August 11, 1928 - October 27, 2021
A salute to a long and remarkable life.
Alfio was born in Nordegg, Alberta, in 1928 to Roma and Romano Truant, who emigrated from Italy shortly after WW1. In 1933, Nordegg began feeling the impacts of the Great Depression. The family moved to Red Deer to start a new life in the soft drink business. Alfio grew up in the suite above the Red Deer Bottling production facility with his parents and younger brother Dino. Red Deer Bottling would feature prominently throughout Alfio's life.
When Alfio was eight years old, he returned to Italy with Dino and his mother, who missed her homeland. The trio stayed in Italy for two years before returning to Red Deer just before WWII. When he arrived back in Red Deer, Alfio picked up where he left off. He was active in the family business while taking his early schooling at St. Joseph Convent and later Red Deer Composite High School. He continued his education by studying business at Red Deer College and the University of Waterloo. To gain more experience, he spent a year working at the Coca-Cola plant in Vancouver, where he played junior football in 1948.
Alfio returned to Red Deer, where he met and fell in love with Phyllis Densmore; they married on November 11, 1950. Phyllis always said she picked November 11 so that Alfio wouldn't forget their anniversary. Michael and Tammy rounded out the family in 1956 and 1958, respectively.
After his father retired, Alfio and his brother Dino continued to run Red Deer Bottling. Alfio was a quintessential entrepreneur, always looking for new opportunities. He and Dino were involved in many other ventures, such as Pop Shoppe, where they established franchises in Canada and U.S. He remained Red Deer Bottling's Chairman of the Board until his passing, always available for advice and guidance.
Central Alberta was very important to Alfio, and he strived to give back to the community. Alfio sat on multiple Boards both in the business and philanthropic communities. He was a longstanding Board member of Parkland Industries and served as past President of the Alberta Lung Association. In addition, he was a member of the Kinsmen and K40, Rotary, Knights of Columbus, Elks, and Royal Canadian Legion.
In 2003, Alfio was inducted into Lindsay Thurber's Hall of Fame in recognition for his volunteerism and philanthropy with many organizations, including Westerner Park, Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, Alberta Lung Association, Red Deer Polytechnic, and the Red Deer Hospice, to name a few. Alfio was always a strong supporter of education, sport, and health. He helped create many scholarships at Red Deer College (Polytechnic) and supported key capital projects that he saw as an investment in the community. In 2017, he received the G.H. Dawe Memorial Award for his leadership and investment in education.
One of his many passions in life was music, especially 40's swing and jazz. He was a supporter of CKUA Radio. In high school, he played stand-up bass alongside his great friend drummer Alvin Johnstone. Later in life, they continued to play in a dance band called "Barb and the Boys."
Phyllis and Alfio enjoyed golfing at the RDGCC and spent winters in Palm Springs golfing with many Red Deer friends.
Alfio's faith was another integral part of his life as a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Every phone call with his grandkids ended with his favourite saying - "I love you, and God loves you too."
Alfio was predeceased by his mother and father, two infant brothers, his wife Phyllis, sister-in-law Berthe Truant, brother-in-law Harry Densmore and Sister-in-Law Olive Emmott.
He is lovingly remembered by his brother Dino Truant, son Michael (Carolyn) Truant, daughter Tammy (Barry) Postma, grandchildren Micah Truant (Brendon Morden), Tarah Truant (Brad Wiedmer), Marlee Postma and Jared Postma, many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
We would like to thank all the people who reached out with kind words and thoughts at the time of Alfio's passing. He cherished deeply so many connections: the A&W coffee group, Wednesday Safety Meeting attendees, all the staff at Red Deer Bottling and M.A.C. Vending, and so many long-time friendships. We would also like to thank Dr. Joe Hopfner, Dr. Odendaal and Compassion Home Care. A special thank you to all of the Hamlets staff and his Kerrywood friends.
No funeral will be held at this time due to COVID restrictions. We are planning to celebrate Alfio's life near his birthday in August 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations in Alfio's memory can be made to the Red Deer Hospice Society, 99 Arnot Ave. Red Deer, Ab. T4R 3S6.