This memorial website was created in memory of my wonderful Father, Bill Helms. My dad was born in Ogden, Utah on March 04, 1956 and passed away on August 07, 2005 at the age of 49. He was swept away suddenly early in the morning of Sunday, August 7, 2005......... A day that will never be forgotten. My Father was not only a terrific and wonderful Dad, he was also a loving and caring Husband, extremely talented musician, the best Volkswagon mechanic in town, and he sang like a song bird. Bill touched so many people across the world with his heavenly voice and beautiful music.
Bill lived life to its fullest. He started square dancing when he was 8 years old, then began calling when he was 12 years old. Square dancing was his ultimate passion and carried it with him until the day he died. My Dad had many passions including his love for the outdoors. In his prime, he loved to climb and successfully summited Mt. Hood, Mt. Rainer, and Mt. Shasta. He also enjoyed rock climbing and mountaineering, and was part of Mountaineering team that had many expeditions up Mt. Hood. Camping and hiking was almost an every weekend ritual when I was a little girl. Our favorite place to camp was Lost Lake on Mt. Hood; he would even let me help him build the best camp fire. When my dad wasn't calling or enjoying the outdoors, he loved to study astronomy and look at the stars. I swear I have seen more shooting stars since the death of my Father; I think it's his way of saying goodbye.
To all of those who were unable to attend Bill's Memorial, it was absolutely amazing and beautiful. As a testimony to my Father's life, friendships and loves, there were over 500 people that attended the memorial. There were many laughs about how Bill became a mechanic, many tears about the kindness that Bill spread to all of us, and a great joy that filled everyone's hearts to dance one last dance for Bill. I have included some pictures from the memorial to share with everyone, they are on the last page of the Photo Album. We have truely lost a legend, but that legend will never be forgotten. To me, it still doesn't seem real that my Dad is gone, I don't know if it ever will. I assume that feeling just means that Bill really isn't gone, he's just closer to our hearts and is with us in spirit.
I wanted to say Thank You to Robert Newell, who sponsored this website. I do not know you and haven't seen anything written from you, but I wanted to let you know how great that was of you to do that. Robert, or if any of you know Robert, please email me; I would like to give you my thanks. This website will forever be permanent and everyone can write something about Bill or to Bill. I know I will continue writing and keeping my Father's spirit alive.
A lot of you had asked for my address at the memorial to keep in touch: Alicia Milligan 4539 SW Coronado St. Portland, Oregon 970219 bouldermama@me.com
Missing you / Alicia Milligan (Daughter)
I was thinking about you yesterday remembering that 6 years has gone by. So much has happened yet I still feel like it was yesterday that you were here. We took the kids to Frog Lake and it brought back so many memories of catching frogs with you the...
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Years that are passing / Carolyn Jensen (Long time friend )
You still come forth in my thoughts as I think about the dance world and the changes that have taken place. You accomplished so much in promoting dancing and till the very last it was a most important par...
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bill you will be missed / Robert Newell (friend)
Bill you are a great caller friend and a great guy I had a great time danceing to you when I was a member of the fun lovers club when you where the club caller i will miss you and your a great father
A wonderful, talented man / Jim Dorigatt (Acquaintance)
I just found out about this site and it wasn't too long ago that I had learned of Bill's passing. What a sad loss! I first became acquainted with Bill and his family when I was a young somewhat socially awkward youth. His broth...
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Miss dancing to him / Bill Randle (Square Dancer )
I was listening to an old tape I had of Bill calling a "Fun Affair" with Johnny Preston (ca. 1984). It made me think of all the fun I had dancing to him when I was a member of the Fun Lovers club. Sure wish he was still around.
Tributes and Condolences
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