Kenneth Helwig

years young and left a legacy of excellence, love and faith. Ken left immutable

impressions at every walk of his life, leading by example, flashing those sparkly blue

eyes, and always the life of the party by making each and every person feel special.

Ken’s life began on June 11, 1962 when he was born in San Jose, California.

He joined his adoring parents, Ed Helwig and Barbara Gail Helwig, grandparents May

Keenon and Ben and Emma Helwig, and older brother Christopher. He was later joined

by younger brothers Michael and Marty.

Sports and academics became platforms for Ken’s excellence at an early age.

Archbishop Mitty High School saw his basketball prowess as he played on the varsity

team as a Junior and then started as a Senior for a team that etched history for Mitty

basketball. Anyone that knew Ken in High School remembers him for all of his

athleticism; truth be told, Ken shined in just about anything he tried: tennis, water skiing,

soft ball, and snow skiing. His academics, as well, were exemplary and earned him his

undeniable admission to the University of Southern California.

Before finishing his degree, however, Ken had more basketball calling him and

could not pass up the offer to play for Foothill College. One season of playing and the

team went on to the State Championship, Ken leaving with no less than all-league

accolades. Basketball behind him, Ken finished his college degree at USC, majoring in

accounting. He joined a fraternity, the “FIGIs” also known as the Phi Gamma Delta

Fraternity, and eventually even brought little brother Michael into the fraternity.

Ken’s professional career spanned over 30 years and ranged from playing a key

role in the family business, K& H Finishing, all the way to his recent success as an

executive recruiter for StepBeyond Solutions, Inc. Amidst his career were his years with

SANMINA where he held the titles of Sr. Account Manager and eventually Sr. Business

Development Manager. His years at SANMINA showed consistent growth and

management of key clients and development of new sales channels. He worked for

ZYTEK as a Director of Business Development where it took a mere three months, his

first quarter, to qualify three new companies through his new Marketing and Business

Development plan. Keen for following his own passion, Ken eventually had certain

businesses on his own. Helwig Marketing Company began as his goal to sell natural

supplements to individuals yet grew into more; his endeavors called for the opening and

creation of partnerships in Toronto and Germany. He designed and opened a San

Jose Training Center and developed a mentoring program. These efforts were

recognized by his peers and earned him the “Giving Back Award” for his community

involvement.

Mention of his career would be incomplete without mention of Ken’s

collaboration of his best skills, his passion, and his unquivering dedication to the sport

of golf. Ken had an ability to develop a passion and then see it through to the highest

pinnacle possible, golf being no exception. A true natural, Ken taught himself to play

golf, made it his hobby and eventually became known as a Top Amateur golfer in the

country. He even chose to buy his first home at Silver Creek Valley Country Club;

twenty five years later, it was not just his address, he became the Club’s perennial golf

champion. It was following that passion that took Ken to start his business, “Inside

Out Golf Academy.” Ken did not just teach golf swings, he incorporated his own life skill

lessons, trying hard to make each and every client the best they could be. In this role

as a coach, Ken found pure joy in helping others succeed and cheered them on like no

other.

Outside of coaching, Ken’s golf accolades were numerous. He was able to

accomplish quite a bit: 1999 USGA Amateur at Pebble Beach; three British Amateurs;

two USGA Mid-Amateurs; and five California State Amateur Championships at Pebble

Beach. Ken’s life illustrated a pattern of lots of love, care for others, dedication to make

dreams come true, and the successes of a competitive athlete and businessman.

Those that knew him best, knew that Ken, the life of the party, was much more; Ken

was foremost a man whose successes in this earthly life were bolstered by his love and

deep faith in God. A member of the Family Community Church in San Jose, Ken took

steps in his walk with God on a daily basis. It was through his pastor that Ken was

introduced to Teresa, his beautiful wife. Ken and Teresa met and married a mere six

months later, embarking on a relationship that meant the world to each of them.

Ken is survived by family members including his wife Teresa Nelson Helwig,

Mother Barbara Helwig, brother Christopher Helwig, sister-in-law Vicki Helwig, nieces

Lauren Helwig and Abby Helwig, nephew Jordan Helwig, and beloved pet Yorkie,

Gracie. He was pre-deceased in life by all of his grandparents, Dad Ed Helwig, and

brothers Michael Helwig and Marty Helwig.

Ken’s family will honor him with a private burial at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery.

All friends are welcome to join the family to celebrate Ken’s life at a Celebration of Life

Service to take place on April 16, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Lakeside at Silver Creek Valley

Country Club. A reception will immediately follow the service. Questions may be

directed to Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ken’s name to The

First Tee, a nonprofit entity whose mission is to impact the lives of youth through golf.

www.thefirstteesiliconvalley.org/ways-to-give/donate/.

And, in Ken’s words. . .

We are all great winners. It’s what we learn in defeat that defines us.