Obituary of Helmut Rudolf Hardt P.Eng

November 22, 1937- August 3, 2023

Surrounded with the love of his family, Helmut passed away peacefully on August 3, 2023. Always remembered by his loving wife Shirley (Erhardt), his only son David (Tamara), grandchildren Justin and Brittany, great grandchildren Alex, Owen, Carter, Christopher, and Gene. Helmut will be truly missed by his loving sister Gisele (Jack) and his dear friends Dong Zhang, his wife Xueping Xia, their daughter Stephanie (Alex), who is a much-loved bonus granddaughter to Helmut and Shirley, and dear friends and neighbours William, Rebecca, and their son Rowan.

Helmut was born in Rostock, Germany to Frederick and Iri and as a younger brother to Gisele. WW II began in 1939 and Helmut’s father was serving in the army. During this time Helmut and his family moved to Heide, Germany to live with his grandmother Kathè, his aunt (also Kathè) and Uncle Werner. The family later moved to Frankfurt where his mother worked for the British Occupation. When Helmut was 13, he, his mother and sister boarded a ship destined for Canada. After landing in Halifax, they took the train to Kitchener where they met the Hamilton’s who were instrumental in helping Helmut’s family settle in Canada.

In 1952 Helmut moved to Niagara Falls where he attended and graduated from Stamford Collegiate Secondary School. As a young man he would join his friends in going to the German Village for dances and social gatherings. It was there in 1956 he met his soulmate Shirley Erhardt when they were both just 19. They went on to date for four wonderful years and then married in 1960. In 1961 they welcomed their only child David.

Helmut went on to graduate from the University of Buffalo with a degree in Industrial Engineering which led him through a very rewarding and prosperous career. He retired from the Ministry of the Environment in 2002 and spent his retirement years making wonderful memories with the love of his life, Shirley.

Arrangements entrusted to Essentials Cremation and Burial Services. A memorial service will be held at Lundy’s Lane Cemetery, 7489 Lundy's Lane, Niagara Falls, on Wednesday, August 16 at 12 p.m. The family requests that guests refrain from wearing any fragrance due to a family member’s sensitivity. Donations in Helmut’s honour may be made to the Princess Margaret Hospital Prostate Cancer Research Fund.