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A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
HELFRICH, Anthony - It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our dad, grandpa, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, friend and loving husband, Tony Helfrich. Born in Scotland in 1945, Tony came to Canada at the age of 1 with his mother Helen to start their new life in Canada with Peter Helfrich, Tony's father. They lived in Bluesky, AB until Tony was 7. After Peter died in 1953 in a job related accident the family settled in Cochrane. In 1966 Tony and Linda found each other in Cochrane while Linda was over visiting Tony's sister. They had a long distance relationship while Tony was in the Navy. They married in August of 1969 and moved to Bragg Creek, AB where they lived for 40 years raising their three children Peter, Cora Lea, and Jason. After serving 3 years in the Canadian Navy, Tony settled on becoming a Sheet Metal tradesman. He received his Journeyman certificate in 1971 from SAIT, working for a few different companies before realizing that he desired to start his own company. In 1984 Tony started a small company Royal Mechanical Services which was handed down in 2007 to one of his sons. In a show of spirit, character, and against many odds, Tony fought back from a debilitating stroke in January 2014, to lead an amazing and fulfilling life. Tony loved reading and researching all sorts of topics and discussions. There was no topic "out of bounds" or unrealistic, he would discuss anything and everything to anyone. Tony's constant laughter and smile could change a mood in a room and will be truly missed. Besides his loving wife Linda, Tony is survived by his children, Peter, Cora Lea, and Jason. Nothing was more special to him than his 6 grandchildren, Kaeden, Jaia, Maitlin, Kye, Malia and Ellie. He is also survived by his sister Linda and his brother Ray. Tony was predeceased by his father Peter, his mother Helen and his brother Ralph. You are now free. A celebration of Tony's life will be held at the Bragg Creek Community Hall (23 White Avenue, Bragg Creek, AB) on Sunday August 16th at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Stroke Recovery Association of Calgary or to the Canadian Hemochromatosis Society. In living memory of Tony Helfrich, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.
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For Posterity's Sake 
