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It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Helge Straarup Welling on December 14, 2023. He was born in Vejen, Denmark on February 12, 1929, as the 7th of 10 children. He grew up on the dairy farm, Haksengaard, milking cows; doing gymnastics with his brothers; and discussing philosophy with family friend, Vilhelm Gernhammer.
In 1951, after serving his country as a conscientious objector in a Danish labour camp, he emigrated to Canada along with his brothers: Jens (who stayed briefly), Frede, and Arne. He worked on farms in both BC and AB, then settled in Edmonton where he met and married Muriel Fredeen, and began working at the Department of Plant Science at the University of Alberta. He spent 31 years at the University, acting as greenhouse supervisor and taking delight in growing the tropical display case that once graced the Agriculture-Forestry Building. He assisted university researchers in the selective breeding of canola and other crops. He also ran a nursery and a landscaping business, and taught many classes on horticulture and indoor gardening at NAIT and other places. Additionally, he contributed to the University of Alberta’s “Home Gardening Course” textbook.
Helge loved flowers, especially orchids and violets, and was a member of the Orchid and Gesneriaceae Societies of Alberta for many years. He was a lifelong gymnast, only giving up handstands at age 87. He was a member of both the Dynamos and UofAgers gymnastics troupes for seniors and loved performing with them; the performances at two World Gymnaestrada events in Europe were especially meaningful to him. He loved dancing and was a member for 40 years of the Edmonton International Folkdancers, where he met his second wife, Laurel Gauld. As a member of the Valhalla Scandinavian Folkdancers, he enjoyed dancing at the Heritage Festival.
Helge was deeply introspective, searching to understand himself and find meaning in life. He translated Vilhelm Gernhammer’s “Why Life Dies,” and the 7 volume “Symbols and Symbol Interpretation,” into English. In accordance with the ideas expressed in these books, Helge chose to live by the principle of non-violence; he chose to love and understand those around him, even if there were conflicts. He delighted in puns and word play and the interplay between different languages. He spoke Danish and English fluently. He studied Esperanto and felt that this world-connecting language was important. He loved singing, literature, storytelling, flowers, good food, and of course, family.
Helge is predeceased by his father, Rasmus, mother, Anna, and siblings: Søren, Jens, Maja, Agatha, Frede, Aage, twins- Ejnar and Gunnar, and by his first wife, Muriel. He is survived by his brother Arne (Aase), wife Laurel, 6 children: Lynn, Alvin (Myrel), Jean (Fred), Karen(Dana), Brian, and Heather (Kurtis), 9 grandchildren: Sean, Alex, Jeffrey, Scarlet, Julie, Mariah, Duncan, Gavin, and Max, and 2 great grandchildren: Marrissa and Connor. He deeply loved his family and we will all miss his warmth and empathy. We hope you will connect with the joy and love that he embodied and spread it to others: sing a song, enjoy some flowers, smile, and above all, hug those you love.
2024
Simply Cremations & Funeral Services
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta
death notice Helge Staarup Welling 2024
obituaries notice Helge Staarup Welling 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Helge Staarup Welling 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
