It is with ineffable sadness we announce the passing of Gerald "Jake" Lyle Helsdon, on January 30th, 2016 at the age of 59 years, after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis.
Jake was born on March 28th, 1956 in Brantford, Ontario to Lyle and Rosie Helsdon. At the age of one, Jake moved with his parents and siblings from Ontario to B.C. Once there, they lived in Camp A and later at Woss Lake, logging camps on Vancouver Island, where he spent most of his childhood and adolescence.
At the age of 19, Jake travelled to Prince George, BC where he met Merle Collier. After a short tenure back in Ontario, he returned to Prince George and reconnected with Merle, they were married on May 26th, 1977. They had two children: Tyler in 1978 and Dylan in 1981.
They lived for many years in Topley, where the boys were raised.
Jake worked at Decker Lake Forest Products, Bell Pole and Houston Forest Products. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his best friend Gordie Smith.
Jake later moved on to Sechelt, Cherryville, Surrey, Kitimat, Medeira Park, Lumby and Vernon.
Shortly after his diagnosis with MS, he met his second wife, Mary Ellen "Sue" Hareuther, and they settled down in Lumby, BC.
Inevitably, his fight became overwhelming and he was moved to assisted living, first at Heritage Square and finally at Heron Grove, both in Vernon, BC where he lost his battle with Multiple Sclerosis.
Jake is survived by his loving mother Rosie Stolk. Children: Tyler (Marci) and Dylan, their mother Merle Dyck, Siblings: Bonnie (Gary) Zylstra, Howard "Butch" Helsdon, Cindy (Erwin) Evans and Charlie "Chuck" (Candy) Helsdon. His girlfriend Dayna Lynn Holland. Grandchildren: Julian Helsdon, Damien Helsdon, Lexi Deschutter, and Anayah Helsdon. Nephews: Brandon (Sandra) Smythe, Jordan (Crystal) Smythe, Brent Helsdon, Lyle (Kelly) Helsdon. Nieces: Kayla (Brian) Soles, Kristi (Mark) Weibe, and Carli Evans. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, great nieces, great nephews and cousins who loved him dearly.
Jake was predeceased by his father Lyle, his second wife Sue and his nephew Christopher.
A service will be held at a later date in Ontario.
"The ties of blood that bond us form an unconditional love. One of which cannot be corrupted through actions, nor can it be severed through time, distance or death."