John Willard Helm

We are sad to announce the death of our brother, John Helm, who passed away at Elmwood Lodge on February 16, 2023. John was everyone's forever child, someone who carried and inspired a lot of love. He lived with an enthusiasm and default expectation of joy that was a beacon for all of us.

John is survived by his sister Susan McKeown and husband Rob, sister Sandra and her daughter Rachel (Britt), brother Richard and wife Glenna and their sons Nathan (Allison) and David (Delaney) and brother Michael and partner Alexandra. And not least by his grand-nephew Theo. John was predeceased by his father, Willard (Flick) Helm in 1992 and his mother Elizabeth (Lib) Helm in 1998.

John was born in Eston, Saskatchewan on May 22, 1952, and was the second oldest of five siblings. He left home at about the age of 8 to attend the recently opened John Dolan School in Saskatoon, boarding with foster families and coming home during the holidays. When he finished school he moved into the newly opened Elmwood Lodge and got a job at Cosmopolitan Industries. He was one of the original 37 participants and recently celebrated his 50th year there. His family is grateful that his work and activities at Cosmo brought him such purpose and a delightful sense of accomplishment.

John enjoyed dances and summer camps, including Camp Thunderbird, going out to hockey games, movies, church and concerts, as well as the odd road trip with Elmwood staff and residents to catch the Blue Jays in Toronto or the Oilers in Edmonton.

John was devoted to his bling and to Batman, he loved animals, especially dogs, and enjoyed surprises, and he appreciated a good Big Mac.

He had two families and one of them was at Elmwood, where John formed many deep and lasting friendships with residents and staff. His siblings are forever thankful that when families needed such a caring place and had to make such a heart-wrenching decision on behalf of one of their own, their trust was not misplaced in choosing Elmwood.

John was always willing to help with anything and he loved a good practical joke. He was stubborn and fearless and he couldn't keep a secret no matter how hard he tried. He visited his siblings and their families in Edmonton every summer and at Christmas, where he somehow kept the childlike wonder of that holiday alive for all of us every single year.

Deaths of loved ones reconstellate our worlds, but we thank our lucky stars that we got to live for so long with such a light.

John's family will hold an informal memorial at a later date when his remains will be laid to rest alongside those of his parents.

Please consider a donation to Elmwood Residences Inc. or your favourite animal charity in John's memory if you so wish.

Arrangements entrusted to Travis Minor