Eight Bells: Alfred Jenkins

Alfred “Alf” Jenkins passed away peacefully at home at the age of 88 on October 19, 2018.

Foremost among Alf’s recreational interests was sailboat racing. His youthful competitive racing was in International 14s, and later Alf raced keelboats at National Yacht Club in Toronto on Wednesday nights, where he was a lifelong member. In the off-season, to keep his competitive edge, Alf tirelessly played cards with family on Wednesday nights.

Alf’s love of sailing found its professional intersection in his long career as Executive Director of the Ontario Sailing Association, which he built into a model for sports governing bodies in Canada. Other sailing interests included the Shellbacks Club, the National YC Oldtimers Sailing Association (NOTSA), and youth sailing, in support of which he founded the Junior Club at the NYC.

Alf was also deeply involved in community building, through the Church of the Holy Spirit, the Burnhamthorpe Community Centre, and the Halls and Hawk Lakes Property Owners Association. Participation in the Mississauga South PROBUS Club and the High Park Melita Lodge rounded out Alf’s interests. Really, if there was a meeting to attend, Alf was there.

Alf will forever be fondly remembered as devoted to his family: wife Mary (neé Caven) of 63 years; daughters Brenda Jenkins (Don) and Daphne Scott (Rick); sons Ron and John; and grandchildren Imogen, Ellen, Henry, Josh, Alex, and Jessica, as well as by his many friends and colleagues.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held November 24 from 12-2 p.m. at the National Yacht Club, 1 Stadium Road Toronto. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Princess Margaret Hospital or the charity of your choice.

Source: turnerporter