Helmut Karpinsky

Helmut Karpinsky was born March 23, 1942 in Putlow Romania to parents, Johann and Emma Karpinsky.

In 1945 during World War II, the family fled to Poland, and eventually settled in Gifhorn Germany.

In May 1952 the family, except for daughter Anna, immigrated to Canada and settled on a farm in Raymond Alberta, where they worked in the sugar beets.

At the young age of seventeen Helmut met Linda in Sylvan Lake, while at a church youth group playing volleyball. To get her attention, he stepped on her feet while she tried to spike a ball and the rest was history.

On June 15th, 1963 Helmut and Linda were married in Edmonton, Alberta.

Helmut and Linda welcomed their first child Ronald in 1964 in Edmonton and 2 years later in 1966 Gordon was born in Kelowna. At that time, the family was complete, or so they thought. In the spring of 1980, a mere 14 years later, to everyone’s surprise and delight Christine was born in Edmonton.

Helmut was a dreamer and a doer. He pursued many passions from racing and rebuilding cars, renovating and building homes to cooking.

Second only to his love of family was his love for the Oilers. This is a passion he passed down to his children which remains today. Helmut invested in building memories by going to games with family and making sure he had the Centre Ice package to never miss a game. After every game he always chatted with brother-in-law, Art and they would discuss how the game and season were going.

Helmut was a carpenter by trade and created his own company building houses. He also owned a business supplying building plans and farm equipment to local Hutterite colonies.

Helmut always knew he wanted to retire back in Kelowna and the time had come in July 1993. After building his dream house on Toovey, Helmut decided retirement was not for him and decided maybe he should change his retirement status to semi-retired. After several years and another move within Kelowna, he finally officially retired.

One of the highlights while in construction, was building Zion Baptist Community Church in Edmonton, with is brothers, Ernst and Fritz.

Helmut was a strong believer in Christ and his faith never waivered. Church was an important fixture in his life and no matter where the family lived he always made sure they had a church family to belong with.

Through the most difficult times in life, Helmut always said “God is Good and I know where I am going”

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.