Helmut Horst Bittner

Helmut Horst Bittner was born in Graetz Germany, to Emil and Nadine Bittner on June 27, 1942. He was the youngest of 3 siblings. He is predeceased by his parents, his brother Alex Bittner, sister Helen Gautschi and his first wife Lorna and the late Ekatharina Bittner.

At the age of nine, he immigrated to Canada with his parents. They crossed the Atlantic Ocean and landed in Halifax, then travelled across Canada by rail. They settled in Prince George and remained in there for 10 years where he went to school and worked at a saw mill.

At age 16 Helmut was saved and baptized.

Helmut enjoyed his cars and motorcycle!

He moved to the Lower Mainland and worked in the masonry industry.

In October 1969 Helmut married Lorna Mae Barber. They had three children: Steven, Darcy and Andrew. They resided in Airdrie Alberta and then moved to Chilliwack.

His marriage was officially dissolved in October 1991 and Helmut married

Ekatharina Gronau December 14, 1991. Helmut was welcomed into his second family which included Tina’s son Henry and his wife Rugia. Their children Corina and Christoph knew him as Opa Helmut.

Helmut continued to do masonry work for the majority of his working years. He was also a delivery driver. He retired in 2007. Helmut and Tina changed church homes and became members of the Clearbrook Church on Peardonville Road where Siegbert Zukowski was pastor, and who was also Helmut’s former youth pastor. Helmut became actively involved by assisting with the sound system and ushering on Sunday mornings.

Tina and Helmut enjoyed a couple of cruises, visiting various hot springs, as well as trips to visit family in Europe and British Columbia.

Tina struggled with many health issues in her later years and housework became difficult. The decision was made to move to Wedgewood Condominiums where they made new friends and enjoyed a more relaxed lifestyle. Soon after their move, they became members of the Clearbrook MB Church which was right in their backyard. Physical and mental issues continued to rear their ugly heads for Tina and she underwent hip replacement and leg surgery due to falls. She then experienced a major seizure from which she never fully recovered. After her hospital stays it was decided to transition her to Menno Home where full care and support could be provided. Helmut also moved into the independent living apartments to be near his wife. He continued to visit her daily until her passing. They were married for almost 30 years.

Helmut continued to live independently, meeting his “coffee buddies” for bible study and Henry’s family for suppers and special visits. During this time, Helmut also experienced a decline in health due to a number of minor strokes and major intestinal surgery. He was able to bounce back and be his own self. His passing on September 6th, was unexpected and a shock to all.

Helmut will be remembered as a loving husband, a father, grandfather and a friend. He is now home with his heavenly Father and we rejoice in that. Psalm 73: 23-26

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Helmut's memory may be made to MCC, https://donation.mcccanada.ca/.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfh-abbotsford.com for the Bittner family.