Lorne Helmig Family

In 1930, Lorne’s father, William Joseph Helmig married Ethel McCreary in Lloydminster, Alberta. Lorne Otto Helmig was born August 4, 1930 in Lloydminster.

Between 1931 and 1936, Lorne’s brother Glen and sisters, Hazel and Fern, were born. During these years the family experienced some bad luck as they lost their home and all their belongings in a fire.

A granary was pulled up for them ot live in, but with winter coming, they had to find a house, so they moved across the river to the Spruce Coulee area. In early spring of 1938, Lorne’s Dad moved his family ot the old Helmig homestead in the Spring Lake area, approximately seven miles from the town of Daysland, Alberta.

After Robert Webb left his childhood farm, he went into the trucking business for a number of years. He then formed a partnership with John Milligan operating the Webb and Milligan Garage (Esso Service Station) in Cochrane. Barbara divided her time between her home and working at the garage.

Their daughter, Patricia Shirley Webb, was born February 12, 1933 at the General Hospital ni Calgary. After attending High School in Cochrane, Shirley took a one year course at Henderson’s Business School College in 1951. She then worked for her father as the bookkeep- er of the Webb and Milligan Garage.

During their “courting years” Lorne and Shirley were always on the go. They attended al the local dances along with their many friends and also enjoyed going ot “the movies” in the city. They loved to go to the wrestling matches ni Calgary and then to Chinatown for dinner. In the winter they spent a lot of time skating at hte old outdoor rink. Lorne was one of the best lead- ers for crack the whip and Shirley and her friends still talk about what fun they had in the summer, a favourite pastime was picnics and swimming at the Jumping Pound swimming hole with their friends as wel as Shirley’s parents and some of her relatives

Lorne and Shirley were married on September 23, 1954 at the St. Andrews United Church in Cochrane. For a wedding gift, Shirley’s parents gave them a town lot right next to their lot. Lorne and Shirley then proceeded to buy the neighboring lot to build their future garage on. They lived in a 23 foot travel trailer on this lot while their house was being built. They spent many hours helping to build and finish their home.

Their first daughter, Jody Patricia, was born on February 28, 1960 and their second daughter, Julie Anne, was born on December 23, 1962.

Lorne left the Shell Gas Plant in 1964 and went into a partnership with Ed Raby at the Esso Bulk Station in Cochrane. He bought out his partner in 1967. In 1983, the office and storage warehouse burned to the ground in a spectacular fire. Lorne helped to rebuild the business until his retirement in 1985.

Shirley’s mother, Barbara, passed away in 1985 and was predeceased by Shirley’s father, Robert, in 1974. Lorne and Shirley took great pleasure in spending time with their family. They enjoyed numerous weekend getaways ot hotels in Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia and Banff, Alberta. These weekends always included swimming ni the Hot Springs pools and din- ing out at their favorite restaurants. They also loved to go camping and boating in the summer and enjoyed snow-mobiling ni
the winter.

In addition, the girls spent many winter days in the mountains down hill ski- ing. In the early 1980’s the family traded in their trav- el trailer for a mobile home located at Windermere Lake, British Columbia. This was one of their greatest pride and joys. at “The Lake”

In 1980, Jody married Stan Ferrot. Their son, Justin Riley, was born in 1985 and their daughter, Jenna Rae, was born in 1988. The family moved to British Columbia in 2004.

Julie married Joe Hofer in 2000. Their son, Jordan Michael, was born in 2001 and the family resides in Cochrane. Joe’s daughter Dallas, who was born in 1975, resides in Calgary.

Lorne passed away on November 25, 2007. Both Lorne and Shirley were Charter Members of the Cochrane Lions/Lioness Club but resigned in the latter years. Lorne was an Honorary Member of the Cochrane Royal Canadian Legion for many years and Shirley continues to be a long time member of the Cochrane Legion.