Gary Lee Helder of Gun Lake, Shelbyville, died Monday, Dec. 26 at age 72 after a short illness with liver cancer, while visiting family in California.
Gary graduated Calvin College in 1972 and worked for Blue Arrow Truck Lines early in his career. Later, he worked for Hertz Rental Cars in Palm Beach, Fla., during the winter and Ryder Truck Rental in Grand Rapids during the summer.
He was devoted to the care of his parents, Judy and Judson Helder, while they lived in MI as well as in FL. He loved automobiles from an early age and would sit on the front porch with his grandmother and identify the models driving by. Gary was also fascinated by the history of coins, selling precious items near his barn at his weekly garage sales during the summer.
The neighborhood community he lived in was particularly helpful and friendly to him. Gary would, without fail, make a special effort to help anyone in need. He was a member of a “singles” group started 50 years ago at Mayfair CRC, which then morphed into a life-long group of friends. He attended Gun Lake Community Church and was welcomed with open arms into that community.
Gary was every dog’s favorite person, every check-out person’s favorite customer and every bank teller’s favorite client. He brought joy and cheer wherever he went and was kind to his core. Gary’s dry sense of humor continued to the very end.
He is survived by his sister Judith Helder (Robin Blackstone), sister Val Lane (Kim Sanwald) and brother Brian Helder, as well as lifelong friend Judy Oppenhuizen.
A celebration of his life will be announced later. Donations may be made in his name to any animal shelter of your choice.
As Gary would say, ” Be safe.”
