Gordon Elner Helyer

Gordon Elner HelyerContinuous TravelerJanuary 2, 1934 - September 17, 2018On Sept 17, 2018, Gordon Elner Helyer, age 84 passed away at the Hospice House in Albany, OR with his family by his side. Gordon was born on the family farm near Kent, Oregon to Elner and Olive (Adams) Helyer.Gordon grew up raising horses and at 10 years old, in support of the WWII effort, he broke a horse named Blue Sky that served in the Cavalry. Gordon penned a letter to then President Roosevelt to inquire about Blue Sky’s fate. In response in a letter from the War Department, Gordon found out that his horse died in 1944 due to a broken leg.Gordon was the youngest brother of four sisters, Virginia, Myrtle, Bertha, and Norma Jean. Being the youngest of four sisters he was continually doted on. Gordon attended Vale High School and later moved and graduated from The Dalles High School meeting the love of his life, Verda “Dawnie” Dickson while he was working at the filling station in downtown The Dalles. Gordon married Dawnie on June 12, 1954 in The Dalles, joining the Army near the end of the Korean War. Gordon served for two years in Ulm, Germany, where he and Dawnie traveled throughout Europe including Holland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Germany, Italy and France collecting charms for their nieces along the way.Upon his return from Europe, Gordon worked at Payless along with helping brother in-law Art fletcher in his orchard near Odell, Oregon. Later Gordon was employed by H.S. Smith Co. as a route salesman and eventually becoming Assistant Manager. Gordon and Dawnie had rental properties and later each started their own businesses; Helyer Insulation and Mode O’Day. They loved boating, snowmobiling and spending time with their family and traveling to Thailand with friends. Gordon had a booming voice, an infectious laugh, and a million dollar smile. Gordon was preceded in death by his wife Dawnie of 46 years in 2000 and son Todd in 1992. Gordon continued his travels going to Alaska, Arizona and points in between. While in Yuma Arizona in 2001, Gordon befriended Elizabeth Kay Piva, as widowers they found a blossoming relationship that continued to grow in love until his death. Gordon and Kay enjoyed spending their winters in Yuma, AZ and their summers traveling to see friends and family in Oregon and Idaho, creating many fond memories.Gordon is survived by oldest son and wife Mark and Kim Helyer and youngest son and wife Lynn and Kella Helyer, Grandchildren; David, Amanda, K-Lei, Katherine, Grace and Sarah, Great Grandchildren; Lilly, Harper, Francisco and Gabriel.Graveside Service is at noon on Saturday, September 29th, Odd Fellows Cemetery on 1100 west 18th off Cherry Heights Road, Reception to follow at the Shilo Inn.Donations in Gordon’s name can be made to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice House, 4600 Evergreen Place SE, Albany, OR 97322.Farnstrom Mortuary is caring for the family.
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