and 4 “children-in-law” : Christina and Cameron Mingay, Darlene and David Stafford, David Budweth and Karyn Allison, Alf Budweth Jr. and Debra Dobson; as well as 11 adoring grandchildren: Elizabeth, Alexandra, Bridgette and Charlotte Mingay; Katharine, Victoria and Abigail Stafford; Cole, Madelyn and Lauryn Budweth; and, Olivia Budweth.
While Dad was born an only child he was raised as a beloved brother to cousins John, Gerry and Manfred Jurgeneit.
Born in the Memelgebeit of East Prussia on April 17, 1929, Dad came to Canada with his mother, Meta, at the age of 6 to be reunited with his father who had come ahead to make a better life. Just a few weeks after their arrival, Dad’s father died suddenly. Dad and his mother made the difficult trip back to Europe where shortly afterwards the devastation of WWII erupted.
Dad came back to Canada in 1949 at the age of 20.
He began modestly as a fisherman in Port Dover, Ontario. Early mornings and long wet cold days on various fishing tugs cemented his love of honest hard work. A lifelong devotion to “his” Maple Leafs began here as well, fostered by his buddy Red Kelly.
A few years later, despite a developing career at Beneficial Finance, the lure of the land transported Dad to the tiny town of Nobleton in King Township where he purchased a 100 acre farm. After several years of burning the candle at both ends, delivering eggs from his chickens at 4:00 a.m. and arriving in his chair at the office by 8:00 a.m., Dad turned his back on the world of finance. Much to the chagrin of his new bride, he embraced the dream of becoming a farmer.
Dad lived a rich and happy life on the gently rolling hills of his beloved farm “on the 10th”. Dad became a pillar of the community and a leader in the field of agriculture. He embraced new ideas and technologies that are commonplace today. We remember trucks rolling into the yard all night at harvest time so that the local farmers could dry their corn in Dad’s new Dryer. The men slept for a few hours on the sofa in the kitchen while Dad watched over the operation of the machine.
The purchase of Nobleton Feed Mill in 1978 allowed him to combine his passion for agriculture with his strong head for business. Together with David and Alf Jr. that business has grown to the country’s largest independent Master Feeds dealer feeding many Olympic Champions, Queen’s Plate winners and family pets over the decades.
Dad loved the daily interaction with customers in the Mill. Many start up farmers and inexperienced young horsemen benefited from his sage advice and the occasional free bag of feed. Whether you were a bank Chairman with a hobby farm or full-time farmer, Dad enjoyed trading stories, giving advice and talking politics. From his perspective everyone had something interesting to say.
Several terms on Municipal Council, elected by substantial majorities, were only one sign of the respect with which he was held in the community. A decision not to stand for re-election was made on the basis that his failing health would not allow him to personally canvass every home.
Despite his many successes, Dad was happiest walking through his pastures at twilight during the early summer as the smell of Mom’s lilacs wafted through the air and a new crop of calves bounced around him.
Dad often told us that of all his accomplishments the harmony in his family was the only one that mattered.
Thank you to all of the dear friends and relatives who provided support over the last 6 months, in particular, his cousins, his schoolmate Roland Gailus and his dear friend and neighbour Dr. Richard Giroux.
Our family will receive friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street South (Hwy 50), Bolton from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 30 at the St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, 5750 King Road, Nobleton. Reception to follow at the Nobleton Community Hall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation (Emergency Room Revitalization Fund), Soldiers Memorial Hospital Geriatric Day Hospital in Orillia or Southlake Hospital in Newmarket. Dad was grateful for the care he received from the compassionate staff at these hospitals.
Robert and Linda Boak
Our condolence annd prayers are with all the family
judy plowright
so sorry to hear about your loss this is Judy from the dental office thinking of you all and love my family and remeberce to u all
Nicola and Darrell Connor
Dave, Karyn, Cole, Maddy and Lauren,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss, to you and all of your family,
Liz Loach, John Morra, Giada and Leila
Offering our deepest condolences for the loss of your father – we will hold you in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time. Your Dad will continue to live in your hearts and memories. Hugs!
Ina Mechlinski
An Margarete und Familie
mein herzlichstes Beileid Margarete, den Lebenspartner zu verlieren ist ein Verlust, den niemand ersetzen kann.
My deepest sympathy Margarete from Ina Mechlinski, formerly of Caledon East. My thoughts are with you and your family during these sad days.
Ina Mechlinski
Ken Graham
Alfred was a man I have never met but was the type of man I would have liked to have known. He epitomizes the type of new Canadian who built this country by following his dream and working hard to achieve it. Your family has been blessed by his example and I share your sorrow.
Max Held
Will miss you old friend. Thank you for being there for me throughout our 50 some years of friendship in good times and bad.
Max
Jim Wall
On behalf of King Fire & Emergency Services, our thoughts and prayers go out to the Budweth Family. We are extremely fortunate to have the Budweth Family as part of our community. May Alf senior rest in peace.
Sally Cairns
David, Alf Jr. and Family,
I am very sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I remember serving him at the CIBC in town. He was an awesome man that treated everyone with courtesy, respect and kindness. He will be missed. Take care.
Sally Cairns
The Olver Family
Dear Alf, Debbie and Olivia,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. So sorry to hear of your loss.
Take care your friends and neighbours,
Mary, Bryan, Angela and Tony Olver
Helen O'Hara
Extending my condolences to Alf’s wonderful family and many friends, I had the pleasure of working with him for many years, he was a true gentleman and will be missed.
