03/27/11 - NNHS Newsletter

Dear Friends and Schoolmates,
We have still another sad edition of the NNHS Newsletter today.

Bobby Helmer, Class of 1961, brother of Dicky Helmer of WA and twin brother of the late

Bernie Helmer ('61) (10 Feb 1943 - 12 Mar 1999), died in a motel fire in Newport News on Saturday, February 26, 2011, two weeks after his 68th birthday.

From Joe Madagan ('57) of FL - 03/26/11, 6:38 PM - "

Robert Helmer Identified Remains":

Police identify man who died in Newport News motel fire

March 27, 2011

My condolences to Bobby's remaining family.

~ Dan Coleman, Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

March 27, 2011

So sorry to hear of Bobby's passing. I have many fond memories of Bobby and Bernie at Stonewall Jackson School.

~ Linda Mesimer Bailey, Newport News, Virginia

March 27, 2011

Dear Dicky Helmer and Family,
I was very sorry to hear about Bobby's passing. I talked to Frank Ottofaro on the phone prior to the notice in the paper. I knew him a long time and I really thought a lot of Bobby. He was a good person and as you know, being the oldest brother, it was not easy on you. I remember your father. I used to deliver papers to him and he was quite a guy. I haven't seen you in a long time but my thoughts and love go out to you at this time.
Frank Ottofaro doesn't get on the computer but he would want you to know that he feels your sorrow. I know you keep in touch with him. May God bless. Stay well. From an old friend in Newport News...

~ Mickey Marcella

March 27, 2011

I remember the news that night of the fire. I am sorry to hear of Bobby. If indeed God counts the tears of women let him count mine for this friend. Let him be in peace. In Jesus name.

~ L. Crayton '66, Hampton, Virginia

March 28, 2011

Dear Dicky,
Growing up two houses from your family, both Bobby and Bernie were childhood friends, high school and Coast Guard Service. I will never forget your dear brothers and our time together. May God bless you and your family.

~ Norton Richman, Richmond, Virginia

March 28, 2011

I am saddened to hear of Bobby's death and send condolences to the family. It is a tragic circumstance. Bobby, Bernie and I share the same birthday, our mothers having been roommates at Buxton Hospital. We shared many memories from school (NNHS Class of '61) to sports. I pray God's care for Bobby and the family.

~ Norman Covert, Frederick, Maryland

March 28, 2011

My sincere condolences to the family. I was only fortunate enough to know him a short while in high school when he took me to the senior prom. He was such a nice polite boy. I'll never forget him.

~ Sheila Smith Moler, Middleburg, Florida

March 28, 2011

May Bobby rest in peace...he was quite the character. Shared many a good times with Bobby and friends in OBX and downtown Hpt. Condolences to Bobby's family and loved ones.

~ Donna Scott, Newport News, Virginia

March 28, 2011

Our deepest sympathies are extended to the Helmer family and their friends at this difficult time.

This information is also posted here:

http://nnhs65.com/memoriam-all.html

http://nnhs65.com/memoriam61.html

Y'all take good care of each other! TYPHOONS FOREVER! We'll Always Have Buckroe!

Words by Isaac Watts, The Psalms of David, 1719 (based on Psalm 90)
(17 July 1674 - 25 Nov 1748)

Music, St. Anne, by William Croft, 1708
(10 Dec 1678 - 14 Aug 1727)

1. O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.

2. Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.

3. Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.

4. Thy Word commands our flesh to dust,
“Return, ye sons of men”:
All nations rose from earth at first,
And turn to earth again.

5. A thousand ages in Thy sight
Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.

6. The busy tribes of flesh and blood,
With all their lives and cares,
Are carried downwards by the flood,
And lost in foll’wing years.

7. Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away;
They fly, forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the op’ning day.

8. Like flow’ry fields the nations stand
Pleased with the morning light;
The flow’rs beneath the mower’s hand
Lie with’ring ere ’tis night.

9. O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while troubles last,
And our eternal home.

			NEWPORT NEWS - Robert Winston Helmer, a lifelong resident of Newport News, passed away on Feb. 26, 2011, at the age of 68. He was a graduate of Newport News High School and later of the Newport News Shipyard Apprentice School. He was preceded in death by his parents, George F. and Bessie Gray Helmer; and his twin brother, George B. Helmer. Survivors include one brother, Richard Helmer of Spokane, Wash.; two nephews; one niece; two great-nephews; and one great-niece.
	Bobby Helmer

	Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 29, at Peninsula Memorial Park, officiated by the Rev. Isabel F. Steilberg. Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Published in Daily Press from March 27 to March 28, 2011. Visit Guest Book