BETINOL, Alfredo Daro

September 24, 1940 – December 27, 2025

Alfredo Daro Betinol, beloved husband of Primitiva Betinol of Calgary, Alberta, passed away peacefully in the presence of his loving family at the Brenda Strafford Clifton House on December 27, 2025, at the age of 85 years.

Alfredo will be missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Primitiva Betinol of 60 years; his children, Gemma (Leo Escandor), Alfredo (Teresa Betinol), Gecelyn Betinol, Edwin Betinol and Jeffrey Betinol (Jenn Dickey); his grandchildren, Nathan Escandor, Noah Escandor, Joshua Betinol, Isaiah Betinol, Kassy Betinol and Cejay Betinol Adkins; as well as his sisters, Elena Fajardo and Paciencia (Acie) Requierme. He was predeceased by his father, Esmeraldo Betinol; mother, Laurencia Daro Betinol; brothers, Rudulfo (Rudy) Betinol, Esmeraldo (Boy) Betinol Jr., Maria Exaltacion (Mimi) Betinol; and sister, Lydia Betinol.

Alfred (Papa Fred) was a committed and loving husband, father and grandfather. He extended that love by supporting the arrival of extended family members as well as growing the Filipino community around him with kindness and generosity. And while supporting his family in Canada, he was continuing to support his family and community in the Philippines with his humble means.

Immigrating to Canada in 1975, he chose Rockyford, Alberta to call home and to be a safe place to raise his children. He supported his children’s development in an unfamiliar culture with sacrifice, resilience and tenacity to life and love that he held on to until the moment he chose to rest.

As a teacher in Math and English in the Philippines, his new vocation in Canada was that of a track maintenance foreman for CN Rail. A company that he dedicated 27 years to until his retirement. Early mornings in the freezing winter and extended periods of time away from his family in the summer during peak work periods, his sole objective was to provide. His mantra to his children growing up was, “We are poor in cash but rich in love” reinforcing the essentials of life. He did it his way. The song and dance that was in his blood continues to flow in the family members that followed.

Food in the family always represented love and while in this small rural village in Alberta, he would open up his household every fall to welcome the community to share in the Filipino culture of roast pig (lechon) and hospitality. Proud of his Filipino heritage, he was committed to ensuring that his children adopt the Canadian culture as a core aspect of their identity. Part of that legacy was the generational gift of ice hockey. He worked overtime in the summer months to ensure that his sons would be able to afford the sport, continuing on the gift to his grandsons. And although his daughters did not play, he celebrated his only granddaughter who played hockey at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

Education was his sole purpose for choosing the difficult path of immigration to Canada. His promise to his wife was, “We are not coming to Canada to become rich. Our purpose is to educate all the children so that they don’t have to be poor like the past generations”.

After the completion of post-secondary education of all his children, he expressed to his wife that his purpose was complete. It was not only complete but expanded upon. The academic achievement continued not only through his children, but also through the diligence and hard work of all his grandchildren.

He navigated life with a loving intention so evident with his gentle kindness and mischievous humour. A care and love that was expressed to his surviving wife and children until the moment that God embraced him to come home.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11:00 am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church (1525 45 St SE, Calgary, AB) with a Viewing to be held prior at 10:00 am.

To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Alfredo with the family, please visit www.choicememorial.com.