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Maurer; Alfred Robert

October 12, 1922 – February 11, 2016


Alfred (Fred) was born to Henry and Albine Maurer in Alexandria, Egypt. His parents were Swiss and his father had set up a dentistry practice in Alexandria. His early years were spent in Egypt and around the Greek Islands. He graduated from UBC with a degree in plant science and went on to a Masters in plant science at McGill University. He met his wife Beth while at UBC. Fred accepted an appointment in Plant Science with the UK Colonial Service and they traveled to Nigeria where they resided for twelve years. When they left he was not only head of the station but of all agricultural research in northern Nigeria. In 1962 the family came to Agassiz where they soon became active in the community. Fred worked for Canada Agriculture at the Agassiz Research Station in horticultural science. He tested / developed varieties and production methods and he supported the vegetable growers in the Fraser Valley. Yukon Gold potatoes were one of his varieties. In those days scientific research had a direct impact on industry and scientists were encouraged to speak with the public. Fred was one of the founders of the Agassiz Arts Council. In his early years in Agassiz, he was part of the Agassiz Players writing and performing plays for the community such as Four Brands of Corn. Fred and Beth built a wonderful home on Hopyard Mountain with views across the Fraser, down and across the valley. Together they landscaped and created an incredible garden with rock walls and terraces. Fred set up a pottery studio and spent many years creating with clay. Then his sons built him a woodwork shop where he spent many of his retirement days reframing Beth’s pictures and building little projects out of hardwood from the property. Well into his early 90's, Fred would be up the mountain chopping and splitting wood to heat the house. Fred is survived by his sister Verene, his sons Fred (Yovita) and Keith (Kim), six grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Robert, his wife Beth and his mother, father and brother. A service in celebration of Fred and Beth's lives will be held in their garden in May. Date TBA.



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