Dave "Papa" Helm Obituary (1935 - 2026) - Cottonwood Heights, Utah

David C. Helm “PAPA” July 24, 1935 – July 4, 2026 David Chester Helm, 90, of Cottonwood Heights, Utah, passed away at home surrounded by his family on July 4, 2026. Dave rode into life in Roberts, Idaho on July 24, 1935, to Ralph Emmett Helm and Eula Dee Turman Helm — the 4th of 6 children. Raised in Hamer, Idaho. All the girls loved him, but he chose Carolyn Quinn of Heise, Idaho. They were married on New Year's Eve in 1956, later divorced but remained great friends. They made their home in Idaho and had 4 kids — Teri, Liz, Toni, and Dave. The family moved to Salt Lake City in the 1970’s. He worked as a superintendent of bridges on the new I-80. A skiing accident broke his back, and he could no longer do construction, so he turned to real estate. He was a natural and he loved it. Dave and Carolyn started ERA Helm. Many family members followed, and later he started Ponderosa Properties — which is now owned and operated by his granddaughter, Annie. Dave loved working and never retired, going through transactions up until the day before he passed. He later married his longtime friend and sweetheart Ruth Dyches, August 24, 2019, and has spent the last decade of life with her and his new bonus family. Ruth has traveled many miles with Dave, talking, laughing and creating a lifelong bond on the open road. Dave has always been a force to be reckoned with. Shot in the back while hunting when he was 12 — and in boy scout fashion, he was able to crawl and start a fire while his friend ran for help. He was never expected to walk again. He went on to beat cancer several times, multiple heart attacks, broken bones, several near-death experiences but despite that, he always got back “on the horse.” He herded cows into Island Park, and people lined up to see the cowboys. His trusty steed would rear back on his hind legs while he waved his hat. In 1954 he was the first All-Around Cowboy in the first annual Idaho State High School Rodeo. After high school his competing days of Rodeo slowed down as he started a family, but in his seventies, he started Team Penning and Sorting. He was so excited to win Rookie of the Year at 75 and won a horse trailer. He was honored in the 2014 Eastern Idaho Rodeo, 60 years later at the age of 79 still competing in Team Penning and Sorting events. He took pride in competing and winning in the Calgary Stampede Rodeo. Horses were always his main passion, and he carried that throughout his lifetime — rodeoing, racing, team penning and sorting. He loved to be active — skiing, golfing, boating, especially the family houseboat trips to Lake Powell. He loved his family dearly and always provided them with the best. He practiced tough love while keeping an open-door policy. One of his greatest joys in life was being “Papa” to his grandchildren, their friends and so many more that loved him. Thought-out his work life and even his later rodeo days everyone knew him as “Papa Dave”. Survived by wife Ruth; daughters Janie, Teri, Liz (Kay); son Dave; sisters Lucille and Judy. Grandchildren: Annie, Ben, Paula, Braxton, Haliegh, Sam, Jack, Hank, Katie, Sadie, Cody, Cim and Joshua. 15 Great-Grandkids, Bonus children: Dyann (Billy), Craig, Gerry, Mylisa (Dan) and several bonus grandkids and bonus great-grandkids. Preceded in death by his parents; daughter Toni; granddaughters Brooke and McKenna, grandson Chet; brothers Jay and Frank; sister Liz. Join us in sharing stories and memories of Dave, July 18th,2026 from 4:00-6:00 pm for a Celebration of Life at 2085 E Cottonwood Cove Lane, Cottonwood Heights UT 84121. Cowboy causal. If possible, ride your horse to the pasture. Dave’s family is beyond grateful to Ruth for all the love and care she has given to us and especially our Papa. Without her, we would not have had these last several years with him. We love you, Ruth! In lieu of flowers, we ask that you do what Papa would do. Be kind to your neighbors, work hard, show love, and give to someone in need. He loved supporting his family’s “Move Forward by Giving Back” non-profit organization supporting local foster kids. Remember “Your eyes are in front of you to look forward” and “Don’t Try, Just DO IT”