Alfred Leopold Deifel

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alfred Leopold Deifel, on Monday, August 7, 2023 at the age of 92 at Amica City Centre. He was beset very suddenly by a heart attack, pneumonia and sepsis.

Alfred was born on April 1, 1931 in Germany. He was born on a farm and was one of 14 children all of whom predeceased him.

Alfred was a remarkable man. At only 13 he left school to start work to help his struggling family. He started as an apprentice to a shoemaker. Alfred then became a brew master but eventually decided he wanted a life in Canada. He met and fell in love with Annemarie Fink. She travelled ahead to Canada in 1954 and Alfred immigrated 6 months later. They married on December 4, 1954 and settled down in Toronto. They have been married for almost 70 years.

Alfred was one of those classic immigrant stories that you hear about – he came to Canada with only 91 cents in his pocket. Alfred worked hard at many jobs and eventually founded a company called “Top Line Equipment” with other partners, but later sold it as he had also started another company “Lift Rite” in 1977. This company proved to be very successful which allowed him to finally retire, selling the company to his larger competitor.

There were many ups and down on the way to this success which Alfred weathered with strength and dignity.

Alfred will be remembered first and foremost for his incredible kindness and generosity. Not to mention his intelligence, his sense of humour and his gentle spirit. Alfred was very gregarious and loved a good conversation. He always regaled family and friends with one joke after another. Everyone who knew Alfred held him in high esteem. Alfred was always unbelievably positive even in the face of adversity. As he got more fragile and his dementia increased, his spirit was the same – always optimistic. He loved to make others happy and was always thinking of others until the very end. He was a wonderful husband to Annemarie, a terrific father and to Hardy and June and was adored by his entire family. Alfred had many accomplishments and successes but the most important thing to him was always his family.

He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Hardy (wife Paulene Deifel) and June Deifel, his two grand-children, Natalie Emilio (husband Ryan Emilio) and Manuela Deifel and great grandchildren Reese and Madison Emilio. He also leaves behind many friends in Canada and the United States as well as many relatives in Germany. He will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

A private memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 20 at 12:00 at Amica City Centre, 380 Princess Royal Drive, Mississauga.