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PHILIP OSCAR HELM
June 14, 1971 ~ July 21, 2015
Philip Oscar Helm of Vancouver, WA, passed away July 21, 2015, just a few weeks after his 44th birthday in June. He was born to Richard and Ellen Helm in Vancouver, WA and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Phil was part of the first-year student body at Sacajawea Elementary School in Hazel Dell and attended schools in Polson, MT and Vancouver, WA, where he graduated from Columbia River High School in 1989.
Philip was an accomplished musician. He played piano, trumpet and tuba, and sang in the choir. He was also on the Debate Team, where he excelled.
Following high school, Phil attended both Clark and Skagit Community Colleges where he studied literature and a variety of other subjects.
A talented chef, Phil had a passion for cooking and worked for many years at restaurants in the Portland Metro area.
A kind and gentle soul,
Phil was dearly loved by his family and friends.
Phil is survived by his mother, Ellen Helm of Vancouver; sister, Jayne Devlin of Polson, MT; brothers, Mike (Shirley) Helm of Tacoma, WA, Kurt Helm of Layton, UT, Kent (Susan) Helm of Forest Grove, OR, and John Helm of Vancouver, WA; four nieces; and four nephews. In addition, Phil is survived by his brothers, Steven Elder of Tacoma, WA, Shawn and Scott Elder of Texas; step-mother, Donna Helm of Spokane, WA; and his soulmate and special friend, Janaya Watne of Vancouver, WA.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Richard Helm; and his brother, Christopher Helm of Polson, MT.
Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m., Aug. 1st at Messiah Lutheran Church in Hazel Dell, WA.
Memorials may be given to the Messiah Lutheran Bible School fund.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ellen and family, we are sorry for your loss. Norma Scherer Ninomiya
August 1, 2015
Ellen, Mike and family- you are all in my prayers. May your family, friends, and our God comfort you now and always.
Julie Backous
July 31, 2015
It seems so odd that one of our contemporaries would pass. It makes me think of my own life and to remember to strive to live each day as a masterpiece. I am so sorry for your loss; the memory of Phillip will remain in my heart, and his family is in my prayers in this time.
Loriann Beck Gilmore
July 31, 2015
So sorry to hear about Philip . I only new him for a brief time . there was no subject he didn't know . It was a pleasure knowing him.
Deborah Syverson
July 31, 2015
Cousin Ellen and family. We are so sorry to hear of Phils passing i have so many memories of the cousins playing together at the wonderful family meals and gatherings. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this time. My parents were his sponsors at his baptism at messiah lutheran. We will be thinking of you this saturday. I am sorry I can not attend. Love your cousin Barbara Peterson Faber
Barbara Peterson Faber
July 30, 2015
You were a great friend Phil.
You will most certainly be missed.
eboney owens
July 30, 2015
Dear Ellen, Mike and family. I'm so sorry for your loss. I know it feels odd to think "how can the world just keep on going normally while we go through this?" Just know that my world stopped a bit and I thought of you today. Hugs to you all
Janet (Eaton) Tribble
July 29, 2015
The Helm family has always had a special place in my heart since I met them 44 years ago when Phil was a baby. My heart goes out to each and every one of you. Hugs to you all.
Robyn Tobin
July 29, 2015
So sorry to hear about Phil's passing. We always liked him. hugs, Tom and Glenna Ehrlich
July 29, 2015
Lorian Beck Gilmore
July 28, 2015
Lorian Beck Gilmore
July 28, 2015
Lorian Beck Gilmore
July 28, 2015
From the playground in elementary school to jazz choir and prom in high school - it's been many years, but I will always have so many memories of Phil. Hugs to all of you-
Gretchyn Edwards
July 28, 2015
Fun memories in elementary school with Phil. so sorry for the families loss.
blessings, Amy Jo
July 28, 2015
I feel honored to have known such a kind and caring young man. I'm so sorry that his life was so short but he will always be a bright spot in my memory and my thoughts.
Faith spall
July 28, 2015
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all and lifting you up in prayer.
Bob Taylor
July 28, 2015
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