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Helmes, Anton (Tony)

March 16th, 1927 – January 28th, 2016

It is with great sadness that we announce Tony’s passing on January 28th, 2016, six weeks before his 89th Birthday. Tony was born in Tegelen, Netherlands on March 16th, 1927. He was the seventh born of 11 children.

Tony immigrated to Canada in 1958 with his future wife Jacqueline Meulen. They landed in Edmonton, Alberta and were married in August of 1959. Looking forward to the future and becoming Canadian citizens in 1965 in a growing Canada welcomed a son, Frans and a daughter Marina.

A job transfer brought the family to Calgary, Alberta which most years were spent until retirement working in the exploration of oil.

Retirement brought them to Crawford Bay in the Kootenays, B.C., and eventually to Nanaimo, B.C. on Vancouver Island to be closer to their son Frans, his wife Jo-Ann (Bligh/Helmes) and their three children, Hannah, and identical twin boys, Justin and Evan.

Tony was a hard-working, gentle, and patient man who loved working with his strong hands.

He managed to build two family homes a recreational cottage in between his busy work schedule through the years.

Opa will be forever missed…….

Flowers gratefully declined. For those so desiring, donation may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society in memory of Anton (Tony) Helmes.



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