Alfred Henry “Alf” Cordell
January 10, 2023
Alfred Henry Cordell (Alf), in his 95th year, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2023, with family by his side. He now joins the love of his life Mary.
Alf was born on August 25, 1928, in Montreal, Quebec, where he grew up with his younger brother Bob, and met his wife Mary Eileen Maloney. He was a die-hard Habs fan, an avid reader and loved to play cards, especially bridge. Alf enjoyed taking his family on many ski trips. His favourite destination was Cuttle’s, Mont Tremblant. He was a member of the Hunt Club and Treasurer of its Bluewater Investors Club.
Alf excelled at school and was a whiz with numbers. He was educated at McGill and began working at McDonald Currie in Montreal in 1948. He became a Chartered Accountant in 1951. In 1982 he became a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario. From 1977-1980 he served as a member of the Royal Commission on the Status of Pensions in Ontario.
Alf moved his young family to London, Ontario in 1959 to join 3M Canada, where he would work for 33 years. He enjoyed a rewarding and successful career, working his way up from Controller to Executive Vice-President of Marketing and Public Affairs.
Alf was known as a true gentleman, with a kind heart and loving soul. He had strong faith and was an Elder at New St. James Presbyterian Church. The one thing Alf loved the most was his family. He will be deeply missed by his four children Bruce (Laura), Rob (Mary) Diane (Andy) and Joanne. He will be fondly remembered by his 14 grandchildren – Beth, Amber, Peter, Martha, Emily, Nick, Brianna, Harry, Ryan, Jack, Leah, Erin, Ben and Alison, and two great-grandchildren Maeve and Paul.
The family would like to acknowledge the care provided by staff of the Palliative Care Unit at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. Reception to follow. If you would like to reach the family, please email robcordell@gbtel.ca. In lieu of flowers, considering a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or New St. James Presbyterian Church would be welcome and most appreciated.
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Thank you for all the time, laughs, and lessons you shared, Gramp. You will be deeply missed, and your memory lovingly cherished. We are grateful to have had many (and many more) years with you.
Alf was my boss for a short time 1959 at McDonald Currie in Montreal . I remember him as a true leader and a fine gentleman of the old school. My condolences to the Cordell family. RIP Alf. Norm Johnston CA Burlington Ontario.
Dear Bruce, you probably don’t remember me but I was a nurse in Emerg at St Joe’s in London when you were doing your residency. I was the one who regulated an IV for a couple of hours one night but which had been discontinued and was actually dripping on the floor. You found it and I was mortified but we had a good laugh about it. I saw the picture of your Dad with his name and thought that must be Bruce’s Dad, you looked just like him.I’m so sorry for your loss. Patty
The Cordell family: We extend our deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear Dad. I have so many happy memories of growing up on Doncaster beside your wonderful and close-knit family. Your house became my second home. I was welcomed as part of the family;playing on the side road, in our makeshift fort, Barbies in the basement, swimming in the pool and snacks on summer afternoons. I remember piling into the back of your Mom's car on rainy days as she would kindly drive us to school. Your Dad will be remembered as a kind, sincere and well respected gentleman. I often heard him calling the family dog in a deep, firm voice"Mandy come" !!! We are remembering you all in our thoughts and prayers. Marion Wood (McColl)
Sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. Growing up, I enjoyed spending time at your house on Doncaster. Fondly remember your mom yelling "Alf". Conversations with your dad were always enlightening.
So sorry to hear of the passing of your dad Diane. He had a wonderfully long honourable life. My sympathies for your loss to you and Andy and your entire family.
Love you so much Gramp. You were a wonderful man and will be deeply missed. I will always be grateful for every minute that we got to spend together.
Diane and Andy, We are so sorry to learn about Alf's death. Our deepest condolences. g and Mark
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Dear Bruce, Rob, Diane, and Joanne- I'm sorry for the loss of your Dad, and happy for you to have been blessed with a wonderful father. It's a beautiful reflection on your parents that they raised such great children. Your Dad was a fixture in Sherwood Forest when we were kids, I remember him working on your yard as we wandered past on our way to "the creek". He was a gentleman, always friendly, and you were blessed to have him. Sympathy and kindest regards to you and the rest of your families. Tom
~ Thomas E. Meads