Alexander Kerr was born on Thursday, July 6, 1933 to Isabella Neilson (Thomson) and Alex Cuthel McMurtie Kerr in Glasgow, Scotland. Alex’s father was a cabinet maker and model ship builder. During WWII he was refused into the military and subsequently set about building airplanes. Isabella was a millner (hat maker) in Scotland. Upon arrival in Canada she worked at Smith & Sons Wholesale.
Alex attended Goven High and Elder Park Secondary Schools in Glasgow, Scotland. It is interesting to note that Elder Park was built in 1898 for pupils from the new residential area under development. It was opened on August 18, 1899. Govan High was established in 1910 and celebrated its centenary in 2010. When Alex was just sixteen, he and his mother embarked for Canada to join his father who had gone before them. It was here in Toronto at Northern Secondary Vocational School that Alex completed his education.
Alex Sr. arrived in Canada in October, 1947 aboard the RMS Aquitania. Widely considered one of the most attractive ships of her time, Aquitinia earned the nickname “Ship Beautiful.” In her 36 years of service, Aquitania survived military duty in both world wars and was returned to passenger service after each. Aquitania‘s record for the longest service career of any 20th-century express liner stood until 2004 when Queen Elizabeth 2 became the longest serving.
Alex Jr. and his mother arrived in Halifax, Canada on June 6, 1949 also aboard the RMS Aquatania. From there they took the train to Toronto where they met up with his father. At first the family lived in a basement apartment at 2342 Dufferin Street before a few years later purchasing their home at 47 Erindale Road.
Alex began working for Traders Finance where he met a young woman named Betty at a dance held by Traders where Betty also worked, Traders General Insurance. He asked her to dance (to big band music) and as it is said, that was it for him. After dating for a year, Betty Joyce, daughter of Lily (Hughes) and Glenn Dunbar Schwegler, married Alexander Kerr on a snowy, miserable October day. It was the 27th of October, 1962.
In 1969 Alex went to work as a salesperson for Sklar Peppler Furniture. Thinking that he and Betty would relocate to the Kitchener area, they traveled to Hanover to meet with Mr. Peppler and his wife. During the time the four spent together Betty found out that Hanover needed a Girl Guide leader. She quickly announced to Alex that they would be moving to Hanover, and why! The move must have been a good one for many reasons, the most important of them being that two years later Cindy Alexandria happily joined their family.
Even though Alex never returned to Scotland, he maintained many aspects of his Scottish heritage. He taught drums, nights and weekends, and played in the Hanover Scottish Highland Band. This musical interest was passed on to Cindy and she soon began Highland dancing. Alex too loved dancing, especially to the music of the big band era. Both Betty and Alex loved to swim, so they had an inground pool installed at their Hanover residence. Alex always read the National Geographic, he enjoyed Christmas with friends and family. He was a Mason and enjoyed collecting coins as a hobby. Most of his collection originates from Scotland in the 1800’s. When it came to TV, it was often American history, sports, M*A*S*H or Hogan’s Heros. He curled and loved to watch it. Alex also loved soccer or football as it was better known to him. He was a huge Manchester United fan! In his youth he golfed and he also really enjoyed watching tennis, but never did play. Fish and Chips, Steak Pie and Welsh Rarebit Sauce on toast were his favourite things to eat. He was also a good cook in his day! He always had pets and was a huge dog lover, primarily Labradors. Some of his favourites were Shandy (a black lab), Spunky (a lab), Ruff and Tumble, the cats.
As with most, Alex had a real stubborn streak that likely helped him survive the emigration from Scotland. He was set in his ways, which of course he was entitled to be. Alex liked to keep to himself, although every day had a routine. It often started with two cups of coffee and then at the precise same time a trip to Foodland in Hanover, before returning home to watch some sports. After Betty was forced to move for further care, Alex’s routine would always include a stop in at Hanover Care Centre to see his beloved Betty.
Sadly, it was shortly after Betty’s death that Alex’s health began to decline and he passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2017 in his 85th year.
Beloved father of Cindy (John) Hoffarth of R.R. #1 Hanover. Loving Poppy to Taylor (Naythan Evers), Baillie (Catlin Reynolds), Braedon and great-Poppy to Chloe Hoffarth and Izabelle Reynolds. He was predeceased by his wife Betty (2016) and his parents, Alex and Isabella (Thomson) Kerr.
Cindy and her family would like to thank Dr. Heerema, Dr. White, the Staff at the Hanover & District Hospital, CCAC, VON and The Village for all their kindness. Special thanks to Bill and Irene Byrne who, in the last few weeks watched out for Dad and were such a blessing to him and his family. Thank you!
At Alex’s request, cremation has taken place and there will be no further services.
Memorial donations to the Hanover & District Hospital Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
