Troy C. Helmick, age 84, of Townsend, passed away February 20, 2018.
Troy Helmick was a surveyor, civil engineer technician, fireman, historian, archeologist, sportsman, flintknapper, photographer, athlete, artist, father and husband. He was talented, self-reliant, disciplined and patriotic. His soft spoken mannerisms, friendly nature and dry wit will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Troy was born to Kathleen Avis Riggleman and Creed William Helmick August 31, 1933 in rural West Virginia. He grew up in the town of Frenchton against the backdrop of World War II and enlisted immediately after High School aspiring to be an aircraft tail gunner. However, during basic training, he was medically discharged due to a congenital foot deformity.
After the Air Force, he travelled west and found work on a Bureau of Reclamation survey crew in Great Falls MT. The work took him to the town of Three Forks where he met and eventually married Shirley Jean Doty who was working as a telephone operator. After a courtship involving countless hitchhiking trips across Montana, often in sub-zero temperatures, they married on January 17, 1954.
Troy’s career with the Bureau of Reclamation and Soil Conservation Service, took him all over the Big Sky Country on dam, canal and irrigation projects. In wintertime, he went to the upper reaches of the Rockies to measure mountain snowpack. One of his snow survey courses was atop Lemhi Pass where Lewis and Clark crossed the Bitterroot Range. The experience sparked a lifelong interest that led Troy and his wife Shirley into numerous projects to preserve the local history of the expedition. They helped found the Crimson Bluff’s chapter of the Lewis and Clark Heritage Trail Foundation. Thanks to their efforts, the group identified and commemorated points of interest including the Crimson Bluffs and York Island, named by Captain Lewis in honor of the lone black man on the expedition.
For nearly 60 years of his life, Troy made his home in the small town of Townsend. He raised his family there and performed countless acts of community service. He held key positions in organizations including the Jaycees, March of Dimes, Rod and Gun Club, Selective Service, Boy Scout Committee, Old Baldy Golf Course, Red Cross, Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee and American Legion Post 42 which he commanded during Montana’s Territorial Centennial. For nearly 30 years he served as a volunteer fireman to preserve property and life including a deployment to Gardiner MT during the massive 1988 Yellowstone Park fires.
Troy’s love for Montana’s cultural landscape led to a fascination with archeology. Along with family members, he amassed an extensive private collection of Native American artifacts collected entirely in Broadwater County. To ensure preservation and allow further study and research, he donated the collection to the Montana State Historic Preservation Office. Today, over 6000 artifacts of the Helmick collection sit in permanent archives at the Billings Curation Center. His work endures through articles and artwork in professional journals and through his field work in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, on Turner’s Flying D Ranch outside Yellowstone Park and at the site of the tragic Mann Gulch fire to mention a few. In 2002, Troy received a personal award from the Governor for his contributions to archeological work in Montana.
Troy worked tirelessly as president of the World Atlatl Association to preserve knowledge of this weapon used by early man. Along with other family members he participated in and won atlatl competitions in several states. To better understand primitive tool and weapon making, Troy also became an accomplished flintknapper. His interpretation of the USAF Thunderbird logo crafted from red, white and blue glass arrowheads hangs in the museum at Nellis Air Force Base.
Nowhere is Troy’s legacy more evident than in the Broadwater County Museum where he and wife Shirley spent innumerable hours building dioramas and collecting, creating, researching and displaying artifacts. Among the most valuable is a rare, tanned buffalo hide depicting the story of a group of Plains Indians. Troy and others also built and displayed a ½ scale model of a cottonwood dugout canoe of the type used by the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Troy has also contributed items for display in the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman and elsewhere.
As a photographer and artist, Troy specialized in animals, scenery and historic sites. Among his best works is a sketch of the original Governor’s Mansion in Helena which he donated to the Montana Historical Society. The original hangs in the mansion in a room dedicated to the memory of the youngest member of his family, daughter Char, who had been a curator there.
