William Charles Helm

William Charles Helm, aka Bill, aka Chainsaw Willie, dad, grandpa, brother, friend, uncle was a true Renaissance man—an artist in every sense of the word. His life was a beautiful canvas painted with passion, creativity and most of all humor. He wore many hats throughout his life, and each one was worn with pride, purpose, heart and soul.

Bill went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 2nd with his wife of 52 years, Donna, by his side. Bill was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 4, 1951 to Charles and Grace Helm. Charles spent his career years as a carpenter which is where Bill most likely acquired his love for tools, designing and building. Grace spent her years working in banks while her true passion was cooking/baking in the kitchen. She was an exceptional cook. She would cook delicious meals from scratch and they were enjoyed by all. This is where Bill most likely developed his love of grilling, cooking and competing where he eventually would become a Chili Cookoff State Champion. "Chainsaw Willy's Chili," a recipe we still use today.

Backing up a few steps, when he was two, the family moved across the United States where they would settle in Whittier, California. Bill had two older brothers, Harold and Robert. He also had an older half sister, Carol. Bill was the baby in the family. When Bill was 16, he met his future wife at a Youth Center Dance. It was a case of "mistaken identity" as the person who introduced the two of them thought he was introducing Bill to a different girl... Turns out the girl Bill was introduced to was Donna, 15 at the time. They would begin "going steady" till they eventually would marry in 1972. Bill was 21, Donna 20. They lived in Whittier in a few different places until they bought their very first home in Rowland Heights. They would live there for several years while Bill had his own landscaping business. Donna would work as a hairdresser, until an unexpected guest came along. Kristi, the first child.

They moved to Brea, they had a daughter Kristi Lee in 1978. Six years later came Ryan William, the first and only son. They would live in Brea for a few more years.. They soon found a home in Yorba Linda and purchased it. It was here where they decided to live out the rest of their years together. They went on to continue their commitment to one another, continue their careers, raise their children and spend their lives together all here in the family home.

Bill was an extremely smart and very talented man. As an artist, he had no trouble finding beauty in the world and reflecting it back through his work. You would often find him sketching, painting and envisioning new ideas. He drew, painted, created, designed, built, crafted, planned and executed project after project after project. Whether it be at work or at home or for a neighbor or for a friend. As an engineer and designer, he didn’t just dream—he built. From designing fire trucks to adding rooms that transformed houses into homes, Bill brought structure to imagination. He had a deep love for home improvement, and his favorite projects were always the ones that made space for life to grow—room additions, built with care and purpose.

Whether he was shaping landscapes, building decks, or reimagining a backyard into something serene and beautiful, Bill poured his heart into every nail, sketch, and brushstroke. His creations blended function with artistry and always carried his signature touch.

As a musician at heart, Bill found joy and comfort in sound. He was deeply moved by music, especially the poetic grit of Bob Dylan and the timeless soul of Fleetwood Mac. He also loved the Eagles, Journey, Anne Murray, the Carpenters, the Doors, you name it he knew it. He knew ALL of it. He made countless tapes and CD's of his own music he enjoyed listening to. Melody was part of his rhythm—it played in the background of his life and within the spirit he shared with those around him.

As a writer and author, he used his gift for words shone through his work capturing stories and ideas with clarity and wit. He wrote book after book, he wrote poem after poem, he wrote song after song, he painted picture after picture, he built rooms, expanded rooms, constructed decks and made many many backyard ponds, a lake and his love for them didn't stop there. He had a genuine special place in his heart for animals that would reside in his custom built ponds and waterfalls. Koi fish, water turtles, lily pads, plants, boy did he LOVE plants, trees, flowers, essentially ANYthing Alive.

As a father, he always provided for us. He also ensured us great vacations every Summer! Every Summer, no matter where we would be financially, we would take a trip to Hawaii. We hopped around the different islands and Bill would have a well thought and well planned itinerary. Our mornings, afternoons and evenings were all accounted for. Everyday of vacation. It would often times drive my Mom crazy. There was NO time for relaxing. Bill also loved fishing. Whether it'd be in teeny tiny lakes, local lakes, lakes up North or in the deep blue seas of Hawaii, he would always have a fishing pole in hand.

But perhaps one of his most defining roles was that of a comedian—not just in profession, but in spirit. He really did light up every room with laughter and warmth. He brought laughter wherever he went, a lightness that reminded everyone not to take life too seriously.

Above all, Bill was a man who lived fully, dreamed boldly, and gave of himself generously. He lived life on his own terms, guided by love, curiosity, and a deep desire to create. As Bob Dylan once said:

“A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do.”

By that measure, Bill was a great success—and always will be in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

with nothing but love & selfishly a bit of sadness, Kristi Bray

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An Excerpt from my mom,

Through good times and bad, Bill was my one and only. He was a good listener and always paid close attention to what I had to say and would remind me of it after I had long forgotten. All through the years, he would bring my morning cup of coffee upstairs as my wake-up call. He knew that was my first love. Bill was always a hard-working man who strived to do his best. He was strong and never gave up on anything he truly believed in. He loved his family and I pray he knew how much we loved him. He suffered so much this last year. May he be at peace now and no longer in pain. I miss you dearly.