Obituary of Roderick Alfred 'Alfie' McMullin, River Ryan

It is with very heavy hearts that we, the family, announce the sudden loss of Roderick Alfred ‘Alfie’ McMullin, 72, on May 8, 2023, while at his home in River Ryan. He was born on January 12, 1951, in New Waterford Hospital.

It’s difficult to lose such a warm-hearted and dedicated family man. Alfie leaves behind his loving wife of 47 years and soulmate, Shelia, his daughter Tara, son Vincent and daughter-in-law Jennifer (of Saint John), and his three beautiful granddaughters, Bella, Sophia, and Violet, that were the joy of his life. He is also survived by his two brothers-in-law, Albert and Michael (Irene), and his sisters, Conny (Phil), Susan (Wally), and Patty. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. Alfie is predeceased by his brother, Dave; sisters-in-law, Susie and Jeanette, and his parents Robby and Sarah.

Alfie was a hard and dedicated worker who spent 25 years employed as a Coal Miner and, before that, worked for Sydney Steel. He was a part of the Mine Rescue team and a skilled Overman before his retirement. Alfie was a master craftsman, earning himself countless certifications and seals; a man of a thousand jobs. He mentored and trained many working men in his lifetime from both his backyard and professionally.

Alfie also had a gift for storytelling— though sometimes you had to stop and wonder if he was stretching the truth! Though if you were ever in trouble? Alfie enjoyed being the man who solved problems for others and had an endless selection of solutions for almost every issue he found. His tall tales and ‘ready for anything’ attitude will be missed and remembered fondly. Alfie was also a car enthusiast with a passion for antiques and tinkering that made him a local legend. In his early years, Alfie loved drag racing— and the older generation would remember him for his purple and black 1970 Duster.

On his own time, Alfie enjoyed ‘talking shop’ with his brothers-in-law well into the late night. He also spent many late nights sharing the latest space and political news with his son; he loved to think about the future world. He took pride in teaching his daughter some of his many skills, and loved to share his knowledge. He also enjoyed going camping with his family anywhere from the Mira River to PEI and enjoyed taking walks in wooded areas where he could appreciate nature; he respected wildlife. He believed people should protect what they have. Alfie was a huge lover of Western movies, various literature genres, as well as rock and classic oldies music. 

Dad will be missed and forever in our hearts.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 12, 2023 from 11 a.m. - 1p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home Chapel, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A private funeral service for close family and friends will take place in the chapel with Father Godwin Obike officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.

                            He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you

                                                 Never, ever, during your trials and testings.

                                                   When you saw only one set of footprints,

                                                           It was then that I carried you."