Troy had a lifelong love for baseball and later softball. He played on a fast-pitch softball team in Helena and competed in and won state championships in the sport. He once performed as catcher for internationally renowned exhibition softball pitcher Eddie Feigner. Locally, he helped to plan, build and improve sports fields and recreation areas in the Townsend community. His design work on the Old Baldy Golf Course gave high schoolers a place to develop their skills culminating in several state championships for Broadwater High School.
Troy was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Doy Helmick and Kenny Helmick and daughter Char Pentecost. He is survived by his wife Shirley (Doty), children, Rhonda Helmick, Buckhannon WV, Brent (Lydia) Helmick, Marina CA, Leslie (Joe) Owen, Buckhannon WV, Dean (Pamela) Helmick, Plattsmouth NE and Coleene (Jon) Rychalski, Alexandria VA, 12 Grandchildren, 6 Great Grandchildren, a brother Lynn (Christine) Helmick, Buckhannon WV, and sisters Ann Crawford, Frenchton WV and Joan (Ken) Palmer of Aurora CO.
On Monday February 26, 2018 there will be a public viewing at the Stevenson Wilke Funeral home in Townsend, 212 Broadway, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and 5:00 to 8:00. The family will be present from 5:00 to 7:00. A Rosary will begin at 10:30 am Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Townsend followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 and military honors. A luncheon will be held after the service in the Catholic Church basement.
The body will be cremated with interment at Fort Harrison at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Broadwater County Museum or charity of your choice.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Troy.
Service Schedule
Viewing
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Monday February 26, 2018
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday February 26, 2018
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Rosary
10:30 a.m.
Tuesday February 27, 2018
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S. Walnut
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday February 27, 2018
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S. Walnut
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
After the Mass
Tuesday February 27, 2018
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S. Walnut
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Viewing
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Monday February 26, 2018
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday February 26, 2018
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Rosary
10:30 a.m.
Tuesday February 27, 2018
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S. Walnut
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday February 27, 2018
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S. Walnut
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
After the Mass
Tuesday February 27, 2018
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S. Walnut
Townsend, Montana 59644
Share
Mitchell Stocks says
Great man. He will be sorely missed.
Heartfelt condolences,
Mitchell Stocks
Kelly Flynn says
Troy was an engaging man who was always willing to stop for a visit. Besides an immeasurable knowledge of the outdoors, he freely gave back to the community. He was a great supporter and I will certainly miss the talks we shared.
Jim Webb says
One of the giants in my Mom and Dad’s generation. He was the consummate gentleman as he served his community, church, and Townsend society! He will be missed.
Laurie and Terry Nugent says
We always enjoyed any contact we had with Troy and Shirley. Troy was so generous of his time in educating others. What a beautiful legacy he left his family! Blessings
Bob, Gay Ann and Leo says
Troy was a very special person and would always come to my classroom for our native American days to show the atlatl and its history. Our grandson Leandro always said he took time to ask him about his life. Hugs and prayers
.
Mary Vogl says
Troy was a true blessing to all he encountered! Every Sunday morning you could find he and Shirley walking to church hand in hand! May you rest in God’s eternity embrace!
Jeannine Albee says
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a great man! What an inspiration! I have not seen the Helmick family for many years but remember Troy and Shirley from when I was young. My mom, Lois, greatly admires and respects your wonderful family. She has spoken words of love throughout the years to me of your family. Prayers to you
Mark & Ellen Baumler says
Troy was a colleague, a good person and a dear friend to us for the past 30 years. He will be missed by many at the Montana Historical Society and beyond. Our hearts go out to Shirley and the family.
Sharie Babb says
Thoughts and prayers from Delores Sofil and Stephen and Sharie Babb.
BG Jeff Ireland says
The Soldiers and Airmen of the Montana National Guard will be forever indebted to Mr. Helmick for the service, contributions and support he provided through the Military Affairs Committee (MAC). Our warmest thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family during this time of mourning.
Mark McGinley says
A great guy!!! I will miss him. God Bless you Troy.
