Obituary of Jeffrey Wilson Helmer

Jeffrey Wilson Helmer passed away at his home after a seven year battle with cancer. He touched many lives with his gentle spirit and generous nature. Jeff was born in Berkeley, CA but spent most of his childhood in Ben Lomond where he attended San Lorenzo Valley schools. He also attended UCSC where he earned his certificate to work as a therapist for drug and alcohol counseling. For the last 28 years Jeff has been a land steward for the land trust of Santa Cruz County for Antonelli Pond in Santa Cruz. He also was a steward for Byrne Forest in Corralitos creating many hiking trails. Jeff is survived by his wife, Kerry; his children Natalie (Nick) Calder of Fairfax, Michele Helmer of Aptos and Dylan (Kayla) Helmer of Fairfax; grandchildren Alec and Mitch Calder, Jessee and Jordan Garcia and Lucas Helmer and great granddaughter, Delillah. He is also survived by his step-children, Jolee Gies of Aptos, Jeff Feuerhaken of Huntington Beach and Brody Feuerhaken of Soquel. Jeff also leaves behind his brother, James Helmer (Kathy) of Ben Lomond and sister, Adrianne Johnson of Lodi along with several nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog, Berkeley. He will be missed by all who knew him. Some of Jeff's favorite activities were cruising to Santa Cruz along the coast watching pelicans in one of his Studebakers with his dogs, hunting for treasures at the flea market and garage sales and making someone's day by leaving "surprises" anonymously as an act of kindness. In Jeff's last decade he became known as "The Legend" to his family and close friends. The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County is honoring Jeff with a hike at the Byrne Forest on Sunday November 23, 2014 at 2 pm. In Lieu of flowers contributions can be made to The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County and the SPCA and the Santa Cruz County animal shelter.