Surrounded by the love of his family in a place of compassion Barry Roland Helmer, 67 years passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at the Maison McCulloch Hospice. Beloved husband of 42 years to Paula (Wahamaa) Helmer. Loving father of Derek (Angela) and Ashley Helmer (Craig Bittle). Born in Whitney, ON he was the son of the late Roland and Bernice Helmer. Dear brother of Joan Armstrong (William) and brother-in-law of Leanna Malenfant (Al) both predeceased, Susan Kivioja (Al), Kathryn Wahamaa (Tony Rees) and Warren Wahamaa. Special uncle of Krista (predeceased), Kristopher, Kara, Kelly (Rob), Leo (Yuko), Jesse (Harumi) and Joey (predeceased). Barry was a very well known and respected travelling account manager throughout the Northern Ontario region for nearly 40 years and a long-time member of the UTC. He loved to travel and enjoyed new food and dining experiences. Barry leaves a rich legacy of a loving husband, father and family man who enjoyed spending his time outdoors. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him. In keeping with his wishes there will be no visitation, a Celebration of Barry’s life will take place in the Spring. Donations to the Maison McCulloch Hospice would be greatly appreciated.
We are very sad to say goodbye to our loving and fun Uncle Barry. He will be greatly missed by our family. Our thoughts and best wishes are with Aunt Paula and our cousins.
January 18, 2017
We were very saddened to hear that Barry passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Paula.
January 17, 2017
Barry fought his illness bravely and with dignity. Sheltering Paula and their children when he could.
Loving thoughts,
Susan and Al
January 17, 2017
So sorry for your loss Paula. I lost my Dennis in July of last year so I know a bit about what you are going through. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours.
January 16, 2017
Paula, Derek, Ashley, Angela and Craig,……sending our love and thoughts to you all….
Barry was a special person and will be very missed.
My Mum, his Aunt Fern at 91 is the last living sibling of his dad Roland, she is now seeing the children she helped bring up passing, this is especially hard as she spent so much time with Barry and Joan as children that she feels they are her kids too.
Barry lived with us in Toronto for a time,his wild trip to Engalnd brought home purple velvet bell bottoms and much more …lookin back it was just too funny……
When he brought Paula home, Mum told him in no uncertain words to marry her…he did…
The rest is their history…
We all have our own memories of our Barry….
And we will miss him very much.
XO, Willow.
January 16, 2017
You and your family are in our hearts and minds. Our deepest condolences on the passing of Barry.
January 16, 2017