Alf Blything was born in England and moved to Canada in 1963, first to Sault Ste. Marie and then to Cobourg in 1978. He worked in Employment and Immigration for the Canadian Government until his retirement. He was a true public servant because Alf was also involved in many community organizations, including the Cobourg Chamber of Commerce, Art Gallery of Northumberland, Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation, Cobourg Rotary Club, Cobourg Art Club, Colborne Society of Artists and Colborne Art Gallery. After his retirement Alf pursued his love of art with great enthusiasm and enjoyed much acclaim for his intricately detailed drawings and lively paintings.
At the time of this passing, Barbara Buntin, Chair of the Colborne Art Gallery, remembered Alf this way. “Alf could always be counted on for a hearty greeting, a warm handshake or hug and an enthusiastic response to whatever was going on at the gallery. No one could light up a room like Alf. Alf was an inspired and prolific artist, constantly amazing us with work and his wry sense of humour.”