A Daughter’s Tribute

With both sadness and gratitude, I share that my Dad, Elmer Helm passed away peacefully on June 29th after a remarkable 100-year journey. For 100 years, he lived a life filled with love, adventure, family, friendships, and a commitment to making the world around him a better place. He was a remarkable man who touched countless lives. To me, he was first of all my Dad, then my first mentor, my biggest supporter, and one of the greatest gifts of my life. I will miss his stories, his wisdom, of course his laugh, and the comfort of knowing he was always there. A life truly well lived and to the fullest. While this is a sad time, it has also left me feeling incredibly grateful. My Dad often would say to me, "Janet there is always something to be grateful for." I am so grateful that my children and husband got to know him. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had my Dad in my life for as long as I did. This time has deepened my appreciation for family, friendships, for gratitude, and for the true meaning of home, not just as a place we live, but as the place where memories are made, milestones are celebrated, and love and legacies are carried forward. Thank you for a lifetime of love Dad.

The photo was taken in my parents' front yard, where my dad continued to live happily, enjoying the home that meant so much to him.

If you'd like to learn a little more about my Dad, I've included a few links and photos below. They include his obituary, a glimpse into his life's work, as lovingly recognized by the Association of Neighbourhood Houses of BC (ANHBC) and an article from one of his 100th birthday celebrations at Delbrook Recreation Centre in North Vancouver. It highlights his lifelong commitment to community service and the impact he had on so many lives. Delbrook was an especially fitting place to celebrate him, as he continued to work out in the gym there most days, even at 100 years old.

I’ve included a few more photos that capture the many chapters of his life, from his UBC days and fishing adventures to his love of tennis with my mom. One especially meaningful moment was returning the paddle to Sasamat Outdoor Centre, the paddle he was presented with when the Lodge was named in his honour upon his retirement from Association of Neighbourhood Houses of BC. Another photo was taken at one of his 100th birthday celebrations surrounded by the family including his six children, 12 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.