Always There: In Loving Memory of Helen Mallett / Gunter-Smith

I’m sad to share that Laura’s mother, Helen Mallett / Gunter-Smith, passed away peacefully at 6:43 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17, at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, with Laura and me by her side.

While we were with Helen in palliative care, it was deeply moving to witness several Registered Nurses stopping to thank her for creating the Geriatric Assistant and Homemaker Programs at Camosun College —an initiative inspired by her years of experience as St. Joseph’s Hospital Victoria. Watching their gratitude reminded me of the many ways Helen’s legacy lives on—not only in nursing but in our own lives as well.

Helen has been a part of my life since 2002, and I’ve often reflected on the gift of her presence and support. I’m especially grateful that she once advised Laura to date someone older and more mature—which, lucky for me, led to our wedding in Maui the following year. Helen was there.

I feel blessed to have been so warmly welcomed into the family by Helen. She offered the kind of motherly love and friendship I hadn’t experienced in my own upbringing. We got along exceptionally well, and I’m certain her steady presence helped sustain our marriage through hundreds of flights and speaking engagements.

When my parents passed suddenly—once while I was on my way to, and once while returning from, conferences—Helen and Laura were both there for me. Helen was there.

She was there when Laura and I left Yaletown in Vancouver for Parksville, a move I didn’t see coming during what I thought was just a Sunday drive. Helen was there for our business too, supporting Leading Advisor and our clients through her wisdom, her stories, and her training experience.

She was even there in small, meaningful ways—like the fresh-baked muffins she made for my mid-morning break between coaching calls. She was there when I spoke at the Pro-Seminars National Advisor Conference in Las Vegas. She was there for every Christmas dinner, always bringing her delicious Ukrainian cabbage rolls.

She was there when we traveled over the holidays and explored Chihuly in the Desert, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West in Phoenix, and the Red Rock Scenic Byway in Sedona. She was there on our luxurious and relaxing Holland America Alaskan Cruise.

She was there in 2021, at her kitchen nook, when she calmly told us it was time to move from her home to independent retirement living. From 2021 to 2025, Helen faced a number of health challenges, all met with unwavering dignity, faith, and grace—always with Laura at her side, just as Helen had been for Laura.

In the end, Helen chose to stop further interventions after undergoing two procedures. The second procedure was a long shot—a Hail Mary at best—but she made her choice with peace and strength.

Helen was always there for Laura and me—and we were always there for her.

She now resides in our hearts and memories.
Helen, thank you—for your love, your wisdom, your grace.
And thank you for a wonderful wife and a beautiful life.