Vermilion’s Helen King To Celebrate100 Remarkable Years

Helen King showing her 100th birthday shirt that was made for her. Photos Lorna Hamilton

Vermilion’s Helen King is about to hit an extraordinary milestone on April 21, she will celebrate her 100th birthday! A vibrant soul with a lifetime of memories, Helen has touched many lives with her talents, and spirited personality.

Born on April 21, 1925, in the Greenstreet area north of Lloydminster, Helen grew up in a time when the world looked very different. In 1947, she married her beloved husband John King, and together they raised five children on their family farm. The Kings remained on the farm until 1998, when they moved into Vermilion.

Over the decades, Helen poured herself into many passions. Music was always a central part of her life, as she played piano at the Vermilion Nursing Home and Lodge, at senior events such as the Seniors Christmas and spring concerts, and even today, she still plays the keyboard by ear. Her creativity knew no bounds: she sewed clothing and costumes for her children, took up crafts, and captured life’s moments through photography, and scrapbooking. Her love of history and family roots led her into the world of genealogy where she she compiled a book about her Almond family lineage.

Helen was also deeply involved in the community. She was a proud member of the Royal Purple and the Hospital Auxiliary, helping to organize banquets and serve others. Never one to shy away from fun, she embraced the spotlight as a drama club member, she also enjoyed performing as an Elvis impersonator- complete with costume and flair.

A regular at the Vermilion Fair, Helen entered exhibits showcasing her talents-even in handwriting.

When asked the secret to reaching 100, Helen offered this sage advice: “You need to look after yourself when you are young; don’t drink, smoke or do drugs.” She adds with a laugh, “I never thought I’d live to be 100!”

Her milestone hasn’t gone unnoticed. Helen has received special birthday greetings from King Charles and Queen Camilla, Premier Danielle Smith and the Governor General – a fitting tribute to a century well lived.

With that said, a couple fun facts about Helen and the late Queen Elizabeth: Queen Elizabeth was born on Helen’s first birthday, Helen and Queen Elizabeth both married in November of 1947. Both had their first child the in the same year of 1948, and their second child was born in the same month of August 1950. How cool is that!

While she says she didn’t expect to reach 100, her family and friends are glad she did, and a private family/friend celebration will be held in her honour on April 19 at the Vermilion Valley Lodge, where Helen resides, Happy 100th birthday Helen.