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BORN
10/10/1946
DIED
10/21/2025
Alfred Ammann Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Alfred "Fred" Ammann, who left us on October 21, 2025, at North Shore Hospice, with his loving wife, Gemma, by his side, along with caring Hospice staff. Fred was 79 years old.
Born on October 10, 1946, in Ermatingen, Thurgau, Switzerland, Fred was known to those closest to him as Fred or Freddy. He was raised by his mother, Yvonne Schmid, and later also guided by his mother's partner, Willy Bunte. From a young age, Fred's ambition and work ethic were apparent, and he went on to complete Hotel and Chef training in Switzerland, beginning a life of adventure and discovery.
At the age of 20, Fred embarked on a journey that would begin the next chapter of his life. He travelled to Montreal, Canada, to work at Expo 1967 with his first wife, Marianne. They were soon encouraged to "go west" and took the road across Canada to British Columbia, where they settled, married, and welcomed their first child, Angela. Together, they opened the Swiss Chalet Restaurant in North Vancouver, making many friends, along with becoming active members of the Swiss Outdoor's Club. The Swiss Chalet Restaurant pioneered receiving a permit for patio dining with alcohol service. Fred went all the way to Victoria, BC to advocate for the permit and was proud to be the first owner of a restaurant in North Vancouver to establish outdoor dining.
Fred soon shifted careers, realizing the growing demand for home improvement services. He founded Amex Roofing, which became a well-respected and successful residential re-roofing company in the North Shore area. He and Marianne expanded on their family with the arrival of their son, Brian, and had more years together until they went their separate ways.
Though Fred's life was marked by his career and business accomplishments, it was his personal life that brought him true happiness. In 1988, Fred met Gemma Monzales, and they soon became inseparable. Their relationship blossomed both personally and professionally, as they co-founded EasyDancing BC, a ballroom dance instruction company they ran together until around 2015. Gemma continues to teach dance long after Fred's retirement, and together they created lasting memories with many students and friends.
Fred's travels with Gemma were a highlight of their life together. While it took some coaxing for Fred to visit the Philippines initially, he quickly grew fond of the country, its people and family, finding a second home there. Over the years, Fred and Gemma travelled extensively, including enjoying visits to Switzerland and exploring the beauty of the Philippines, as well as indulging in their love of food, fine wine, and laughter.
Fred was charismatic, and his sense of humor and warmth remained with him until his final moments. He cherished the simple pleasures in life-a good meal (with Gemma's cooking being his favorite), and the company of loved ones. Fred was a devoted animal lover, and his bond with his cats, Mahal and Tyger, was a source of comfort and joy over the years.
Towards the end of his life, Fred lived by a simple but powerful philosophy: "Tuto Bene," or "All Good." He approached each day with gratitude and encouraged others to do the same. His enduring spirit and positivity left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held to honour Fred in the Spring.
To all those Fred touched: sending love to you all. "Tuto Bene."
Born on October 10, 1946, in Ermatingen, Thurgau, Switzerland, Fred was known to those closest to him as Fred or Freddy. He was raised by his mother, Yvonne Schmid, and later also guided by his mother's partner, Willy Bunte. From a young age, Fred's ambition and work ethic were apparent, and he went on to complete Hotel and Chef training in Switzerland, beginning a life of adventure and discovery.
At the age of 20, Fred embarked on a journey that would begin the next chapter of his life. He travelled to Montreal, Canada, to work at Expo 1967 with his first wife, Marianne. They were soon encouraged to "go west" and took the road across Canada to British Columbia, where they settled, married, and welcomed their first child, Angela. Together, they opened the Swiss Chalet Restaurant in North Vancouver, making many friends, along with becoming active members of the Swiss Outdoor's Club. The Swiss Chalet Restaurant pioneered receiving a permit for patio dining with alcohol service. Fred went all the way to Victoria, BC to advocate for the permit and was proud to be the first owner of a restaurant in North Vancouver to establish outdoor dining.
Fred soon shifted careers, realizing the growing demand for home improvement services. He founded Amex Roofing, which became a well-respected and successful residential re-roofing company in the North Shore area. He and Marianne expanded on their family with the arrival of their son, Brian, and had more years together until they went their separate ways.
Though Fred's life was marked by his career and business accomplishments, it was his personal life that brought him true happiness. In 1988, Fred met Gemma Monzales, and they soon became inseparable. Their relationship blossomed both personally and professionally, as they co-founded EasyDancing BC, a ballroom dance instruction company they ran together until around 2015. Gemma continues to teach dance long after Fred's retirement, and together they created lasting memories with many students and friends.
Fred's travels with Gemma were a highlight of their life together. While it took some coaxing for Fred to visit the Philippines initially, he quickly grew fond of the country, its people and family, finding a second home there. Over the years, Fred and Gemma travelled extensively, including enjoying visits to Switzerland and exploring the beauty of the Philippines, as well as indulging in their love of food, fine wine, and laughter.
Fred was charismatic, and his sense of humor and warmth remained with him until his final moments. He cherished the simple pleasures in life-a good meal (with Gemma's cooking being his favorite), and the company of loved ones. Fred was a devoted animal lover, and his bond with his cats, Mahal and Tyger, was a source of comfort and joy over the years.
Towards the end of his life, Fred lived by a simple but powerful philosophy: "Tuto Bene," or "All Good." He approached each day with gratitude and encouraged others to do the same. His enduring spirit and positivity left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held to honour Fred in the Spring.
To all those Fred touched: sending love to you all. "Tuto Bene."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by North Shore News from Nov. 12 to Dec. 12, 2025.