In loving memory of Kurt Heilman, age 91, who passed away peacefully at the Dryden Regional Health Centre on Friday, May 27, 2011.
Kurt was born at home in Waldhof on November 1, 1919, the youngest child of Max and Louisa Heilman. He was the only child to be born in Canada after the family emigrated from Germany. Kurt grew up on the homestead where he began his life, and this is where his immense love and respect for all animals took shape and where his work ethic took root. As a child, Kurt picked blueberries and hauled them to the CPR station in Waldhof with his siblings to sell them in order to supplement the family income. When he graduated from Grade 8 Kurt started working in the bush cutting and hauling wood. It wasn’t long before he discovered he had a special talent – carpentry – and soon focussed solely on that trade. Kurt became well known in the area for his work and was accomplished in both fine cabinetry and general construction. This vocation kept him as busy as he wanted to be, working around the area as well as on major projects in the Province such as on the hydro dam at Ear Falls in the 1950’s and on the St. Lawrence Seaway. Numerous cabins, tourist camps and residences in the area have Kurt’s signature on them.
Kurt was pre-deceased by his parents, his sisters Liselott, Martha (Carl) Titze, Elsie (George) Titze, and his brother Karl. Kurt is survived and greatly missed by his nieces Anita (Lloyd) Chandler, Connie (Joe) Ruete, Margaret (Harvey) Taylor and his nephews Ron (Marilyn) Titze and Ralph (Clara) Titze and their families. Kurt also leaves to mourn his “second family” – John and Nola, and Tracy, Brent, Joy and Rick who were always there for him.
Kurt’s passing will affect many – he was a very generous man who always helped a friend in need. He was there to listen to your stories and to tell his own, to play cribbage with, to work crossword puzzles with or just to sit quietly with to enjoy the day. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish and knew the area lakes very well. In fact, a trophy Lake Trout he caught can still be seen at the Bayview Hotel mounted above “his chair”.
Kurt will be sorely missed by his family and friends. As he would say to you when you left his presence and we say to him now for being such a vital part of our lives: “Thanks for popping by”.
In accordance with Kurt’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family interment will follow at a later date. If friends desire donations may be made to Second Chance Pet Network through Stevens Funeral Homes P.O. Box 412, Dryden ON P8N 2Z1. Condolence may be emailed to sympathycard@shaw.ca subject: Heilman
