Alfred H. SAVAGE

1930 - 2015

SAVAGE - Alfred H. March 29, 1930-January 24, 2015. Alfred was born and raised in Sarnia, Ontario. He graduated from the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture where he met and married his beloved wife, Georgia Jean Bullock. He was a horticulturist, naturalist and avid outdoorsman. Alf and Georgia returned to Sarnia in 1952 where he joined his father as a partner in the family business, Savage Greenhouses. In 1962, Alf joined the Sarnia Board of Education as Superintendent of Buildings Grounds and Maintenance. In 1966, he was appointed Commissioner of Parks and Recreation for the Borough of York in Metropolitan Toronto. During this period Alf was a Director with the Ontario and Canadian Parks and Recreation Associations. In 1972, Alf was appointed General Manager of the City of Edmonton Parks & Recreation Department and in 1977 he was appointed Commissioner of Public Affairs for the City which included responsibility for the departments of Parks and Recreation, Fire, Police, Social Services, Health, Libraries, Planning, Real Estate, Bylaw Enforcement and Housing. Alf was generous to a fault and he cherished the special relationships that he nurtured with his colleagues and neighbors over the years. In 1982, Alf was appointed Chief General Manager of the Toronto Transit Commission and President of Gray Coach Lines. He was a member of the Board of the Canadian National Exposition and an advocate for Heritage Toronto. In 1987 Alf was appointed Executive Director of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority and President of Metropolitan Rail in Buffalo, New York. In 1990, he was hired as Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Transit Authority. In 1992, Alf and Georgia returned home to Alberta, settling in Calgary and set up shop in Springbank. Alf continued his life-long passion for horticulture as an advocate, Director and Chairman of Olds College. In 1998, Alf was elected President of the PC Party of Alberta. He subsequently served as Chairman of the Alberta Automotive Rates Insurance Board and as a member of the Alberta Municipal Government Board. In 2008 Alf retired to Edmonton where he reconnected with old friends and enchanted new ones with his friendship, loyalty and wonderful presence. Alfred was the son of Harry and Isabelle Savage (nee McMahon). In 2009 Alf was predeceased by his wife Georgia. He is survived by his children, Michael, Eric (Sonya), Regina (Wayne), Carrie May (Len) and LJ (Donna). He leaves behind nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother Bruce (Elizabeth) and many loving nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held February 6 at 3:00 PM at the "Capital Theatre", Ft. Edmonton Park, Fox Drive. A Celebration of Alf's life will follow at the Alfred H. Savage Centre, Whitemud Park. In lieu of flower tributes, donations to the Fort Edmonton Foundation would be appreciated. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/fort-edmonton-foundation/ To send condolences, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com