Helmut Pelzer
June 15, 1929 - June 18, 2015
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Helmut Pelzer in Nanaimo, BC. Helmut was born in Herne, West Germany on June 15, 1929. He worked as a coal miner until his marriage to his wife of 58 years, Ingrid.
In 1957 they immigrated to Canada. He worked as a maintenance man in the Army & Navy Store in Vancouver for eight years, then in a plywood plant in Vancouver before moving to Smithers in 1971.
They owned the Smithers Trailer Park and Helmut worked at the Northwood Mill in Houston. In 1972 he started to work for CNR as a carman, and together with Ingrid they owned and operated The Smithers Toy & Hobby Store until they retired in 1986.
Helmut & Ingrid moved to Parksville and enjoyed their retirement with travelling, playing music and working in his gardens. He made many friends over the years. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren. Helmut also loved to hunt and fish and spend time in the outdoors.
Helmut is survived by his wife Ingrid, sons Jack (Julie) and Dennis (Jody), grandchildren Anna (Ed), Derek, Erich (Emily), Kevin, Kimberly and great grandson Everett. He is predeased by parents, Erich and Adele, siblings Lucy, Waldemar and Erika.
Helmut loved his family and will be sadly missed. There will be no service by request.