Andrew Wood & Family
Dave, Alfie, Darlene, Christina
I was saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing. Your Dad was a big guy around town and he lived a big life. — He was very helpful to me when I was looking for contractors to build my home, I always appreciated that.
You must be very proud and pleased of his accomplishments.
My condolences friends
Andrew Wood
Jim and Heidi Sant
Our condolences to the Bubweth family.
May all the wonderful memories with your father help you through this difficult time.
Joe Spallino
Margarete, Christina, Dave, Darlene and Alf,
I was deeply saddened to hear about Alf’s passing. He was a noble man and a man of integrity. You seldom find a man like Alf anymore. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
My sincere condolences,
Joe Spallino and the Nobleton CIBC
Don & Gail Dalziel
Our sincere condolences to the Budweth Family. Alf was a very talented businessman, a strong community leader and most important we will always cherish his friendship. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ilya and Jaime Dagenais
Dave, Karyn and Family,
We are so sad to hear of your Dad’s passing. Our thoughts are with you all.
Sandra & Marty Robinson
Dear Dave,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Dads are very special! Our thoughts go out to you all during this time of sorrow.
Our sincere condolences – Sandra and Marty
Seana Waldon, CARD
Dear Budweth Family,
I never had the chance to meet your dad, however, Nobleton Feed Mill has been a cornerstone for me in caring for my own horses and those in my professional care.
It was a pleasure to read about how such a fantastic company and resource for horse owners came to be, and I can more fully understand why the Feed Mill and the employees there are so incredible given the example that was set for them by Mr. Budweth.
My thoughts, and those of the CARD Family are with you all at this time.
Sincerely, Seana
Rudi Cirelli and Family
Offering our deepest condolences to the Budweth family.
Mr. Budweth will always be remembered!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely, Rud, Joanna and Lauren
Sarah Huntley & Kevin Burmania
Dave, Alf Jr., and the rest of the Budweth clan,
Kevin & I express our sincere sorrow at hearing of the loss of your dad. I first met Alf Sr. about 26 years ago and he was always so kind and was such a pillar in Nobleton.The Town is a better place because of him.
Our hearts and prayers are with you at this time.
Sarah & Kevin
Rick Pennycooke
Dave, Darlene and Christina,
I did not know your Dad personally, but knew of his reputation as a well-respected business man and, more importantly, his reputation as a person of integrity. My thoughts and prayers are extended to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Rick
Ron Hingston
Offering our deepest condolences from the Hingston family
. I got to know Alf over the years and you could tell he worked hard , but enjoyed it.
Our thoughts are with you all.
Ron Hingston
Nancy Pannia
We offer our sincere condolences to the Budweth family.
Your dad was a wonderful family man. I will always remember his strong presence in our community. He truly was one of the noblest men I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May he rest in peace.
Nancy & Frank Aloia
Archie Chamberlain
Alf will be sadly missed as a great neighbor and a great asset to the community
Also an interesting conversationalist.
Marisa Marcuzzi
Dear Alfie and Dave,
Sending you and your families my sincere condolences. I know how close you were to your dad and hope that your wonderful memories provide peace and comfort. Sincerely, Marisa Marcuzzi
Terry Malcolm
Dear Christina, I am so very sorry to read about the passing of your Dad. Our dads always hold a special place in our lives and occupy a corner of our hearts belonging to them alone. And that doesn’t change when they are gone. Please give Charlotte a hug from me as you go through this very difficult time.
Fondly,
Terry
Denise Reynolds
My condolences to the Budweth family as you deal with the loss of such a wonderful family man.
Alf’s unassailable authenticity, his love and loyalty of family, friends and community made working on his re-election campaign an easy task.
Alf’s authenticity is such a rare quality and something I’ll remember him fondly for.
Denise Reynolds
Raffaele's Cantina and staff
Dear Budweth family
We are sorry for your loss and our deepest sympathy for your family
Sincerely
Raffaele’s Cantina and staff
Patricia Watt
I am so sorry to hear about Alf. He was a true gentleman through & through, a wonderful father & husband, and I am proud to have been able to call him my friend. My sympathy and love to Margaret and the family. I am presently in Arizona and not able to attend his service tomorrow, but my thoughts & prayers will be with all of you. Lots of hugs, Pat Watt & family.
~ Patricia Watt, Carefree, Arizona
Donna Scott
Margarete, Christina, Darlene, David, and Alfie
I am so sorry to hear of Alfs’ passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Donna Scott
Robert M.
I just wanted to send my best to the family at this time. Alf was a great man with the biggest smile and will be missed. Best wishes to all.
Lucy Belperio
The community shines a little less brightly today as we have lost a man with generous spirit and a big heart. Thank you for all you did in Nobleton and beyond. My deepest condolences.
Grant Martin
Dear Margarete
I am very sorry to hear about Alf
You and Alf always treated me good when I worked for you
I stopped in once and awhile to talk at the feed mill
God bless you and keep well
Grant
Surkau Family
Dear Budweth Family,
Sincere condolences for your loss. Our family often reminisce about
those days in Nobleton and friendships we had. Your father
accomplished many great things.
Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Franz, Maria and children
Lanark Leeds Dist. Ltd.
Dear Budweth Family,
Sincere condolences from the Schokking Family and the staff of Lanark Leeds. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Budweth Family at this difficult time.
Mark & Joanne Schokking
Jane Busby
Our sincere condolences to the Budweth family at this sad time.
Jane Busby and family