Bob Helming, 85

March 23, 1936 —

Sept. 16, 2021

 

Tucson - Bob Hager Helming, age 85, of Tucson, Ariz. for the past 42 years, died peacefully in his sleep on Sept. 16, 2021. The cause of death was Parkinson’s disease.

He was born to Robert and Winifred Helming in Cresco, Iowa, on March 23, 1936. He remained there until he left to attend the University of Colorado, where he studied geology. Working on his master’s degree at the University of Oregon and his subsequent work in mining, took him to many unusual places. Bob and Carol continued these adventures in retirement and traveled to many countries. 

Bob’s character was quiet, but with a dry sense of humor that took you by surprise. He carefully weighed others’ options, observing more closely than you thought and practiced speaking less and listening more. He exemplified skepticism, attention to detail and good humor.

He lived an unassuming life with quiet integrity and dry wit. 

Bob enjoyed a life of motion. He ran track at the University of Colorado and ran into his 80s, took up tennis in Costa Rica and played for almost as long. Bob and Carol were avid birders and nature lovers.

For 15 years, Bob fought Parkinson’s disease and physical challenges. With his tenacity, he continued to enjoy traveling, eating and laughing with family and friends. As his capabilities diminished, he delighted in bird watching, playing pool and taking on all comers in Bocce.

Bob is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carol Helming; his sons, Bruce (Suzanne) Helming and Brian (Amy) Helming; daughter, Heather (Jonathan) Budner; sister, Connie (Pat) Taylor; and five grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Winifred Helming, and his sister, Sharon (Jerry) Bowen.