Helmut Otto Klein Obituary

Helmut Otto Klein attended Sisler High School in Winnipeg, MB. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Helmut Otto Klein.

Graduation Year	Class of 1966
Date of Passing	Jul 07, 2008
About	HELMUT OTTO KLEIN July 3, 1947 July 7, 2008 Suddenly, tragically on July 7, 2008, Helmut died surrounded by his family, in Victoria, BC. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Linda (nee Curry); daughters Jill (Ryan Cramp), and Mandy (Corey La Berge); grandchildren Breck and Nina; mother Karoline; sisters Hildegard (Art), Traudy (Peter), Erika (Ranald), Monika (Dennis); brothers Hank (Marion), Eric (Susan), and Alfred (Brenda). Helmut was predeceased by his father Otto. He will also be remembered by his nieces and nephews and countless dear friends. Helmut was born in Welbsleben, Germany and came to Canada at the age of four. The family settled in Winnipeg, first on Gallagher Avenue, then later in the North End, on Inkster Boulevard. He attended Sisler High School where many friendships began which he treasured throughout his life. There, he also was able to embrace his love of sports, especially hockey and football. Helmut, as captain of the football team led the Spartans to win the city championships later in life, he had the knees to prove it. After graduating from the University of Winnipeg, a new job took Helmut to Ottawa where he met his love Linda. He convinced her to go to Winnipeg for their honeymoon, and about a year later, with a lot more convincing, he and Linda moved to Winnipeg for another work opportunity. There, they raised Jill and Mandy, and life was good. Niece Pam joined the family in 1995, and over the years, the friendships accumulated. Helmut spent his working life with the government, first the Federal Government and then later with the Province of Manitoba. He worked hard and did well, always advancing upward throughout his career. His last position was probably his favourite, where he worked in the area of providing services to people with intellectual disabilities and their families. His compassion was well-suited to the job. Upon retirement in 2002, Helmut and Linda moved to Duncan, BC where he enjoyed an idyllic life of golf and other good times. The island introduced yet more treasured friends into his life. They were pulled back to Winnipeg however from 2006 to 2007 to spend a year with his beloved Nina when Mandy returned to work. Helmut was absolutely the greatest Opa, and spent hours playing with Nina, as he had with Jill and Mandy when they were little. It is quite fair to say that there was not a single person who disliked Helmut. He was so vibrant and always positive. His personality was magnetic and it made you feel good to be in his company. He was incredibly social and loved to have a good time. His friends who were so dear to him became an extension of his family. We are all shocked and so terribly sad. We wish it were possible for more time, or in the very least, one more hug from him. Yet, while we grieve, we can embrace and celebrate the life that he led. His warmth, his kindness, his love of a good laugh. He was the best husband, father, Opa, sibling and friend. He was truly a kind person. Not only was he loved, but he loved and touched so many others. We can all look at his life with so much admiration and respect. We will gather to honour and celebrate Helmut's life on Saturday, July 12 at 2:00 p.m., at Providence Farm, 1843 Tzouhalem Road, in Duncan, BC. Casual attire is appropriate. A ceremony will also take place in Winnipeg at a later date. Arrangements will be made in the future. If desired, donations can be made to Providence Farm, A Therapeutic Community at: 1843 Tzouhalem Road, Duncan, BC, V9L 5L6, or at http://www.providence.bc.ca/contribute.html Helmut was involved with, and strongly supported this organization which works to restore the spirit and skills of those with mental, physical and emotional challenges. As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 10, 2008