Alfred Peter Christoffersen

After a successful and fulfilling life, Alfred “Al” Christoffersen laid down both sets of his working tools on May 23, 2023 and began again on a different level.

Al was born in Deloraine, on 14 April 1948, and after a few years there, he spent his youth and educational years in Austin. After leaving school, he headed down the road to Portage la Prairie, where he spent many years at a few different occupations, but soon joined the construction industry where he enjoyed a long and productive 45 year career in home building, finishing carpentry and cabinetry. He started a small cabinet shop, and had many happy and satisfied customers, but when he found he was working for grandchildren of his original customers, he thought he was ready to retire and enjoy his time away from the noise and the dust, and enjoy other experiences.

He enjoyed being part of his community as well, as he was a Boy Scout leader, a 4-H woodwork leader, a minor baseball and hockey coach, and he also considered it time well spent as a director with the Portage Terriers, trustee on Portage School Board and as a Director with Homestead Co-op.

In 1969, Al was married to Heather Garrioch and they raised their family in the Gainsborough district, south of Portage. She always kept him supported and grounded, until she passed away in 2001 after 32 happy years together. He was also predeceased by his son Richard in 2013.

He is survived by his daughter Karen-Ann and her husband Mike, and her family of Vanity, Geoff and Fred and their children.

Not very often, one can have two great loves in their lives, but in the fall of 2003, Al married again, this time to Wanda Mellon, and life began again. Beautifying their home, gardening and traveling were pleasures that they shared; and they enjoyed many trips and many happy memories together, both in the garden and in several foreign destinations. With her faithful puppy, Cailin, she is the one who now keeps the home fires burning.

Freemasonry was also a very strong influence in Al’s lifetime, as he achieved a lot, and was rewarded tenfold for his labours many times over his 40 years in the Craft, and the lessons it taught were a very calming experience in his life.

He met a lot of like minded people who became very close friends and he valued each and every one.

He would say that “you can’t have an old friend unless you get a new friend “, and there were some wonderful special “old” friends in his life as well, and each one became more special throughout his life.

After packing up his awards, his certificates and his tools, Al passed away peacefully in Portage la Prairie with his loved ones close by.

With him it was always “Happy to Meet, Sorry to Part, and Happy to Meet Again.” All he asks of you is to “be gentle and be kind” and keep your own happy memories close.

A celebration of Al’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the MNP Building on Island Park, Portage la Prairie, MB.

Expressions of kindness can be made to “Royal Arch Masons of Manitoba Philanthropic Fund”, for their assistance to Children, c/o. V. Bryll, 27 McMasters Road, Winnipeg, MB. R3T 2Y2, e-transfer to vbryll@shaw.ca. or P.A.W.S. For the great work they do in the Rescue Shelter, 121 - 12 Street NE. Portage la Prairie, MB. R1N 4A2

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com