Helmut Mueller

Helmut Hans Mueller

February 2, 1940-February 22, 2018

It is with great sadness we announce Helmut's passing in his sleep, without pain or fear on Thursday February 22nd. Helmut is pre-deceased by his parents (Anton and Martha), and his brother and sister-in-law (Karl and Inge). In Ottawa, he is survived by his wife, Myra McKeen and the Millar family, including Myra's brothers John (Marlene), Jim, Randy and Bradley. In Germany, he is survived by his nephew, Frank (Petra), their children (Lisa Marie and Maximillian), Petra's parents, Christl and Theo, and his favourite cousin, Marga Werner (along with her family). He leaves behind many close friends in Germany, notably Christian and Inge Otto-Wolf, in the US, notably Paul and Judy Freys, and others in many parts of Canada.

Helmut worked his way up through the construction industry after arriving in Canada in 1959, and enjoyed much success in his most recent venture (Mueller-Hein Construction) with his partner Roly Hein, until his retirement in 2000. He was awarded the Ethics and Integrity Award from the Ottawa Construction Association, worked tirelessly for causes such as the Nortel Bicycle Tour for CHEO and after many years of participation, achieved the highest amount raised for CHEO in 1999. He was an avid animal lover, rarely ever without at least a dog and a cat in his life. He loved Formula I racing, and often videotaped them to watch over and over; this passion took him to Monaco more than once. His employees and associates at Mueller-Hein became his extended family.

There is no finer man than Helmut … he was caring, kind and a 'real gentleman' who wouldn't harm an ant, or even swat a mosquito. He loved the simple things and didn't need any trappings; his favourite place in the world was the cottage he built on Big Rideau Lake. Some of his best memories were sailing his Tornado at breakneck speeds and picnics with family and friends on the patio.

After his diagnosis with Parkinson's Disease in 2014, he became involved with shadow boxing, first in Florida when wintering there, and then in Ottawa over the past year at boxing4health.com. There is no doubt that this activity extended his mobility, and at the same time, found him more friends … both the instructors and the other classmates. We thank them so very much for their friendship and the help they gave him.

Helmut was not in any pain while his health deteriorated, and he remained in good spirits until he was taken from us. He was loved dearly and will always be remembered.

We wish to thank Dr. Colins Vasquez for his gentle and kind care during Helmut's last weeks, and a special thank you goes out to Valerie from the Activities department for sitting with him and being at his side when he passed away. We also wish to thank the energetic and talented Mary Ellen who entertained us with her large repertoire of songs on many occasions, and also Teresa for organizing goodies and cakes for Happy Hour. Sincere thanks to all of the RN's, PSW's and Physiotherapy staff at Extendicare Medex, as well as the other residents who befriended him over the past many months.

Visitation will be held at Tubman Funeral Homes Westboro Chapel, 403 Richmond Road, Ottawa (at Churchill) on Tuesday, February 27 from 6-8 p.m. and on Wednesday, February 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A ‘Celebration of his Life' will follow in the Chapel at Tubman Funeral Home at 11:30 a.m. All are invited to join us for lunch following the service. Donations in lieu of flowers would be appreciated to your choice of: Canadian Cancer Society, Ottawa Humane Society, Dementia Society and/or Parkinson's Society. Condolences, tributes and donations may be made at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com