Tribute Notifications
Click below if you would like to be notified when a new tribute is posted.
Helmut Gehringer
July 30, 1927 - October 12, 2011
Tribute
On Wednesday, October 12, 2011, Mr. Helmut Gehringer of Osoyoos passed away at the age of 84 years.
Helmut was born on July 30, 1927, the youngest of 4 children, in Weikersheim, Germany. He lost his mother at 6 months, and his father at 6 years, and went on to live with his aunt.
He was predeceased by his mother, Minna (Habel) Gehringer and father, Georg Gehringer, brothers Georg Jr. and Karl Gehringer, brother-in-law, Otto Frohnmaier, and nephews Otto Frohnmaier (Jr.) and Guenter Frohnmaier.Helmut will be sadly missed and remembered by his wife of 57 years, Betty (Czwalinna) Gehringer; his sons, Walter (Annemarie), and Gordon (Debbie); grandchildren, Brendon, Liana, Kali, Kevin & Kristi Gehringer; his sister, Helene Frohnmaier , nieces and nephews, Rose Frohnmaier, Wolfdieter (Dagmar) Frohnmaier, Hartmut (Anita) Frohnmaier, Ute (Helmut) Weeber, as well as grandnieces/nephews in Germany.
Helmut came to Canada with his brother, Karl, in 1952 and initially worked installing the cooling system in the original curling rink in Osoyoos. He then went on to work for B.C. Tel from 1953 – 1955. In 1954, Betty came from Germany, and they were married on March 19, 1954. In 1955, together with his brother, Karl, he built a service station at the junction of Hwys 3 and 97, where he worked in his trade as a trained mechanic for many years. He also sold and serviced Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen vehicles in the area, for both Canadian and American customers.
In 1970, he was involved in the development of Cathedral Lakes Resort, together with Herb Clarke, Tom Fleet and his brother, Karl. When he sold his shares in the Resort, he invested in the present day vineyard and winery operation of Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, together with his sons, Walter and Gordon, and his brother, Karl. There he worked in the vineyard, in the workshop as a mechanic, and was also often seen chatting about his love for wine with visitors in the wineshop.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, working with his sons in the vineyard / winery, visiting with his grandchildren, friends and neighbours, and having a glass of good wine with a great home-cooked meal! He will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved him.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Mariposa Gardens, the Oliver Hospital & Dr. Tarr for the tender care they gave to our husband, father & Opa.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mariposa Gardens for a memorial bench in Helmut’s name (Mariposa Gardens, 8816 Hwy 97, Osoyoos, B.C. V0H 1V5). A celebration of Helmut’s life will be held at a later date.
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium, Oliver & Osoyoos.
Condolences
Send a condolence, light a candle and/or share a memory, click "Send Condolence". Once your message has been approved by the moderator it will be posted to the website.
From: Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service Staff
Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service Staff send our condolences to family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
From: John and Janie Hood
Relation: As a casual friend
Many good memories whether servicing our VW, as a parent of Walter and Gordon, our discussing vineyard and wine politics, fishing, etc. He always had time for us and was a fine friend. We share in your loss and your memories. John and Janie
From: John and Darlene West
Relation: wine industry
Gordon and Walter, our condolences to you and your family.
John and Darlene
From: Lisa Kunz
Relation: Family Friend
I feel very blessed to have known Helmut. He was a wonderful friend that taught me so many things. I haven’t worked at the winery in over ten years but my memories of talking to him about camping, washing windows, grapes, cars, Cathedral Lakes, and just wonderful funny stories are still so strong. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
From: Lynn and John Bremmer
Relation: Friend
Hi Betty, Walter and Gordon
It took us a while to read the paper and find out Helmut had gone to a bigger vineyard in the sky. So sorry and this is a loss for all of us. Helmut was always a f riend and willing to help in any way he could. I remember one example: I was futily working away at Similkameen Vineyards and Helmut drove up and told me to get in. He said it was not a good idea to work all the time. We then drove up the Cathedral Lakes Resort, had a bottle of wine, he checked the diesel generator and we came back. it was a wonderful break and it was so appreciated. That was the type of person he was and for that was greatly admired. We were always proud to call him a friend.
We will have a glass of wine and remember him fondly.
From: Laurel Pinske
Relation: customer and family acquaintance
Dear Betty, Gordon, Walter and families:
I am so saddened to hear of the passing of your husband and father.
My first introduction to Mr Gehringer was when he owned the service station at the top of the hill. I was 16 and my brother had left me his old VW Beetle to learn to drive on. So exciting!!! I read the owner’s manual and did everything I could myself and then my dad sent me to the best place in town to make sure all was well with my “new” vehicle. When I went back to pick it up, Mr Gehringer took me into the shop and showed me the old parts he had removed and explained in great detail why they needed to be replaced. I had no idea what he was talking about, but I never forgot how he treated me as if I understood every word. Such a man of integrity. If only we had more of them today.
May you find comfort in knowing he will not be soon forgotten by those who were touched by his life. Laurel (Burt)
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
Memorial Gifts may be sent directly to:
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Mariposa Gardens, the Oliver Hospital & Dr. Tarr for the tender care they gave to our husband, father & Opa.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mariposa Gardens for a memorial bench in Helmut’s name (Mariposa Gardens, 8816 Hwy 97, Osoyoos, B.C. V0H 1V5).
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Flower Fantasy Flowers & Gifts Inc.
6049 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.flowerfantasyoliver.com/
Local: (250) 498-0088 Toll free: (844) 498-0088
Flowers on Main & Reis Boutique
5859 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.oliverflorist.com/
Local: (778) 439-2270 Toll free: (800) 665-9983
Gems and Stems at Eastside
6496 Park Drive, Oliver, BC
https://gemsandstems.com/
(250) 826-0438
Polka Dot Door Floral Design Boutique
8522 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC
https://www.polkadotdoor.net/
(250) 495-2226
Donate In Memory
Send Condolence - For Helmut Gehringer
Use the form below to send a Condolence, light a memorial candle and/or share a personal memory.