June Warner-Cvechko says
Rhonda & Family, I am so very sorry to hear of your Father’s passing. Although, I had never met him, I felt as if I knew him from your wonderful stories you’ve shared through our friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. God Bless you and your family! June Warner-Cvechko
Jen Dalrymple, Commander Post 42 says
On behalf of the American Legion Post 42 Family, we offer our deepest sympathy to Shirley and the family. Troy was a true gentleman with a wonderful and joyful spirit. His presence and smile will be sorely missed by all of his fellow Legionnaires. May you soar with the eagles forever, Airman!
Marilyn & Jim Walton says
Rhonda, Mrs Helmick and family, so sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed visiting with you father when he was visiting. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Andi and Lynn Halvorsen says
To the Helmick Family,
Heaven sure gained a great Angel. He was a great man who always had a warm smile. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this tough time. May your happy memories always get you through the sad times.
Bill and Anita kearns says
We have known Troy for over 50 years. He was in our wedding and one of Bill’s first job as survey assistant was working for him.
We both enjoyed his gentle manner,wit and humor. He will be greatly missed by us and the entire community.
Our sympathy to Shirley and their family. God Bless.
Bill, Anita and David Kearns
KATHY SAYER LARGE says
MY LOVE AND PRAYERS TO SHIRLEY AND FAMILY. TROY WAS A GIANT IN TOWNSEND FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER. WHENEVER I WAS THERE, I ALWAYS SAW HE AND SHIRLEY OUT AND ABOUT SHARING OF THEMSELVES IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE. THEY RAISED A WONDERFUL FAMILY. WHAT A LEGACY HE LEFT. A FINER FAMILY I HAVE NEVER KNOWN.
A WIDOW MYSELF, I ESPECIALLY REACH OUT TO SHIRLEY. YOU WERE A WONDERFUL WIFE AND MOTHER. AND YOU ARE A WONDERFUL PERSON. I WISH THERE WAS ANYTHING I COULD SAY OR DO THAT WOULD EASE THE GRIEF I KNOW YOU FEEL. YOU WILL ALWAYS MISS HIM, BUT THERE WILL COME A TIME WHEN YOU CAN SMILE AT THE BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES YOU MADE TOGETHER.
BLESS YOU AND YOUR WONDERFUL FAMILY.
Samara Lynde says
Troy always had a kind word and smile whenever I would see him. Sending all our love to Shirley and her family. May the Lord comfort and bless you.
Retha Johnston McGrew says
So sorry to hear of Troys passing. May you find peace and comfort in your memories.
Sincerely. Ken and Retha(Johnston) McGrew
Sharon Leiner Doig says
Sad for Troy’s passing and for the family, but knowing that he is with his Savior gives some comfort. He was a man of many talents and abilities. Serving not only his country, but his community in many ways. Where Troy was than you knew Shirley was close by. Good example of a good marriage and family man. Remember how proud he was of his West Virginia roots. Fond memories of attending Canton Church programs especially when a musical group would play Country Roads and there would be Troy standing and singing along. Prayer for Shirley and his family.
Dwight Thompson says
Troy was the sure definition of a Gentleman. This world was a better place with his presence.
Peggy Helmick Ball says
Rhonda, Leslie and family
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs during this difficult time.
Kim & Cindy Martinson says
Shirley & Family, We are saddened by the loss of Troy. He was such a witty and charming friend. His accomplishments will go on forever in the hearts of all who knew him. Love and prayers to your family.
Esther Tichenor says
One of the most delightful families we have been blessed to know is the Helmick family from Townsend. Sharing their knowledge and friendship is something we will always treasure. Our love and prayers go out to Shirley and family today and always.
Esther Tichenor and family
Calvin Wilson says
Cousin Troy was an inspiration to me in so many ways. Being with Troy made me think: This what every man should be like–Kind, Considerate, Dedicated, Talented, Soft-spoken, Cheerful, and Humble. He made the world a better place by just being himself. When I was 6 years old, Troy drew a picture of Donald Duck for me and that created my life-long passion for art. Even though for the past 65 years we lived 2,000 mies apart, Troy always seemed nearby. I miss him. Thoughts and prayers to all his family.
