In Loving Memory of
Allan “Al” John Helsten
1941 - 2023
Obituary of Allan “Al” John Helsten
Age 82, of Niagara Falls, Ontario, was born on May 29th, 1941, in South Porcupine Ontario to Finnish parents Walter and Sylvia Helsten, passed away November 3, 2023, peacefully, with family by his side.After a youth spent in Northern Ontario as a rink rat, an air cadet and working for the CNR. Al headed south to study electrical engineering at Ryerson Polytechnical in Toronto, becoming a licensed professional engineer in the Province of Ontario in 1972.
While working at General Motors in St. Catharines Ontario he met Maureen Duffin in 1965. The two married on May 21, 1966 and went on to raise four children.
Working as an electrical engineer Al spent the majority of his career at Acres Engineering Niagara Falls and retired with Hatch Consulting in 2012. Al was highly respected in his field and was fortunate to have worked on several international projects allowing him to see different parts of the world.
Al was an avid sports fan who followed baseball and hockey closely his entire life on radio and TV proudly supporting the Maple Leafs and Blue Jays through thick and thin. He encouraged his children to play sports and made sure they got to practices, games, and tournaments, no matter the time or location.
Allan will be forever missed and loved by family and friends. He is survived by his wife Maureen, their sons Mark (Ashley), Glenn, Chris (Kelly) Rob (Lisanne), granddaughter Alexandra, sister Laura, and brother John “Oliver”.
According to Al’s wishes cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will take place at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Essentials Cremation and Burial Services. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.
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Chris, Kelly and Alexandra
Thinking of you all at this time. Sending love and prayers. May you remember your Dad with smiles and laughter.
Gail , Brian and family
Sorry for loss Mark. Uncle Al will greatly missed. He is undoubtedly sharing laughs with our grandmother and your aunt Janet. We enjoyed wonderful Christmases and buckets of tears from laughter.
Sorry to hear about your dad, Mark…he sounds like a wonderful man.
On behalf of the Acres/Hatch Alumni I send our heartfelt condolences to Al’s family. Al was a respected engineer among his piers. Al joined into retirees lunches up to earlier this year where he shared work experiences and family updates. We will miss him. May God’s peace comfort all that are grieving.
We were extremely saddened and shocked to read this Saturday of Al’s recent passing. We left the neighbourhood last year, but having been kiddy-corner back yard neighbours for over fourty plus years, we remember hearing some of those Blue Jay’s games in the back yard, as well as many family pool parties. Good Memories. Also in retirement, meeting Al on his keeping fit walks around the neighbourhood.
To you Maureen, and all your boys and their families, our sincerest condolences on your loss of a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.
The Coles, Dave & Sharon, Jason (Sara) & family, Deanna (Randy) & family, Tamara (Rob) & family.
I’m very sorry for your loss. Xoxo big hugs man