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BORN
1918
DIED
2010
Franklin Helton Obituary
October 2, 1918 - October 20, 2010
Vern was born in Cardston, Alberta, Canada, and moved to Redding in 1948.
He owned Vern's Sportshop 1957-1974.
He leaves wife Ruth Helton, and daughters Melony Winkelmann (Bernd) and Kayla Barstad, step-children - Rick, Randy (Laurie) and Robin Carter, grandchildren – Eric Winkelmann, (Ashley), Julia Vogel (David) Raegen Bridgeman, (Tim) and Sam Barstad, (Amy), great-grandchildren – Kylie and Luke Winkelmann, and Abigail Vogel, Gridley, Charles, Melony, Julia, and Vivienne Bridgeman, and Lily Barstad, step-grandchildren – Sierra Garrison, (Kenny) Chris and Nicole Carter, step- great-grandson – Kenny Garrison.
Vern was pre-deceased by his parents, John Franklin and Julia Redford Helton, brother, Lamont, and sister, Myra Thelin.
Visitation: Monday, October 25, 1-5pm Funeral Service: Tuesday October 26,
at 10 am Allen & Dahl Chapel in Palo Cedro.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Mercy Hospice @ 1544 Market St., Redding.
Please sign the guestbook at http://obituaries.redding.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Franklin Helton
Randy
November 20, 2010
• Rick was 18, Robin 10 and I was 15 when mom met Vern and began dating, he owned a sports shop --- how cool is that
• We learned quickly,- there was nothing that compared to his heart, compassion, and the love he had for us, and the people around him, and his nurturing capacity.
• His heart wasn’t physical or something to listen to, but rather it radiated his warmth,
• We had prime hunting places and the stories of our adventures are endless, - many in this room could certainly expand on, -but my memories are much more than the hunting trips with mustard sandwiches, early morning trips at 2am to be in the duck blinds before daybreak & freezing weather, or stripping to cross the pit river for a downed duck, (no matter what, we never shot something and left it behind, that was the rule he instilled in us), or pancake mix in the waders for a makeshift powder, or driving the jeep in the ice and snow at age 15, cutting willows for the parents blinds, (the other rule was kids needed to walk and jump shoot to keep the birds moving), and of course at the end of the day a real hunters feast cooked on a wood stove.
• Life here in town and home was also incredibly full. He helped with school projects and we always knew that we were under scrutiny, keeping us on a straight path. He would write the absentee notes (some on occasion for hunting purposes, as long as grades were acceptable). The notes were legally complete as I was referred to as the “party of the first part” and the school was referred to as “party of the second part” and so on. We rode horses, raised cattle, repaired fences. One winter with deep snow on the ground, the trusty Chevy station wagon would make it everywhere, to the ranch to deliver feed to the stranded cattle and to the sport shop to remove the heavy snow from the awning in the middle of the night ---- everything was an adventure.
• One day he returned from the ranch, somehow convincing mom and Robin to return with him, his surprise was a newborn filly, which he witnessed his horse “Sugar” give birth that morning. Robin will always remember his smile as he told Robin that the filly was hers. A year or so later a challenge was made, that a school year with no absences would be rewarded with a new saddle, yes, the new saddle was well worth the effort.
• One of my outings in the jeep with friends, led to a damaged fence, while frequently crossing the neighbors yard. We were treated much better than we deserved, and again –somehow he turned this in to another adventure. The debt was paid with bike rides to the sport shop at daybreak to put a new roof on it. We certainly were a hand full, but somehow he enjoyed the playfulness and mentoring, we could not have been loved more.
• Talking about roofs, as we built a barn at the ranch, I will never forget the boldness he had about climbing on rafters which were not secure yet, but we learned to do what was needed, putting fear aside. A few years ago we traveled to Canada to race then onward to Cardston. During that trip we visited the Lodge in Waterton Park not far from his home. This was a massive lodge with steep roofs, which we learned he had roofed, now making sense of his comfort on awkward roofs.
• This same trip, we viewed the territory of his growing up by riding in a horse drawn wagon, and the reservation from which he was forbidden, but knew he could out ride those chasing him.
• The stories could go on, but there is more to this wonderful man. He was known by all to be “Vern”, from Vern’s Sportshop, This, he was known by his partners in the club, customers at the store, by the schools, and my friends. Even though he was called Vern, he is really Dad. In many ways, he like all of my friends dads were viewed as our dads. Calling him “Vern” kept the confusion to a minimum.
• He didn’t know any step-children, and I know he would not accept those prefixes. We were his children from the day we entered into his life. Though he never talked with us about this, he must have felt a void in his childhood. It was obvious, because as much as he could, he would never allow any voids or needs in his family, or friends lives. We were blessed.
• I did not really understand this, until our trip to Canada. We passed through Warm Lake Idaho, to show him a place that we had been elk hunting for years. We stopped for dinner at the lodge and I introduced him as my Dad. He beamed. This was something he had never forgotten, as mom said he reflected on that many times.
• His love for family and friends was deep in his heart, even as his physical and mental status was failing, his concern for others did not.
• And his love for horses, did not diminish, he needed to get to the barn and tend the horses, nearly every day –it was very real to him
• In the last weeks, in his confusion, he was worried that the new baby Kenny was lost and we must set out to find him, “he said if it is that last thing he does” he was determined. It took over an hour to convince him that everything was alright.
