Alfred Binnie

Dearly loved Alfred E. "Alf" Binnie, 89, passed away at Brendan House with his wife Joan at his side on July 17, 2009.

Born Jan. 6, 1920, in Montreal, Quebec, Alf completed school and joined the Royal Air Force Bomber Command in England to become a pilot during World War II. Surviving an air attack behind enemy lines in 1942, he became a POW for four years in Germany.

Upon return to Canada, Alf purchased Mountain View Bungalow Resort, and during the winter, he was director of the ski school at Jasper in Quebec at St. Donat, a well-known area in the Laurentians. Alf was always an avid skier and relished entertaining his guests at the resort. His love for music and playing the guitar continued throughout his life.

Alf and Joan were married in 1950, and to this day she remains the love of his life. Alf and Joan moved to Long Beach, Calif., in 1959 when Alf joined California Federal Bank. Later, Alf became a certified appraiser with MAI designation. They enjoyed their life in California, with camping, skiing and gardening the focus of their spare time.

Alf was very interested in classic cars and until recently made the annual trip to Carmel, Calif., for the car show. After almost 30 years in California, Alf retired and they chose to move north so that he could pursue his love of skiing.

They settled in Whitefish after building their home together and maintained it with meticulous attention. Alf and Joan lived in Whitefish for almost 20 years. Alf was a dear and gentle man and will be missed.

The family has chosen no service at this time.