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Helmer Jonathan Peters passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at Chilliwack, BC at age 61 years.

He was born at Port Douglas, BC on October 26, 1947.

Helmer “Shonga” is survived by his two children: Fiona Paul and Devan Paul of Bella Coola; his six grandchildren: Amber, Vernon, Jonathan, Shanel, Alyssa, and Kaylee; five sisters: Elsie Dan, Sechelt, Sarah Sam, Mission, Ina Charlie of Spring Creek, Georgia Sproule, Mission and Barb Peters, Prince George; and three brothers, Mark Peters, Chilliwack, Lyle Peters, Samahquam and Willis Peters, Mt. Currie.

He was predeceased by his father Jacob Peters and mother Sarah (Saul) Peters of Samahquam, BC; two sisters: Eileen Creighton and Connie Charlie; one brother, George Peters and three siblings in their infancies, Georgina Mildred Peters, Sarah Mildred Peters and Evan Peters.

Helmer attended the Mission Residential School where he excelled at sports and music. He always enjoyed singing and had a beautiful voice. He completed a commercial art program at Vancouver Vocational College and was an illustrator for the Native Voice Magazine. He worked as a landing man, logging BC forests until he was seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident in 1976. After six months in a coma he made a miraculous recovery.

Helmer was loved dearly by all and cheered us all with his wonderful sense of humour and his steady out put of Coast Salish Art work. He was gentle and loving, wise and witty. He loved his family and his country and his Saviour Jesus Christ and he will be greatly missed by us all. Thank you to the staff of Heritage Village and the members of St. Mary’s Parish for their visits.

Prayers will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at 7 pm at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Church, 8909 Mary St. Chilliwack, BC. Interment will take place at the Samahquam First Nation Cemetery in Pemberton.

Online condolences can be left at www.mem.com



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