Clarence HELTEN

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HELTEN: Clarence John, "Cracker," passed away peacefully Thursday, February 5, 2009 with his loving family at his side. He will be deeply missed by his daughters, Nora Gompf (Garnet), Doreen Schmidt (Ken), Margaret Derkach (Len), his 8 grandchildren, Tim (Judy), Tammy (Darcy), Trevor (Jodie), Alison (Ross), Ryan (Gillian), Jay, Travis, and Mark (Lisa) and his 12 great grandchildren; Kylie, Cady Anne, Tyson, Dylan, Mellisa, Jordan, Laramie, Cassidy, Bailey, Denver, Otello and Kennedy. Clarence was predeceased by his wife, Mathilda (Til), his father, Mathew, his mother, Katherine, and his three brothers, Arthur, Gregory, and Richard. Clarence was born in Devil's Lake, North Dakota, USA on February 25,1919, the first of four boys to Mathew and Katherine Helten. His family moved to Canada and settled in the Gilbert Plains area of Manitoba. Later they moved to Pilger, Saskatchewan were he attended school and then set out to find employment. In 1942, he married the love of his life, Mathilda Bregenser (Til). Clarence was enlisted in the army and posted in Shilo, Manitoba. After the war, he found employment with a Massey Harris machinery dealership in Brandon. In 1948, he moved to Oak Lake where he managed the Massey Harris dealership for a number of years. In 1954, he and Til built a B.A. service station, restaurant and machinery dealership. Some years later they sold the business and Clarence started an auto body shop. He could often be found in his shop fixing things from vehicles to toasters to bikes for anyone. He also drove a school bus and really enjoyed interacting with the school kids and their families. Clarence loved to hunt, fish, curl, golf and to beat anyone he could in a game of crib. He loved to entertain and he and Til opened their home, their cabin and their camper to many friends and family over the years. You never left their home hungry. Clarence loved his community too, and took great pride in doing his part for the community. He was an active member of the Lions Club, the golf club, the volunteer ambulance department and a long standing member of the local legion and veterans organization. His pride and joy were his grandchildren and they affectionately called him "POP." He followed their accomplishments in the classroom, in sports, music and work related activities. He especially enjoyed his hunting and fishing trips with his grandchildren and cheering the kids on in a hockey game at the rink or at a rodeo. In retirement, Cracker and Til spent many winters in the southern states. Here he took up painting, and each of his family members have a picture that Pop painted for them. Clarence leaves us with many good memories. He was a man who embraced life and nothing was more special to him than his family. He never backed away from hard work, good fun, or a beer and a chance to visit with a friend or family member. His philosophy was such that to every challenge there was an answer, all you had to do was to find the answer! As we say goodbye to him we acknowledge his friendly nature, his generosity, his family pride and his determination to live life to the fullest at all times. We know we will miss him but will remember him dearly as a good neighbour, friend, father and our "POP!” The ceremony to celebrate Clarence's life was held on Monday, February 9, 2009 at 2.00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Virden, MB with Father Raju Madanu and Deacon Wilfred Barre officiating. Eulogy was read by son-in-law, Len Derkach. Special music was played by grandsons Jay Derkach and Ryan Schmidt. Active pallbearers were his grandchildren; Tim Gompf, Tammy Hollingsworth, Trevor Gompf, Alison St-Jean, Ryan Schmidt, Jay Derkach, Travis Derkach, and Mark Derkach. Interment followed at the Oak Lake Cemetery, Veterans' Section. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Oak Lake Handi-Van or to a charity of your choice. Special "Thank You," To Dr. Peter Van Rensburg and to the nursing staff on the 4th floor of the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Your care and concern for dad was very much appreciated by all the family. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com.

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 14, 2009