Charles Richard Helm

Born in Lynwood, California, on January 6, 1953, Chuck was the son of Charles Wade Helm and Doris Louise Helm. He was raised in Buena Park, California, where he graduated from high school before bravely serving his country.

Chuck joined the United States Army during his senior year of high school and completed three tours of duty in Vietnam, earning numerous honors for his courage and service, including the Bronze Star. Following his military career, he returned to California and worked hard to get caught up, ultimately earning his GED. He eventually moved to Boise, Idaho where he worked for the Idaho State Penitentiary and was a proud member of the SWAT team. Throughout his life, he also created and worked on various entrepreneurial ventures. He pursued a love of racing through local and regional hill climbs. When he retired around 1995 and relocated to Washington, he continued working his way up to SCCA racing, accumulating many trophies to show his success.

Though not affiliated with any particular church, Chuck was a spiritual man who felt most at peace in the quiet of nature and in the company of animals. He spent his later years on a serene 5.5-acre property in Chehalis, Washington, where he enjoyed the solitude, the wilderness, and the companionship of his dog, Munchkin as well as the local wildlife. Chuck had a warm demeanor and a sense of humor that made him well-liked by everyone he met.

An avid race car driver and outdoorsman, Chuck loved camping and immersing himself in the natural world. He preferred animals to people and lived his life in harmony with the land around him. He will be remembered as a nature lover who cherished peace and serenity, and who always strove to be a good person.

Chuck is survived by his loving sister, Linda Ann Raff; his niece, Michelle Lynn Daves; and his nephews, Richard Aaron Daves and Thomas “Tommy” Wade Daves.