MEAFORD EXPRESS (Sept. 1925) -- Mr. Alfred Helstrop one of the town's most popular business men, died at his home here at 10 o'clock, Sunday night, after a painful illness of a few days. The deceased was taken ill on Thursday last with what at the time was believed to be an attack of acute indigestion, but which in further examination was diagnosed as an internal obstruction.
   Realizing the gravity of the trouble, Dr. Eberhart and Eagles, the two local physicians first in attendance, called Dr. McFall, of Collingwood, and Dr. Middlebro, of Owen Sound, in consultation of Friday evening. The result of the conference was that an operation was decided on as the only possible chance of removing the obstacle and bringing about the recovery of the patient. The operation was performed on Saturday morning, all four physicians being present. For twelve of fifteen hours following the operation Mr. Helstrop's condition was such as to encourage the hope of recovery, but early Sunday morning he took a turn for the worse and continued to weaken until death on Sunday night.
   The deceased who was in the 58th year of his age was the youngest son of the late Robert Helstrop, who established the furniture and undertaking business in Meaford in the year 18... When the father died in 1899 he took over the management of the business and continued to run it successfully until his death.
   Living here continuously from the day of his birth and mingling freely with the people of the town and surrounding country he became widely known as a man of kind and generous impulse honest in his dealing progressive in his business methods and ever mindful of those who happened to be in need of a helping hand. His name was familiar to every man, woman and child in the town as well as in the country. He lived in the hearts of all with whom he associated or had business dealings and dying, left behind him a record of kindly deeds and sound business capacity which his friends will not fail to treasure in the storehouse of memory. As a member of the Meaford Cemetery and Parks Commission Mr. Helstrop took an active part in planning and overseeing the improvements to Lakeview Cemetery. He took pride in seeing the work of beautification going ahead and the members of the commission will find it a difficult matter to replace him, as very few will be able to give so freely of their time and attention for the promotion of a worthy object that he did.
   He was a member of Meaford Masonic Lodge; a Past Grand Master of the local lodge of the I.O.O.F., and a Black Knight of the Orange Order.
   There survive him three sisters and two brothers, Mrs. Robert Almond of St. Vincent, Mrs. John Parkins of Collingwood, and Miss Emma Helstrop at home. One of the brothers Harry is in the harness and trunk business in Meaford and another brother George, lives in Toronto.

All that was mortal of Alfred Helstrop was laid to rest in Lakeview Cemetery, in which the deceased had taken much pride in beautifying during his lifetime, on Wednesday afternoon. It is not in the memory of the people when such an expression of sympathy and sorrow were shown at a departing man, who was universally respected for his generous heart and kindly disposition, as well as being a successful business man.
   The funeral was held under the auspices of the local A.F. & A.M. The member marching to the home of the deceased, from where the remains were conveyed to the Anglican Church, where the burial service was conducted by the Rector, Rev. T.G. Painting, assisted by Rev. Thos. Brown of Seaforth, a former Rector when the deceased was quite a young man.
   Every available part of the edifice was occupied, hundreds being unable to gain admittance.
   The opening hymn, 608, "Rock of Ages" was followed by the responsive reading of the 90th Psalm. The Scripture lesson was Chapt. 15, first Epistle of Corinthians, commencing at the 20th verse, read by Rev. Mr. Brown, who in a short address spoke impressively and earnestly of the gracious spirit and generosity of heart .......remainder of article missing.