1925 – William Hellman – 2022

William “Bill” Hellman of Medicine Hat (formerly of Richmound, Saskatchewan) passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family in the early morning hours of Remembrance Day, November 11, 2022 at the age of 97 years. He leaves to cherish his memory nine children, Kathy Carter, Nancy (Bob) Steinkey, Mike (Charmaine) Hellman, Jeanette (Allan) Kuntz, Steve (Colleen) Hellman, Joanne (Wayne) Bachmier, Ruth (Wayne) Lerner, Anita (Rod) Lepla and Linda (Shawn) Stadnyk and their mother Julia Hellman; twenty-one grandchildren, Jocelyn Carter, Julie (Dave) Munroe, Janine (Chris) Legare, Shivonne (Derek) Berger, Sara Kuntz (Taylor Dutton), Dylan Kuntz (Caitlin Kane), Olivia Hellman, Johnathan Hellman (Justine Wilton), Stephanie (Sean) MacPhail, Cassandra (Kolton) Obritsch, Kimberly Bachmier, Everette Lerner (Chanel Flesher), Drew Lerner, Alyssa Lerner, Ian Lacher (Gina Levasseur), Dianne Lepla (John Arndt), Jessica (Raed) Abu Hashish, Colleen (Ryan) West, Erin Stadnyk, Maddie Ferran (Will Maccarahan), and Jordyn Stadnyk (Tyler Penner); twenty-five great grandchildren, Elliott, Emerson, William, Andrew, Mitchell, Thomas, Oliver, Henley, Liam, Jack, Lucas, Ashton, Kaelor, Jax, Emery, Nova, Tharyn, Korbin, Kaine, Essa, Zachariya, Riziq, Bradley, Lennox and Ainsley; sister-in-law Sylvia Hellman as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Matthias and Barbara Hellman; two daughters in infancy; his great-grandson, Kasen Obritsch; his brothers and sisters: Cecilia (Emanuel) Loran, Nick (Theresa) Hellman, Matt (Selma) Hellman, Betty (Pat) Mooney, Clare (Joe) Redmond, Barbara (George) Peters, Anna Hellman, Jack (Lillian) (Rachel) Hellman, Josephine (George) Klein, Fr. Jerome “Harry” Hellman, Vanny Hellman and other family members and relatives on the Folk side.

Dad was born on November 9, 1925, on the Hellman family homestead north of Richmound. He grew up there, the third youngest of 12 children. In 1952 he married Julia Folk. Except for a short period of time working at a greenhouse and Dominion Glass in Redcliff, farming was his life until his retirement in 2004. In 1984, when Steve took over the farm, Dad moved into Richmound but continued to be involved in the farming operations. Even after his retirement, that love of farming was still in his blood, and he made regular trips out to see how the crops were doing.

Faith, Family, Farming, Flowers, Fishing, Friends, curling, and birds, (including the Toronto Blue Jays), were important to Dad. He was a devout member of St. Mary’s Church. In addition to being a member of the congregation all his life, he was also a sacristan, and for many years he would walk, and in later years drive, to the church to ring the bell before Sunday mass. Except for this past summer, Dad was always an enthusiastic participant in our Hellman Family Camping weekend and any special event celebrations. He enjoyed attending the birthdays, First Communions, and Graduations, of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Anyone who has been to Dad’s house in the summer will have seen his love of flowers in his lush flowerbeds, and of course, the marigolds he planted every year in his garden. Dad was an avid fisherman for years and spent many happy hours with a fishing rod in his hands and the sun shining down on him. His crowning achievement was landing The Big One: a 15.5-pound walleye, measuring around 34 inches long. This was mounted and proudly displayed in his house in Richmound and later in his suite in Medicine Hat. I guess that was Dad’s proof that this wasn’t just a fish story. When it became difficult for Dad to go fishing on his own, you could often find him relaxing in the beauty and peacefulness of his backyard. He liked to say he was soaking the sun into his bones to help him make it through the winter. Part of his pleasure in the backyard came from observing the many birds that visited, knowing there would always be food for them in the feeders. Any time we wanted to know what kind of bird we were seeing or hearing, we had to just ask Dad. Of course, he was also pretty fond of another type of bird–his Toronto Blue Jays. If there was a game on, Dad was watching! For many years, Dad was the caretaker at the curling rink, making daily treks during curling season to check that the compressor was running and the ice temperature perfect. His neighbours and friends were so kind and helpful to him especially in later years. From raking his leaves, to cutting his grass, shoveling his sidewalks, picking up groceries, and doing wellness checks, they looked out for him like he was family. There were regulars who dropped in for visits, or to watch the Blue Jays or curling. They all meant the world to Dad and were so appreciated by him and by all of us.

Those who wish to pay their respects may do so at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Richmound, Saskatchewan on Wednesday evening November 30, 2022 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. (CST). Family and friends will then gather for prayers at 7:00 p.m (CST). The funeral mass will be celebrated in Richmound at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. (CST) with Fr. Francis Appiah-Kubi celebrant. A private family interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Richmound, Saskatchewan, or to the Richmound Lions Club. The family has requested that attendees wear masks to protect our immuno-compromised and vulnerable family members who will be in attendance. A video of the Funeral Mass will be available online in the coming days following the funeral. Please visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com/obituary/William-Hellman to view the video or leave a message of condolence.

• Date : 2022-11-11
• Location : Medicine Hat

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