LESLIE ( LES) HELMAN

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LESLIE ( LES) HELMAN March 26, 1938 - May 14, 2008 It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our husband, father and papa at the age of 70 after a two year battle with cancer. Les was predeceased by his mother (1992), father (1997), sister Doreen (1981), brother Alan killed in Korea (1953) and his in-laws Elsie (1983), Alex (1904), sister-in-law Barbara (1993). Les will be truly missed by Joan, his wife of 48 years, daughter Jill (George), Holly and grandson Cody who was the light of his life. They were very close. Les spent his early years growing up in St. Boniface. He joined the army cadets. He wanted to learn to drive the trucks and that he did. When he was 18, he joined the navy and spending five years stationed in Halifax, as the saying goes, seeing the world and that he did. When he was home on leave in 1957, he met Joan, thus a courtship via the mail and phone calls. When letters arrived from around the world the postman would call out Fleets In . Les and Joan were married in 1959. Les joined the St. Vital Fire Department in 1964 and it was there he found his calling. He loved every minute of his 30 years there and most of all his brother fire fighters. He retired in 1994 with the rank of Captain and very proud of his bugles. Les and Joan spent more than 25 years travelling to Hawaii. His favourite place was in Kaulia, Kona where he had spent many happy times with family and friends. In retirement he enjoyed his cabin on Kendall Island in Lake of the Woods spending time fishing and boating with Cody. In 2000 we changed destinations settling in Palm Springs, CA, developing many friendships there and continuing today. Les was a very caring man, love of his family was foremost. He will be remembered by his very good friend Gus (a true friend) and he thought the world of you. Also by his lunch partners and other friends from the Department with their many phone calls they always made him feel better. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. in Thomson Funeral Home, 669 Broadway with Chaplain Mark Young officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Fire Fighters Burn Fund, 303-83 Garry or CancerCare Manitoba, 193 Sherbrook, Winnipeg, Manitoba in memory of Les. THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 669 Broadway - 783-7211 www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 17, 2008