Just wanted to set the record straight that my father’s first wife was not our mother. Alfie should have at least known his mother’s first name even if he didn’t know her maiden name. If Irene had been his mother, Alfie would be 90 years old by now - he is actually 67.

She ran off on my father and when he didn’t hear from her for many years, he went back to the homestead near lone rock and worked on his music career. He enlisted in the second war, was assigned to Downsview, Ontario as a link trainer for new pilots. It was in Toronto that he met our mother, Dulcie May Boadway. They married in August of 1942 and had five children. The second child, George Vaughn only lived two weeks. They lived in Toronto, Edmonton, Yellowknife, Whitehorse, Lloydminster, and finally Toronto again where my father passed away at the age of 76 in 1971. Mom followed at the age of 59 in 1975. They are greatly missed.

Subject: Alfred Atkey
Hi Just a quick update on Alfred. As of Sunday April 25th he was in Fort St John. I saw him on the road side making little to no progress so I stopped and asked him if he was alright. What a delightful experience that turned out to be. He was fine, as it was evening and he had no place to stay i put him into a motel for the night. He said he was headed to Red Deer to stay with a brother. I told him if I could talk to his brother I would put him on the Grey Hound. Haven’t heard from him so I imagine he’s on the road south. What a character.

I’ve made a facebook page for Al. It’s found at Facebook under Alfred Atkey, or his username of al.atkey@dancetc.com.

dave

Let it be said that he’s not only in fine condition, clean and free of odors, but that his clothing is only more delightful than when you found him. He is wearing one which rubber boot and one tennis show. He is also wearing every item of clothing that he owns such that he appears like a cartoon character with his little head popping out of a mound of clothes such that I’m not sure how he can move.

I gave him $20 on general principles, and a cup of ice since it was a hot day. A bit up the road I stopped in at Jakes Corner in Yukon (Jakes crossing) and spoke with a couple waitresses at this must see gallery / restaurant / ?

After visiting with the eccentrics at the lunch table I asked on a whim if any of them knew Alfred. They burst into laughter and said he’d spent the afternoon at their place a few days before. Apparently he’s using the bicycle more as a luggage carrier than for himself. They agreed that he was a delight, remarkably clean and alert for a man living outdoors, and somehow seemed to avoid the numerous human predators such a man might fall victim to.

Give me an email address and I’ll send along current photos.

dave

So yeah, better do all this round-the-world traveling soon, before all cultures just melt into one giant consumerized culture (can you tell I love the boonies, lol).

Hope all is going well.

Cheers,
Jay