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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alfred (Alf) Zeller on Friday, September 18, 2026.

Alf was the beloved husband of Anna (Di Matteo) Zeller, devoted father to Alexander (Tara) Zeller and Lyndsay (Scott) McGrath, and cherished grandfather to Sophie, Catherine, Logan, Parker and Blayke.

He was predeceased by his brothers Alexander (Zander) and Basil and his sister-in-law Jill.

Alf will be fondly remembered by his sister Marlene (Fred) Dukes, in-laws Fernanda Di Matteo, Gianna (Jacky) Fernandes and Gina (Alvarino) Fernandes, as well as many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and countless friends.

Alf was born in Johannesburg, South Africa on August 6, 1940. His childhood was marked by his love for his two older brothers and his younger sister, and a variety of athletic endeavours, including at Jeppe High School for Boys, of which he was a proud alumnus and supporter all his life.

Alf obtained his post-secondary education from the University of Natal, where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. He spoke fondly of his time at university, where he played on the rugby team and developed a passion for rowing.

Alf first emigrated to England before settling in Canada in 1967. He married Anna on April 8, 1978 and together they started a family, raising Alexander and Lyndsay in Oakville, Ontario. Anna and Alf created and maintained a loving partnership and had celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary earlier this year.

Alf was a skilled engineer and worked for Ontario Hydro all his professional life in Canada. He was very well-travelled, having traversed the world for his job and having taken many global vacations with Anna and family, but his favourite travel destination was South Africa. He always looked forward to his visits back home to spend time with his siblings, nephews and nieces. Alf was a lover of nature and was always keen for a game drive and the chance to snap a picture of the animal that was the object of his fascination at the time – elephants were always a favourite.

Alf also had a passion for car racing. He started racing a Lotus 7 in 1968, later moving into a Mallock in 1973. In 1983, Alf finished in 3rd at the SCCA National Championship “Runoffs” in an Argo C-Sports Racing car he developed himself. During his career behind the wheel he collected many wins, podiums and lap records. But it was his skill in applying his engineering passions to the building and developing of race cars that he was perhaps most well known for – and in which he found the greatest pleasure. He stopped racing in 1985 to focus on his family life, but passed his passion along to his son, Alexander. Over the past few years Alf took great pleasure in supporting Alexander at the track and in the shop. This also allowed him to re-connect with the racing community and old friends whom he loved so dearly.

Throughout Alf’s life, he remained devoted to his family and loved them all unconditionally. In recent years there were many days spent watching his grandchildren in their academic and athletic pursuits, assembling model cars with his grandchildren, or going for a swim and offering diving tips and advice. It is these moments that his family will miss most of all.

Visitation Monday, October, 26, 2026 from 11 am - 12 pm followed by Service of celebration of life at 12 pm at St. John's United Church, Oakville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Canadian Lung Health Foundation or the Canadian Wildlife Federation.