Helen’s most vivid childhood memory was of her brother Johnny teaching her to drive tractor: as she struggled to reach the brake, she inadvertently turned the wheel, mowing down a fence, a wheelbarrow, and 2 acres of grape cuttings. Helen accepted Jesus as Saviour at 9. She met Victor at Bible School, where they challenged each other in Bible memory competitions. They dated while she was working at a Vancouver bakery. After marriage, Helen worked at Valley Maid Bakery, Abbotsford, B.C. The family began ranching. Victor pastored South Otter Church. Helen loved being a mother. While Victor pursued pastoral studies, they lived in Fresno and Big Creek, Cal. Helen embraced life as pastor’s wife, finding fulfillment in singing, teaching, practising hospitality, planning events, and counselling. She was a constant source of encouragement for Victor. After returning to B.C., Helen continued investing in people everywhere they ministered: Mission, Chilliwack, Castlegar, and Miocene, B.C.; Hays, Alta.; and Forest Grove, Saskatoon. A lifelong learner, Helen took art and college courses, became an EAL instructor, and read avidly on childrearing, theology, psychology, health, and history. She was fond of sewing, knitting, painting, decorating, and gardening. She read to her grandchildren and made them costumes. Despite frail health, she made an effort to do as much as she could, such as going on mission trips and hosting gatherings at Rose Lake. Helen and Victor ministered to Cambodian refugees in Long Beach, Cal., with YWAM and taught English in Russia. Gentle, organized, and flexible, with a good sense of humour, Helen valued people and lived her faith.