• As always and even the last weeks, he offered his own plate of food, thinking you did not have enough to eat
• Only weeks ago, when speaking was very difficult for him, he saw me limping, and somehow easily expressed his concern
• As it is, I know now, we would have certainly found comfort in the confusion, it was not Vern, it was Dad.
You will always be in our hearts, Randy & Laurie
Raegen Bridgeman
November 17, 2010
Dear Ruthie,
I hold nothing but the fondest memories of both you and Grandpa. I remember his big, strong, always gentle hand holding mine, his twinkly eyes and rolling voice. And I remember his feet! Grandpa had the biggest, roughest, toughest feet of anybody I had ever seen. I could be swimming at the bottom of the pool and still know my grandpa's feet, walking along the pool deck as he skimmed the pool. From bologna and cheese picnics in the playhouse, to bumpy rides in the Wagoneer at the ranch, to picking honeydew and fresh tomatoes in the garden, to building jewelry boxes in the shop, I loved it all because Grandpa was there. Whenever I hear the ice cream man making his way through the neighborhood, the cheerful music will always remind me of summers at Grandpa's house and all the special moments that he gave me.
Love always, Raegen
November 11, 2010
Melony And Kayla, I have found some hunting pictures of our DADS from way back. Our dad loved to go hunting with Vern. Hope you know we send our love to you and your families.--Love Myrna
Martin Gurney
November 6, 2010
.Melony and Kayla, Think the world of uncle Vern, and your family. Martin and Dorothy Gurney at [email protected]. Point Roberts, Wa.98281
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Kay Hettich
October 29, 2010
Dear Melony,
I'm so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Blessings to you and your family at this times and in the days to come.
Sincerely,
Kay Hettich
Redding, CA
October 27, 2010
Dear Ruth and family,
As one of the Green girls, I, too, have such fond memories of Vern. Our dad loved him so and we were always in awe of this tall, kind, handsome man. You were such a stunning couple, and your love was so evident always. May your wonderful extended family and fond memories help you through this most difficult time.
Our love,
Jim and Liz (Green) O'Brien
October 25, 2010
Dear Ruth, So sorry for your loss. Vern was the best father-in-law a guy could ever have. I will always treasure the times we had together goose hunting in the snow or having a drink before dinner to discuss the worlds problems. Don't think there will ever be another more generous man or genuine gentleman like him. I will miss him but always have great memories.
Love, Rich & Patty
Laura (Green) Fleig
October 23, 2010
Dear Ruth and Family,
My sisters and I have so many fond memories of Vern. He was a dear friend of our father, Mark Green. My sister Linda and I, the youngest of five girls, spent a lot of precious time paling around with our dad. One of our favorite things to do was to stop in to Vern’s Sport Shop with dad. Vern was tall and handsome, and so friendly. He would tease us girls, and make the two of us feel special.
I am sure one of the happiest days of Vern’s life was when he met Ruth. What a wonderful couple they made! Vern and Ruth remained dear friends of my parents, who are now deceased, for many years. They have been there through the good times, and the tough times for my family.
Ruth, I am grateful that you and Vern were able to have so many great years together. He will be greatly missed, and I am deeply saddened for you and your family’s loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love to you and “yours,”
Laura
Sam Barstad
October 23, 2010
Hi Ruthie and family,
I have such great memories of Grandpa. I loved going to Redding in the summer and I remember when everyone would come over and grandpa would barbeque his famous spare ribs. He was always looking out for us and keeping us safe from doing crazy stunts in the swimming pool. I will always remember him as a man of strong character and values. He was also a lot of fun to be around and I will miss him greatly.
Love Sam, Amy and Lily
Cathy (Green) Shea
October 23, 2010
Dear Ruth and family, I am so moved to find out that Vern has passed away. Vern and my father were such close friends, as you know. Growing up, I have such fond memories of Vern and his daughters, and then, meeting you, Ruth, and your boys! My parents had such fun hanging out with you. I feel grateful to have known such a wonderful man, and by extension his lovely family. Vern really lit up every room he entered. You are all in my thoughts.
Cathy (Green) Shea
October 23, 2010
Dear Ruth, I am so moved to find out that Vern has passed away. He was such a close friend to my father, as you know. I have many childhood memories of Vern and his daughters. And then, how we loved to get to know you and your boys! Vern was a big part of our family growing up and my parents loved hanging out with you and Vern! I am so grateful to have known such a wonderful man, and by extension his lovely family.
Juliie Vogel
October 23, 2010
Dear Ruthie,
Thank you for being such a wonderful and supportive wife to Grandpa. We really appreciate all you have done for him and for our family. Thank you for all your hospitality during our many trip to Redding. I have such fantastic memories of our summers in Redding and I will always remember Grandpa from my perspective as a child. He will forever be the tall, strong, cowboy with a no-nonsense attitude. He was my hero and I loved him very much. I hope he is somewhere right now riding his horse Altheia through the black feet reservation and she is running so fast her belly scrapes the ground.
I love you Ruthie. Please take care of yourself. You have done so much for others.
Love, Julie
October 22, 2010
Hi Ruth and family, we are so sorry for your loss.
You know how much we loved Vern and how
grateful we are he shared his life with us.
Lots of Love, Brian and Sara
David Gerard
October 22, 2010
Ruth and family, I'm sorry for your loss. Vern was a great guy!
Kind Regards,
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