Brian Zickefoose says
Shirley, Ronda , Brent , Leslie,Dean ,Coleen, so sorry to hear about Troy always liked when he came to West Virginia to visit n to hear some of his travels was always interesting to me. Will miss getting to hear his story’s. Haven’t seen any of u for a long time other than Brock but always try to ask about everyone once in a while. Once again so sorry for your loss it’s never easy to loose a parent or best friend
Kelly Sullivan says
What a neat man with a very quiet demeanor, who was an awesome neighborhood friend of Mom and Dad’s! Loved reading the Obit. to learn more about the special man Troy was, and all he had accomplished . My prayers are with all of you. ?Kelly
Steve Watterson says
With a heavy heart I send my love and prayers to our lifelong friends, the Helmicks. Troy was special and I’m in awe of his many talents, accomplishments and great family. A life well lived! I always looked forward to seeing Troy and Shirley. Both so gracious and fun to be around. We shared lots of laughs, sports talk and events with them through the years. Troy was one of my Dad’s absolute best friends and confidant. My all time favorite and I will miss him! My sincere thoughts are with Shirley, Rhonda, Brent, Leslie, Dean and Coleene during this difficult time. God Bless!
Gilda Clancy says
My prayers are with you Shirley! I always enjoyed visiting with you and Troy at Char and I’s employment with Congressman Hill! Blessings to you and your family.
Donna Francisco says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all – Helmick Family! Your family was such a great part of my growing up years in Townsend. God Bless you all very much!
Marnie Sherwood says
I have many fond memories of time spent at the Helmick home. I’m so sorry to hear of Troy’s passing. My deepest sympathies to Shirley and the entire family. God bless!
Alden and Becky Beard says
Our deepest condolences to Shirley and the family. Montana has lost another true and kind individual. We know he and Char are sharing a corner of Heaven rooting for the rest of us. God bless.
Ward and Sherry Scoffield says
We very much valued Troy’s friendship and the genuine, kind , talented man he was. Troy and Shirley have contributed much to our community and raised a great family. We keep you all in our prayers for comfort and wish we could be there to tell you in person.
Virginia Knerr says
I am saddened by the loss of Troy. I looked forward to seeing Troy and Shirley out on their morning walks or at various community events. Troy was such a kind, talented, soft-spoken individual who contributed so much to the community. I will always remember Troy being one of the first individuals to stop by my office to welcome me to Townsend. That kind gesture meant the world to me. My deepest sympathies to Shirley and the rest of his family.
Jim Foster says
I will always remember Troy as a gifted man with tremendous, broad knowledge, and importantly the willingness to share it. Troy and Shirley will also be remembered as a loving couple, who were great examples of love and marriage. They raised an exceptional family, children of the highest character. May our love and prayers help comfort you. We honor Troy’s life. What a good man.
Catherine McNulty Kukowski says
My deepest sympathy to the Helmick family. My earliest memory of Troy, was the day Dean was born and he came to tell Rhonda at recess that she had a new baby brother. Many other fond memories of times with the Helmick family growing up in Townsend.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Susan Hooks says
Shirley, Brent and Family, I am so sorry about Troy. Whenever I saw Shirley and Troy they were so gracious and always smiling. He was such a kind and genuine man. He will be missed by all.
Margaret Erickson says
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know he will be so very missed in the community. He was always available for every event, where ever it was. He did every bit of it well. He and Shirley raised a beautiful family. We knew them through their children. He was always an upbeat individual with a beautiful smile. Now he is Home with no more suffering. My thoughts and many prayers are with you. God Bless you all.
Mike Carlson says
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Troy. He was a true gentleman for his soft spoken ways and kindness. He was a pleasure to work with
and his training to young employees was the best. I appreciated his vast knowledge of so many things. It was a pleasure to work with him on natural resource development projects. His knowledge of native american history and archaeology was phenomenal. May the many memories of his life inspire all of us who know him.