Hardy Helbig
Obituary
HELBIG, Hardy…
August 5, 1961 – January 14, 2024
Our dear, kind, funny and gentle Hardy passed away suddenly on Sunday, January 14, 2024 in Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care, London, after a brief battle with liver cancer. He will be tremendously missed by his siblings, Horst “Richard” and Susan; his brother-in-law, David; niece, Hali and her fiancé Taylor; as well as the many friends he met along his journey.
Hardy was born in Estevan, Saskatchewan to his proud parents Heinrich and Wilhelmine but lived most of his life in Kettleby and Aurora, Ontario and spent his later years in Toronto. He was delighted to live in an apartment in his niece Hali’s home during his last years.
Hardy loved his sports – his beloved teams included the Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Bills, Toronto Argonauts, Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Raptors. He greatly treasured his sports memorabilia, collecting the team’s caps and proudly displaying them at home. He was thrilled when his niece, Hali took him to his first and only Toronto Maple Leafs game in 2021. He turned out to be a good luck charm, as they won 3 – 0! Another of his favourite excursions included the Toronto Car Show, which his brother Richard took him to numerous times, where he enjoyed sitting in the driver’s seat of one or two exotic cars!
Even during some troubled times during Hardy’s life, he always bravely adapted to his circumstances and accepted change with grace. He handled his diabetes, kidney disease and cancer valiantly.
Hardy taught us to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life: getting excited for the next big game, guessing when the first snowfall would be, looking forward to a great meal.
He also took time to show his deep appreciation for all kindnesses given to him this during his life.
Hardy had numerous jobs over the years, including over 20 years working as a wood turner in Aurora. In his later years, he did volunteer work at furniture and food banks, something he kept up even when his health was waning.
In the last few months of his life, the staff at Toronto General Hospital and Mount Hope care facility in London were tremendously kind, understanding and supportive – our family would like to thank them from the bottom of our hearts.
Hardy will always be remembered as a special guy who could strike up a conversation with anyone and make them laugh. As so perfectly put by Hali’s fiancé, Taylor, Hardy was “a man who saw only the good in every situation and left a positive mark on every person he came into contact with (a minor celebrity on our street). He had much love to give and was greatly loved in return. May you finally rest comfortably, Hardy.”
Hardy will have a simple cremation and no service, but will be interred in the spring at beautiful Kettleby Cemetery beside his beloved mom.
We will miss him tremendously and remember him and his infectious smile forever. We love you Hardy!
Hardy was a former committed volunteer at the Oasis Dufferin Community Centre, and so enjoyed the community, kindness and the friendships he experienced there over the years. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to honour Hardy, a donation to Oasis Dufferin Community Centre, 1219 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON M6H 4C2 would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com
Hardy – “You were better than all of us.”
